1623 Studios Podcasts

Japan makes what the Atlantic world considers a remarkable leap into regional power and modernity. Defeating Russia generates both admiration and fear about Japan as it builds a colonial presence.

Germany emerges as a great power in the later 19th century and ultimately challenges Britain at sea.

In a protracted struggle, a small but rich Britain pushes aside France on the sea and emerges as the world’s unquestioned salt water power.

Britain retreats from North America but builds a new empire with its strategic center in the Indian Ocean. India becomes the “Jewel of the Empire.”

The industrial revolution changes the nature of sea power dramatically. The Atlantic world seizes the initiative and wields it in politics, economics, and society as it shapes global power. Wind and sail yield to steam and iron.

Why did rich France fail to compete successfully with Britain at sea? How did Britain capitalize on its advantages?

Maritime Europe Discovers the Pacific and we look at the life of the sailor.

A newly-united Britain, with growing prosperity and new markets, vigorously contests other maritime powers.

England admires and fights the Dutch, and begins to develop a powerful navy.

Remarkable Tudor rulers strengthen and enrich the government. At sea, privateers capture foreign wealth and popular admiration. Defeating the Spanish armada electrifies the nation.