The Transformation of British and American Naval Policy in the Pre-Dreadnought Era : Ideas, Culture and Strategy

This volume examines the transformation of British and US naval policy from 1870 to 1889, which resulted in the British Naval Defence Act (1889), the construction of the first modern US battleships, and began the naval arms race which culminated in World War One. In examining the development of strategic thinking in the Royal and US Navies, it overturns conventional wisdom regarding genesis of the Naval Defence Act and the US Navy's about-face from a defensive to an offensive strategic orientation. It pays particular attention to activities of the key individuals in both countries' navies, who were instrumental in transforming their respective services' organizational culture. This study will be of interest not only to historians but to political scientists, sociologists, and others working in the fields of international relations, strategic studies, policy analysis, and military learning, adaptation and innovation. It is also essential reading for those interested in the naval arms race during this period.-- Provided by publisher Front Matter....Pages i-xxiv Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Introduction....Pages 3-11 Explaining Strategic Choices in Military Institutions: Theoretical Models....Pages 13-39 Front Matter....Pages 41-41 The Royal Navy and the 1889 Naval Defence Act: History and Historiography....Pages 43-81 Ideas and Institutions: The Development of Officer Education, Strategic Thinking, and Intelligence Collection in the Royal Navy, 1870–1888....Pages 83-119 Professionals, Politicians, the Press, and the Public: The “Navy Scare” of 1888–1889....Pages 121-176 Front Matter....Pages 177-177 British Ideas in an American Context: The Underpinnings of Strategic Debate and Organizational Maturity, 1873–1884....Pages 179-225 The Navalist Triumph: Politicians, Professionals, and the Fight for the Direction of American Naval Policy, 1885–1889....Pages 227-274 Front Matter....Pages 275-275 Conclusion....Pages 277-298 Back Matter....Pages 299-328 Robert E. Mullins ; Edited By John Beeler. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 299-316) And Index.