The Influence of Sea Power Upon History

Focusing on naval power, this influential work by Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan analyzes its critical role in the rise of the British Empire between 1660 and 1783. Mahan argues that British dominance at sea, coupled with the decline of rival navies, established Great Britain as a global superpower. He advocates for the application of these principles to U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing the necessity of a strong naval fleet. Recognized as a cornerstone of naval strategy, this classic text shaped military policies and contributed to the naval arms race leading up to World War I.