New Cambridge Medieval History: Volume 4, c.1024-c.1198, Part 2 Book

This work presents an overview of a much neglected time period of maritime history. Glete's thesis is quite clear. His objective is to provide a broad overview of the various types of armed naval conflicts and changes in technology, and how they effected and affected the transformation of Europe from a Mediterranean center to a western European center. His argument is that trade, the formation of states and the rise and fall of various economic and political centers are all related to the changes in maritime technology, tactics, strategy and organizational changes that effected warfare at sea. He furthers his objective by stating that by having an understanding of those changes, naval operations, sea born conflicts and trade based on armed conflict can be placed in their proper political and economic contexts.
He defines warfare at sea as a competition directed at controlling and maintaining seaborne lines of communication. He specifically mentions new developments in hull design, navigation, seamanship and significant advances in seaborne artillery as the impetus that provided the needed changes to modernize maritime conflict. These technologies allowed merchant ships to be escorted, keeping them safe from pirates and privateers thus making seaborne trade much more profitable. This system of convoy could also be used to resupply distant colonies, as well as used as a means of overseas power projection. As changes in technology provided new opportunities in ship design, construction, and armament, the extension of sea borne lines of communication and trade became crucial for the economic, industrial and political development which contributed to the transition of power from the Mediterranean to northern Europe. Glete asserts that this shift in power was completed by 1650 making northern Europe the center of the industrialized world until the mid-nineteenth century.
He relates that rising monarchies and the start of empires begin to replace city-states as the preeminent political organizations throughout Europe, adding that these major changes in the political canvas of Europe took place during the late fifteenth century just as maritime technology began to change. He presents a vast array of evidence citing examples from the major states of Europe: Portugal, Spain, France, England and Holland, as well as examples from the Baltic States. His argument is that the larger kingdoms were able to grow economically and politically, owing to their ability to organize and mobilize the vast resources needed to maintain large fleets. This organization, combined with the bureaucracy needed to train the crews and implement new technology, allowed them to precipitate naval combat to maintain their lines of communication, protect their merchant ships, and control vital sea lanes.
Glete has presented historians with a much needed treatise on this subject. His work is well researched and thought provoking, as he raises as many questions as he answers. His narrative style works well, making a technical subject accessible to all. His conclusions appear sound and are based in well researched primary source evidence. His thesis is clearly stated, well defined and his arguments support his claims. While he admits that the historiography of the subject matter is disjointed he makes a scholarly attempt at sorting it all out. In the end, the result of his research is a professional and succinct account of a very large and unwieldy topic.