One Hundred Years of Sea Power: The U. S. Navy, 1890-1990

by George W. Baer

A navy is a state's main instrument of maritime force. What it should do, what doctrine it holds, what ships it deploys, and how it fights are determined by practical political and military choices in relation to national needs. Choices are made according to the state's goals, perceived threat, maritime opportunity, technological capabilities, practical experience, and, not the least, the way the sea service defines itself and its way of war. This book is a history of the modern U.S. Navy. It explains how the Navy, in the century after 1890, was formed and reformed in the interaction of purpose, experience, and doctrine.

Genres: Military Fiction, History, Naval History, United States, American History, Nonfiction

566 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1994

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific general history of the US Navy.

[Daniel Zadravec · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well crafted book that goes in depth into the journey of the US navy in the 20th century and how it shaped the US as a maritime and world power. Very good read that was presented very effectively and logically

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well written book on the development of the USN into a first class strategic navy. Mr. Baer traces various influences on the political and material development of the Navy, starting with the Spanish American War. Especially interesting was the impact of the Russo Japanese War, not only on U.S. naval strategic thought, but on U.S- Japanese relations up to 1941. Another fascinating aspect of the work is how naval planners focused on aircraft carriers and cruisers in the wake of the naval arms limitations of the 20's and 30's, and the fortuitous nature of this focus with the beginning of World War II. All in all a very good book that is a delight to read.

[Michael Toleno · Rating 4 out of 5]

A century's worth of history of the U.S. Navy, explaining the strategic significance of American naval power.

Portions of this book were required reading for Strategy & Policy course for JPME I (Joint Professional Military Education, phase I), a war college–level course of instruction that most officers complete by the O-5 level (lieutenant colonel or Navy commander rank). Years after I completed JPME I (in 2009 through the U.S. Naval War College), I went back and read the entire books from which portions had been selected for JPME.

I don't remember this book well. My memory of it blends in with most of the nine JPME I books that I read around this time.

[Rbolia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent treatment of the development of the USN from 1890-1990, focusing primarily on preparation for WWII and the USN-led victory in the Pacific (although there is also a good treatment of the Battle of the Atlantic). Closing chapters discuss the post-war evolution of the USN and how it adapted for Cold War service.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A serious collection of essays that describe the why and how more than the what of history. A worthy read.

[David Barnhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on strategic use of the US Navy over the past century, especially during WWII. A little biased towards the naval strategic perspective during the war but a great survey nonetheless.