We will study navies and sea power from the age of discovery to the age of steam in the context of European political, economic and imperial history. We will explore the ideas of influential strategists such as Mahan through their historical writings. Topics will include the gunpowder revolution at sea, privateering and piracy, the rise of state navies, strategy and tactics, naval command from Drake to Nelson, life at sea and the experience of naval warfare from the Spanish Armada to Trafalgar and beyond, and the role of sea power in major wars, trade, empire, and international law.