War on the Waters

In "War on the Waters," James M. McPherson presents a compelling exploration of the pivotal role that the Union and Confederate navies played in the Civil War, challenging the notion of their strategic insignificance. He details how the Union navy’s blockade evolved from ineffective to crucial in disrupting Confederate supply lines, while highlighting the innovative and daring tactics employed by the outmatched Confederate forces, including commerce raiding and the use of ironclads and the first submarine. Through gripping accounts of naval battles and campaigns, McPherson illustrates how the Union navy secured vital victories that were instrumental in determining the war's outcome.