The History of the United States Navy

By: Craig L. Symonds, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Craig L. Symonds

Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

The United States Navy has played an essential role both in resolving conflicts and in peacekeeping throughout the entire history of the United States. Today, the US Navy, the world’s most powerful naval force, remains a critical tool of American foreign policy, and a key player in preserving geopolitical stability throughout the world.

In The History of the United States Navy, Professor Craig L. Symonds brings alive the extraordinary saga of America’s naval forces, from the first naval shipbuilding on Lake Champlain in 1775 to the present age of nuclear-armed submarines.

Ranging across the centuries, these 24 lectures present an in-depth view of the operations of the Navy:

• As a key feature of the story, track the unfolding development of the warships and armaments that defined naval warfare in each era;

• Early in the course, visualize the colorful and dramatic exploits of the young US Navy as it established global reach;

• Dive into significant naval advances and engagements during the Civil War, including the advent of ironclad and steam-powered warships;

• Witness the transformation of the US Navy in the late 19th century, and its emergence as a global naval power during the Spanish-American War;

• Survey the massive role of the US Navy in the Second World War, and envision the events of the legendary battles of Midway, Guadalcanal, and D-Day;

• Chart the Navy’s integral work in nuclear deterrence during the Cold War; the Navy’s response to political crises in the Mediterranean, Asia, and Cuba; and its critical operations throughout the Vietnam War; and

• Delve into key naval incidents in the Middle East and the Navy’s actions in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and learn about its core peacetime work.

Brimming with historical detail and compelling insights, these engrossing lectures offer you an unforgettable view into a core element of American life and experience.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2023 The Great Courses

Great stories, good performance

No big complaints about this course! Definitely recommend it if you have any interest in military history.

No complaints. Lots of info!

This "book" is a collection of speeches/seminars that are full of information that I had never heard before.

While at times, I did feel that it had a little to much of a "Pro U.S. slant," I feel like that can not really be helped, considering the subject matter. I'm not going to pick at nits when this was included with my Audible subscription.

It more than completed it's job of making the hours at work pass more quickly, while also teaching me some new information.

There were a few strange pronunciation errors that made me laugh.

Standing here looking back

I really liked this course, many of the events from the past 40 years, I can safely state that I was there, looking back and then looking forward, you can see your place in history. Thank you for a worthwhile journey.
Fair winds and following seas.

Decent and informative, bur narrow scope

Decent but more focused on naval personnel and battles than the organization and composition.