The book reveals how Thomas Jefferson's naval strategywhich favored small, fast gunboats over a traditional ocean-going fleetwas influenced by Enlightenment ideals and a selective interpretation of European military history. In the years leading up to the War of 1812, Jefferson and his allies saw the Russo-Turkish War, particularly the Battle of Liman in 1788, as confirmation of their belief in small-boat tactics, despite the contested interpretations of that battle and its limited relevance to the American context. Drawing on letters, newspaper articles, and official documents, the book demonstrates how Jefferson's strategic vision was shaped not only by military reality but also by his own political and ideological convictions. It is a story of leaders using history to reinforce their beliefs, a compelling case study of how prejudice and political agendas can influence strategic decisionswith lessons that resonate far beyond the early Republic.
