Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
3. On the World's Seas and Oceans
While the lands of this great planet yield much joy and learning, the earth's oceans and
seas also offer fertile exploration for the wise traveler. Ancient countries that wished to be
thought of as regional or global powers sought to develop a sea presence, both in terms of
a military navy and commercial vessels. And while the heartland of Europe enticed early
explorers, it was really lands across the seas that beckoned the bravest of adventurous souls.
By the time of the nation-state international system, which began around 1500, pursuit of
sea power was still a novel idea.
Figure 3.1. Mediterranean Sea
Near the end of the nineteenth century, Alfred Mahan, American historian and naval
officer, presented the case for sea power in his The Influence of Sea Power Upon History,
1600-1783 . The radical idea of controlling the seas was advanced as an essential foreign
policy goal of any country that wished to be taken seriously. Today, as the world has seen
exploration everywhere and events in its farthest corners have major impacts on the other
side of the planet, wise travelers understand the lure of the seas.
In this chapter we explore two bodies of water: the Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific
Ocean.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search