Discover the depth and extent of the American Revolution's influence on the rest of the world with this essential work by a noted naval historian. Alfred Thayer Mahan discusses all of the conflict's major sea battles, including those between England and France, America's new ally after the colonial troops' 1777 victory at Saratoga. Readers will come to appreciate the extent to which the American Revolution was part of a world conflict and will learn lesser-known details of naval activity in the West Indies and elsewhere. Richly enhanced by contemporary illustrations and relevant maps, this is an essential work for any student or armchair historian with an interest in naval history and the American Revolution. Author Alfred Thayer Mahan (1840–1914) was an American naval officer and historian who studied and wrote extensively about the importance of sea power and its crucial impact on world history. His detailed accounts of the role that battles for control of the sea played in various wars were closely studied in his own time and long after by naval strategists all over the world.