Notes on Sea-Coast Defence: Consisting of Sea-Coast Fortification, the Fifteen-Inch Gun, and Casemate Embrasures (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

J. G. Barnard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1331975697 ISBN 13: 9781331975694

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

Synopsis

This book examines the critical question of sea-coast defense in the mid-19th century, a time of great upheaval in military technology and global power dynamics. The author delves into the heated debate surrounding the relative merits of a strong navy versus fortifications, arguing that the latter is the true foundation of a nation's coastal security. The book's core argument is laid bare through a fascinating comparison of the evolving defense strategies of England and the United States. While England long relied on its dominant navy, the author highlights the British government’s recent shift towards a more robust fortification system, echoing the principles long championed by American engineers. The author skillfully unpacks the rationale behind this shift, emphasizing the growing power of continental navies and the increasing threat of steam-powered warships. The book explores the technological advancements that challenged conventional military thinking, introducing the reader to the revolutionary 15-inch gun, a powerful weapon capable of smashing through the thickest iron plating. The author analyzes the effectiveness of this new weapon and its potential to counter the emerging threat of ironclad warships, a development that would have a profound impact on naval warfare for years to come. Ultimately, this book offers a compelling and insightful examination of a critical period in military history, providing a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between technological innovation, strategic thinking, and the changing face of warfare.

Edition details

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1331975697
• ISBN 13: 9781331975694
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 113