Theory of Sea Power of A.T. Mahan

Between the American Civil War and World War-I, a revolution occurred in the sphere of sea warfare. At the nucleus of this change were rapid technological advancements which profoundly influenced the conduct of war. Accordingly, strategy and tactics also underwent significant changes. The period saw the coming of a school of naval theorists who expounded the doctrine of “Command of the Sea.” By the same logic, he also found the study of sea history instructive by its application of the general principles of maritime war. Thus, the author discusses throughout his work, Mahan maintained the central theme of the supreme importance of sea power in the shaping of national destinies and bring forth the necessary element that are crucial for the development of sea power.