Description:
The First Fleets uncovers the overlooked history of American colonial naval forces that predate the Revolution, revealing how Anglo-American governments built and maintained independent fleets to defend against foreign threats. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Schaffer explores how these provincial navies shaped colonial governance, maritime trade, and the colonies' eventual break from Britain--making this a must-read for enthusiasts of early American history and naval strategy.
Review Quotes: "The First Fleets is one of the most original topics in naval history I've seen in a decade. Schaffer's narrative flows in such a way to make it approachable and appealing to a broader audience." --Claude Berube, author of On Wide Seas: The US Navy in the Jacksonian Era