the successive maritime events is strung is intentionally slight, the
effort has been to present a clear as well as accurate outline.
Writing as a naval officer in full sympathy with his profession, the
author has not hesitated to digress freely on questions of naval
policy, strategy, and tactics; but as technical language has been
avoided, it is hoped that these matters, simply presented, will be
found of interest to the unprofessional reader.

A. T. MAHAN
DECEMBER, 1889.





CONTENTS


INTRODUCTORY

History of Sea Power one of contest between nations, therefore largely
military
Permanence of the teachings of history
Unsettled condition of modern naval opinion
Contrasts between historical classes of war-ships
Essential distinction between weather and lee gage
Analogous to other offensive and defensive positions
Consequent effect upon naval policy
Lessons of history apply especially to strategy
Less obviously to tactics, but still applicable