While most Americans are knowledgeable about the exploits of General Washington and the Continental Army, they are usually much less comfortable with the facts, events and commanders involved with the war at sea. Moreover, the context of America’s struggle in a world stage is even less understood and how better to explain our struggle in the world context than to describe the war at sea in terms of French Naval Strategy and its effectiveness throughout the War?

A series of significant naval conflicts occurred between the years 1777 and 1783. The majority of Washington’s land battles were a direct result of Naval Strategy and Policy and those battles were in proximity to salt water. Even Saratoga, an iconic land battle, owes its genesis to sea power.

The final battle of the American War for Independence was not Yorktown…it was fought half-way around the world in India, at sea, mere weeks before the Treaties of Paris and Versailles.

Several topics designed to show connectivity, little known facts and the effect of individual behavior within worldwide naval strategy will be presented. The sequence and geography of the major naval battles of the period will be discussed within the perspective of France’s effort to rebalance European power and the effect on the creation of our country.

A preparatory romp through the Seven Years War history will prepare the audience with cause, effect and attitude thus allowing them participate in give and take with the speaker; behavior that is expected and encouraged.



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