Works of Alfred T. Mahan

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Help the NWC Archives transcribe the works of Alfred T. Mahan, considered to be the theortical founder of the 20th century Navy, held in their collections.

Mahan had a significant impact on the U.S. Naval War College and naval strategy globally. His theories on the importance of sea power and its influence on global politics reshaped maritime strategy and naval education. Mahan, who served as a lecturer and later as the president of the Naval War College, emphasized the strategic dimensions of naval power and its crucial role in achieving national objectives. His teachings and writings, particularly "The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660-1783," became seminal texts for naval officers and strategists worldwide.

The archives at the Naval War College include Alfred Thayer Mahan papers, which document his contributions and enduring influence on naval doctrine and education, as well as his personal and family life. In addition to his lectures, reserach notes, NWC holds many family letter between Mahan and his children and wife. These papers serve as a valuable resource for understanding the development of naval warfare strategy as taught and studied at the College, as well as the the man behind them.

These transcriptions helps scholars, strategists, and enthusiasts around the world access Mahan's professional and personal character, providing insight into the man and his work.

Works

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Abstract of his Lectures: Strategy of the Caribbean and Napoleon's Campaign of 1796, 1896

Abstract of six lectures on strategy that were given by Captain A. T. Mahan at the Naval War College. Over some time, Mahan delivered a course of lectures upon strategy that clearly and forcibly set forth the great truths of the art of war. The whole course was divided into two series, the first...

Collaboration is restricted.

15 pages: 60% complete (67% transcribed, 7% needs review)

Letter to Helen E. Mahan from Alfred T. Mahan, 1893 Jul 3

Letter written by Alfred T. Mahan to his daughter, Helen E. Mahan in which he relates how he bruised his leg on his passage over to Queenstown (present day Cobh), Ireland, what he wishes to see while in Ireland, and what he read while traveling overseas.

6 pages: 83% complete (83% transcribed)

Fleet Battle Tactics lectures, 1886 Apr-May

Lectures on fleet battle tactics written by Mahan in April and May 1886 for the Naval War College. Mahan notes that these lectures were "never revised."

120 pages: 100% complete (100% corrected)

Mahan letter to Paul Dana, 1899 Nov 6

Letter to Paul Dana, editor New York Sun, New York City, regarding his views on foreign affairs, the Boer War, the Far East, free trade with China, close ties between England and the United States, British Seapower, France and Russia as possible enemies, and the proper course of action for the...

5 pages: 100% complete (100% corrected)