Navy
One of the World’s First Successful Meritocracies
In 18th Century England, if one was not borne to wealth and privilege, there was another way to win fame and fortune. It was called the Royal Navy. If one…
Read MoreFor Purchase or Otherwise
In the winter of 1794, war in Europe raged. The first of the French Revolutionary Wars – the War of the First Coalition – was approaching the two-year mark. In…
Read MoreThe U.S. Navy’s First War
By 1794 the War of the First Coalition was well underway in Europe. The French claimed that the Franco-American 1778 Treaty of Alliance and Friendship committed the U.S. to protect…
Read MoreThe Undeclared War Against France
The French Republic won the War of the First Coalition when Austria, Prussia, Spain and The Netherlands made peace. French royalty’s first attempt to restore the Bourbon monarchy had failed.…
Read MoreFirst Assault
Marine Corps history officially started on November 10th, 1775 when the Continental Congress authorized the formation of two battalions of Marines. Eighteen days later, Samuel Nicholas was commissioned as its…
Read MoreAvarice and Greed Contributes to Cornwallis’ Surrender
One of the more hotly contested theaters of the American Revolution was the Caribbean. American, British, French and Spanish privateers prowled the waters. The French were hell bent on recouping…
Read MoreNaval Battle That Knocked France Out of the American Revolution
By early 1782, the British knew they had lost the war against the Thirteen Colonies. Cornwallis had surrendered in October 1781 and Parliament dictated that offensive operations in North America…
Read MoreNicholas Biddle – One of Our Best
It is rare that the U.S. Navy names ships after one its officers, much less four. Captain Nicholas Biddle, Continental Navy is one that has been honored with four ships…
Read MoreFive Facts About JPJ You Probably Didn’t Know
John Paul Jones (JPJ) is one of the most storied naval officers of the 18th Century. He uttered the words “I have not yet begun to fight” in the battle…
Read MoreThe Sad Story of Pierre Landais Part Deux
Within hours of Captain John Paul Jones relieving him of command of the frigate Alliance, Landais began scheming to get his ship back. Rather remain in port, he went to…
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