Alfred Mahan's theories about the necessity and potential impact of large and effective navies changed how the world saw war. Mahan proposed, in this 1890 work, that controlling the seas meant controlling international trade. And the country that controlled trade was the one that would win. Throughout history, readers will learn, the side that controlled the waters won the battle, even though that fact has often been overlooked. History buffs and anyone with an interest in military strategy will be interested to read how the world was shaped more than they had ever imagined through the use of seafaring vessels. American navy officer ALFRED THAYER MAHAN (1840-1914) was a rear admiral who greatly influenced the world's perception of the use and effectiveness of navies during war. Among his most famous works is The Influence of Sea Power upon the French Revolution and Empire, 1793-1812 (1892). |