First published in 1976, this book is the first detailed examination of the history of British sea power since A T Mahan's classic "The Influence of Sea Power on History", published in 1890. In analysing the reasons for the rise and fall of Great Britain as a predominant maritime nation in the period from the Tudors to the present day, Professor Kennedy sets the Royal Navy within a framework of national, international, economic, political and strategical considerations. A new introduction has been added on the implications of the Falklands war, not only for the future of the British Navy, but also for the defence policies of the government of the day.