The Influence of Sea Power Upon History (1660-1783)

Author: Alfred Thayer Mahan

Published: 1890

Notable quote: "The history of sea power, while embracing in its broad sweep all that tends to make a people great upon the sea or by the sea, is largely a military history."

The Influence of Sea Power Upon History (1660-1783) was written by Alfred Thayer Mahan (1840-1914), a United States geostrategist and historian, as well as the founder of sea power strategy. In the book, Mahan contends that the key to world dominance lies in the control of the sea. He discussed the historical importance of sea power for a country, with special focus laid on Britain's rise to naval supremacy. He also elaborated on major factors that could help a country attain sea power, stressing that possession of a large and powerful fleet is the only way to achieve greater international influence. Mahan's theories are not only integral to the U.S. military thinking, but helped shape the naval building and strategy of many countries in the world. The work has been reprinted 32 times in the U.S. and translated and published by almost all European countries. It has been included on the reading list of military colleges and military theory research institutions in the U.S.

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