| Description |
1 online resource |
| Summary |
"For more than two decades at the beginning of the 20th century William S. Sims was at the forefront of naval affairs. From the revolution in naval gunnery that he led as a junior officer, to his advocacy for the Dreadnaught style all-big-gun battleship, to his development of torpedo boat and destroyer operations, he was a central figure in helping to prepare the U.S. Navy for World War I. During the war he served as the senior naval commander in Europe and was instrumental in the establishment of the convoy system that won the Battle of the Atlantic. Following the war his leadership as President of the Naval War College established the foundations of the creative and innovative Navy that would develop the operating concepts for submarines and aircraft carriers which would lead to success in World War II. Despite his dramatic impact on the U.S. Navy in the first half of the 20th century, Sims is a relatively unknown figure today. Overshadowed in our memory by the World War II generation of strategic Admirals, like Chester Nimitz and Raymond Spruance, he receives little attention from historians or professional naval officers. Despite the fact that he won a Pulitzer Prize for history, hardly anyone reads the books or articles he left as his legacy. This collection of six essays written by Sims illustrates why his thinking and leadership are relevant to the challenges faced in the 21st century. From the perils of military conservatism, to the responsibilities of the professional officer, to military downsizing and reform, he helped lay the foundations of the modern Navy. Armstrong's introductions and analysis of these essays links them directly to the issues of innovation, professional education, and leadership that are as important at the start of this century as they were at the start of the last"-- Provided by publisher. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| Contents |
Introduction: the gun doctor -- Professional debate and military innovation -- A proper military mindset -- Preparing for command and preparing for war -- The forces of the status quo -- The peace dividend and the professional -- A century-old promotion system -- Conclusion: mentorship from a century ago. |
| Note |
Description based on print version record and CIP data provided by publisher. |
| Subject |
Sims, William Sowden, 1858-1936.
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Sims, William Sowden, 1858-1936 -- Influence.
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Naval War College (U.S.) -- Biography.
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Sims, William Sowden, 1858-1936. (OCoLC)fst00128315
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Naval War College (U.S.) (OCoLC)fst00549232
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Admirals -- United States -- Biography.
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Naval art and science -- Technological innovations.
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Naval gunnery -- History.
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Leadership -- United States.
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Naval art and science -- United States -- History -- 20th century.
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HISTORY / Military / Naval.
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HISTORY / Military / General.
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HISTORY / Military / Other.
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Admirals. (OCoLC)fst00796937
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Leadership. (OCoLC)fst00994701
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Naval art and science. (OCoLC)fst01034937
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Naval art and science -- Technological innovations.
(OCoLC)fst01034960
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Naval gunnery. (OCoLC)fst01034999
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United States. (OCoLC)fst01204155
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| Chronological Term |
1900-1999
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| Genre/Form |
Biography. (OCoLC)fst01423686
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History. (OCoLC)fst01411628
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| Added Author |
Armstrong, Benjamin, editor.
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| Added Title |
Works. Selections
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| Other Form: |
Print version: Sims, William Sowden, 1858-1936. 21st century Sims Annapolis, MD : Naval Institute Press, 2015 9781612518107 (DLC) 2014041445 |
| ISBN |
9781612518091 (electronic bk.) |
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1612518095 (electronic bk.) |
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