Copyright, 1913, All rights reserved Published, October, 1913 AIMBOLIAD THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE, MASS., U. S. A. PREFACE THE contents of this volume were first contributed as a chapter, under the title of "Major Operations, 1762-1783," to the "History of the Royal Navy," in seven volumes, published by Messrs. Sampson Low, Marston, and Company, under the general editorship of the late Sir William Laird Clowes. For permission to republish now in this separate form, the author has to express his thanks to the publishers of that work. In the Introduction following this Preface, the author has summarized the general lesson to be derived from the course of this War of American Independence, as distinct from the particular discussion and narration of the several events which constitute the body of the treatment. These lessons he conceives to carry admonition for the present and future based upon the surest foundations; namely, upon the experience of the past as applicable to present conditions. The essential similarity between the two is evident in a common dependence upon naval strength. There has been a careful rereading and revision of the whole text; but the changes found necessary to be made are much fewer than might have, been anticipated after the lapse of fifteen years. Numerous footnotes in the History, specifying the names of ships in fleets, and of their commanders in various battles, have been omitted, as not necessary to the present purpose, though eminently proper and indeed indispensable to an extensive work of general reference and of encyclopaedic scope, such as the History is. Certain notes retained with the inititials W. L. C. are due to the editor of that work. DECEMBER, 1912. A. T. MAHAN. 281293 THE TENDENCY OF WARS TO SPREAD Macaulay quoted on the action of Frederick the Great National Policy as to Asiatic Immigration Necessity of an Adequate Navy if these two National Policies are to The United States not great in Population in proportion to Territory 5 Nor Wealthy in Proportion to exposed Coast-Line .. Special Fitness of a Navy to meet these particular conditions Consequent Necessity to the Americans of a Counterpoise to British The Surrender of Burgoyne traceable directly to the Naval Cam- paigns on Lake Champlain, 1775, 1776 The subsequent Course of the War in all Quarters of the world due The Strategic Problem of Lake Champlain familiar to Americans from the Wars between France and Great Britain prior to 1775 Consequent prompt Initiative by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold Energetic Pursuit of first Successes by Arnold. Arnold marches through Maine Wilderness and joins Montgomery 6 6 Takes position for Defence at Valcour Island Particular Difficulties encountered by British Destruction of the American Vessels British Appreciation of the Importance of the Action, as shown |