The History of the United States Navy

by Craig L.Symonds

The United States Navy has played an essential role both in resolving conflicts and in peacekeeping throughout the entire history of the United States. Today, the US Navy, the world’s most powerful naval force, remains a critical tool of American foreign policy, and a key player in preserving geopolitical stability throughout the world.

In The History of the United States Navy, Professor Craig L. Symonds brings alive the extraordinary saga of America’s naval forces, from the first naval shipbuilding on Lake Champlain in 1775 to the present age of nuclear-armed submarines.

Ranging across the centuries, these 24 lectures present an in-depth view of the operations of the Navy:

As a key feature of the story, track the unfolding development of the warships and armaments that defined naval warfare in each era;

Early in the course, visualize the colorful and dramatic exploits of the young US Navy as it established global reach;

Dive into significant naval advances and engagements during the Civil War, including the advent of ironclad and steam-powered warships;

Witness the transformation of the US Navy in the late 19th century, and its emergence as a global naval power during the Spanish-American War;

Survey the massive role of the US Navy in the Second World War, and envision the events of the legendary battles of Midway, Guadalcanal, and D-Day;

Chart the Navy’s integral work in nuclear deterrence during the Cold War; the Navy’s response to political crises in the Mediterranean, Asia, and Cuba; and its critical operations throughout the Vietnam War; and

Delve into key naval incidents in the Middle East and the Navy’s actions in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and learn about its core peacetime work.

Brimming with historical detail and compelling insights, these engrossing lectures offer you an unforgettable view into a core element of American life and experience.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Audiobook, American History

13 pages, Audible Audio

Published August 11, 2023

Reviews

[SplatterGunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed with how up-to-date this course was and some of the elements of Naval History it covered. This is a very general course, so you’re not going to let lost in the weeds which can be a pro or con depending on the reasons you are interested in this topic - for the casual listener this is perfect; for the hardcore historian this is better for brushing up on a topic you’re rusty on.

There is the audio version or the video version available on The Great Courses/Plus. Depending on your attention span or dedication to the topic, the video version might come more recommended.

As a Navy veteran, I still have a little bit of pride and interest in all things Navy, so this was enjoyable learning for me even if I had to consume it in small doses over time because it can be dense and a lot to digest. (Dare I even say, I bit boring in places.)

If you are currently in the Navy and are a senior enlisted/junior officer, then this is great history to add to your repertoire and can even be come in handy use as training material or to recommend to your juniors. (It’s available through the DoD MWR library system as of the time this review is written.)

[Steve Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprise for me in listening to this lecture was how little I knew about the history of the U.S. Navy. What I learned was usually in the context of the history of the U.S. Marines, or the war in the Pacific.

This lecture, along with Max Boot’s “The Savage Wars of Peace: Small Wars and the Rise of American Power” are well worth the time of any U.S. military history buff.

[Kipi (the academic stitcher) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars