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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
Letter to Helen E. Mahan from Alfred T. Mahan, 1884 Dec 31
Letter written by Alfred T. Mahan while serving on the U.S.S. Wachusett to his daughter, Helen. In this letter Mahan writes about the importance of receiving the rite of Confirmation.
Collaboration is restricted.
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.
Collaboration is restricted.
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.
Alfred T. Mahan commission to Midshipman, 1856 Oct 2
Extract from letter to Helen E. Mahan, 1884 Dec 31
Typewritten transcription of part of the 1884 Dec 31 letter from Alfred T. Mahan to his daughter, Helen E. Mahan, on the importance of receiving the rite of Confirmation.
![Letter to Helen E. Mahan from Alfred T. Mahan [1889] Aug 6](/images/uploaded/32110306/page_0001_thumb.jpg)
Letter to Helen E. Mahan from Alfred T. Mahan [1889] Aug 6
Letter written by Alfred T. Mahan to his daughter, Helen E. Mahan wishing her a happy birthday while he was away in Newport, RI.
Letter to Helen E. Mahan from Alfred T. Mahan, 1893 Aug 6
Letter written by Alfred T. Mahan to his daughter, Helen E. Mahan wishing her a happy birthday while he was away in Southhampton.
Letter to Helen E. Mahan to Alfred T. Mahan, 1894 Dec 26
Letter written by Alfred T. Mahan to his daughter, Helen E. Mahan when in Algiers. In this letter, Mahan cautions Helen not to overwork herself too much.
Alfred T. Mahan commission to Lieutenant, 1862 Feb 19
U.S. Naval Commission to Lieutenant signed by President Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles.
Research notes: Creighton's Q. Elizabeth, Blok, Table of Dates, Hanse Towns, 1901
Mahan's handwritten notes on: Hilaire Belloc, Living Age, 1900 Dec 15; Creighton, Queen Elizabeth, Bloc III; List of dates, English and French, 1483-1610; Hanse Towns.
Collaboration is restricted.