Commanding Lincoln's Navy

Brief Summary

Commanding Lincoln's Navy by Stephen Taaffe offers a detailed examination of the roles played by the Union Navy during the Civil War. The book focuses particularly on the pivotal decisions made by Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles regarding squadron command appointments. Taaffe explores how these appointments, dictated by considerations of seniority, availability, political connections, and most importantly, an officer's past performance and abilities, were crucial to the Union's success. The narrative covers significant Civil War campaigns such as those at New Orleans, Charleston, Mobile Bay, and Fort Fisher, providing a comprehensive look at the Navy's strategic contributions to the Union's victory.

Main Themes and Topics

The main themes of Commanding Lincoln's Navy revolve around leadership, decision-making, and military strategy. Stephen Taaffe highlights how Welles's selections for squadron commanders evolved over time, becoming more astute and focused on effectiveness as he better understood the Navy's officer corps. The book delves into the interplay between politics and military needs, illustrating how personal connections, political considerations, and an officer's military record were leveraged to ensure successful command. The strategic use of the Navy in the Union war effort, including the blockade of Confederate ports and river operations, represents another central theme.

Writing Style and Tone

Stephen Taaffe’s writing style is both analytical and engaging, making complex naval strategies and historical events accessible to both scholars and general readers interested in military history. The tone is scholarly yet approachable, with Taaffe carefully balancing detailed historical insight with compelling storytelling. His meticulous research is evident, providing depth to the narrative without overwhelming the reader with excessive technical details.

Criticism

While Commanding Lincoln's Navy is generally well-received for its depth of research and insightful analysis, some readers may find the detailed focus on administrative and command decisions somewhat dense. The emphasis on the internal workings of the Navy might not appeal to those seeking a broader overview of the Civil War. Additionally, the book's focus is primarily on the Union Navy, which may leave readers interested in a more balanced analysis of naval warfare during the Civil War slightly wanting.