Álvaro Rubio Delgado. October 24th, 2022.

Geopolítica del Mundo Actual. Unit 2. Mahan

The influence of sea power upon history.
1660-1783
By
A.T.Mahan.
The sea could be compared to a highway used by humans to travel around. Men would choose some specific
routes for trading that were safer or quicker than others; these routes are called “trade routes”.
Travelling by sea has always been faster and easier than on land, despite the dangers of the sea, men would
choose marine trade routes due to the scarcity of the roads at that time.

I. Geographical Position. –If there is a country which is surrounded by water all around it has the
possibility of not having to defend themselves by land; as well as not having the necessity of
expanding their borders to the continuing lands. Taking England as an example.
Both east and west French fleets were able to connect with each other after passing through the
Straits of Gibraltar. Which was a hard task at the time due to the currents and caused loses in
some of the attempts.

II. Physical Conformation– “The seaboard of a country is one of its frontiers; and the easier the
access offered by the frontier to the region beyond.”
Even though France was quite weak on military ports on the channel, they had great harbors on
the Mediterranean, positively situated for international trade as well as easy access to rivers for
internal trading.

III. Extent of Territory – the extent of the cost line of some countries and its harbors must be taken
into consideration. Since the extent of strength or weakness according as the population is large
or small.

IV. Number of Population– the dimensions and characteristics of the seashore that is known as sea
power makes employment available, creating job opportunities in the navy.

V. National character– the national wealth was known from the gold and silver reservoirs a country
had. Spain and Portugal were constantly seeking for more wealth which led to them having a bad
commerce health. Spain found wealth in America when it was discovered and was afterwards the
leading power in Europe.
VI. Character of Government– Particular ways of governing with associate entities and the governors
had a massive influence in the development of the sea power.