Ships, technology and the birth of maritime thought: the epistemological influences on Mahan’s first influence Navios, tecnologia e o

Abstract

This piece aims to elucidate the influence of naval technology on Mahan’s first work “The Influence of Sea Power Upon History 1660-1783”. At the end of the nineteenth century, a scientific discourse creating new technologies had been increasing since the first industrial revolution. However, despite the striking changes in ships and warships amplifying maritime commerce, transforming naval warfare and changing ships’ millennial wooden silhouette, Mahan does not mention the word “technology”. Writing at the peak of this period in 1890, he extensively discusses England’s naval history during the age of sail. Nonetheless, Mahan was part of the epistemological scene of nineteenth century United States, relying on a scientific view of history. Therefore, it will be demonstrated the extent to which his epistemological view was influenced by technology.

Keywords

• ships
• technology;
• maritime thought