Alfred Thayer Mahan is regarded as “the high priest of American navalism.” (p. 95) He had many points he expressed in order to obtain Sea Power, the control of the sea. His points included sea communications, geography, obtaining a more capable fleet and strategically placed military bases.
Mahan believed in order to master Sea Power one must control Sea Communications. He actually expressed the military, economic and political advantage that sea communications would gain for America reached beyond her borders. He concluded that “sea communications are the most important single element in national power and strategy.” (p. 81)
Geography was an essential point Mahan regarded to attain Sea Power. Geography can afford great advantage both in commanding interior and exterior lines. For example…show more content… Mahan believed naval bases strategically located could defend and protect the concentrated fleet. Examples include the canals, ports or bases where the fleet docks and coaling stations. Mahan also pointed out that to gain strength we would need the guns and torpedoes and superior armor for protection of the fleet to do the job.
Mahan had great points for obtaining Sea Power dominance in the world. His points on sea communications were great. However, I believe that some of his points were lacking due to miscalculations and underestimating political support required for resources. This caused some points Mahan had to become invalid and even impractical given the government, state and size of the US Navy and ongoing world events during the last decade of the nineteenth century. The American public and media expressed support of Mahan and his points. Mahan wrote that a fleet of nearly two dozen battleships were needed to attain Sea Power. Congress was not as enthusiastic and only authorized three. Mahan’s Navy needed upgraded firepower, metal armor protection and steam power to go farther distances. At this period of time (1880s-1890s) current military officers were
