The Major Operations of the Navies in the War of American Independence

Control of lakes, harbours and sea routes shapes A. T. Mahan's account of the War of American Independence. This naval history follows American, British and French operations, beginning with the struggle on Lake Champlain and moving through campaigns along the American coast and the battle of Ushant. Mahan connects the movements of fleets with the fortunes of armies, examining how naval strength, preparation and delays affected the larger conflict.

The detailed treatment of Rodney and de Guichen near Martinique shows the book's method. Changes of wind, sailing positions and the timing of signals become evidence in an argument about each commander's choices. Mahan weighs competing accounts and explains why an apparent opportunity could disappear within moments. Readers interested in military strategy will find a close study of how geography and seamanship shaped decisions, alongside the author's broader argument that the experience of this war offers lessons for national policy.