Alfred Thayer Mahan American naval theorist and historian Date of Birth: 27.09.1840 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Naval Career
2. Command and Presidency
3. Theory of Sea Power
4. Influence and Supporters
5. Legacy and Impact
6. Later Years and Death

Early Life and Naval Career

Alfred Thayer Mahan, a renowned American naval strategist and historian, was born on September 27, 1840, in West Point, New York. In 1859, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served in the Union Navy during the Civil War from 1861 to 1865.

Command and Presidency

From 1886 to 1893, with a brief hiatus, Mahan served as President of the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He commanded the cruiser Chicago from 1893 to 1895.

Theory of Sea Power

Mahan is known for his influential works that analyzed the history of naval warfare, such as "The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660-1783." In these works, he developed the theory of "sea power," which argued that controlling the seas was crucial for achieving military and political dominance.

Influence and Supporters

Mahan's theory gained wide recognition and support, particularly among high-ranking government officials. In Victorian England, it became the official doctrine for naval warfare. In the United States, President Theodore Roosevelt, who had heard Mahan lecture at the Naval War College, became a prominent advocate of the theory.

Legacy and Impact

Mahan's theories have influenced countless military strategists over the years. His ideas on the importance of sea power continue to be debated and adapted to modern warfare.

Later Years and Death

Mahan retired from the Navy in 1896 and dedicated the rest of his life to writing and lecturing. He died on December 1, 1914, in Quogue, New York.