The Major Operations of the Navies in the War of American Independence

by A. T. (Alfred Thayer) Mahan

"The Major Operations of the Navies in the War of American Independence" by A.T. Mahan is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the naval strategies and battles that played critical roles during the American Revolutionary War. Its primary focus is on how control of naval forces influenced the outcome of critical events in the conflict, drawing connections between maritime power and broader military strategy. At the start of the book, the author establishes the significant impact of naval warfare on the American fight for independence. Mahan introduces the concept that the key to American success lay in its naval engagements, particularly through actions led by figures like Benedict Arnold. The opening chapters outline the early naval campaigns, such as Arnold's actions on Lake Champlain, illustrating how initial successes bolstered American morale and delayed British advances, ultimately setting the stage for alliances with France and Spain that would expand the conflict into a global war. The text reflects Mahan's exploration of military theory, linking past naval operations to future implications for American naval policy.