‘Command of the sea, therefore, means nothing but the control of maritime communications, whether for commercial or military purposes. The object of naval warfare is the control of communications, and not, as in land warfare, the conquest of territory. The difference is fundamental.’
During the 19th century, Britain faced the fundamental problem of being overtaken in military power by continental European countries with large industries and armies. Because of this, Corbett believed Britain getting involved in unlimited warfare on continental Europe was suicidal. How, then, should Britain maintain its interests? Fortunately, Britain was an island with a powerful navy and Corbett believed that through naval warfare with clear and limited aims, Britain would be able to ensure its dominance of the ocean and therefore guarantee Britain’s interests and safety. Corbett’s theories on limited warfare and the role of the navy in national strategy are very influential and are still discussed to this day.
Julian Stafford Corbett was an influential British naval historian and strategist most prominent during the late 19th to early 20th century.