The Gulf and Inland Waters

The Gulf and Inland Waters by A. T. Mahan provides a detailed account of naval operations during the American Civil War focusing on engagements in the Mississippi River the Gulf of Mexico and other inland waterways. Mahan examines the strategic importance of controlling these waters highlighting how Union naval superiority played a crucial role in blockading the Confederacy securing key ports and supporting land campaigns.Through his analysis Mahan underscores the significance of riverine warfare and joint operations between the navy and army. He discusses major battles such as the capture of New Orleans and the siege of Vicksburg illustrating how naval power shaped the war's outcome. The book is not just a historical narrative but also an early study in naval strategy reinforcing Mahan’s broader theories on the decisive role of sea power in warfare.