BLUF

The author identifies five naval battles that he considers decisive, noting that to be decisive, a battle must achieve a long-lasting strategic impact.

Summary

This article by James Holmes in the National Interest makes the following points:
What makes a battle decisive?
  • Carl von Clausewitz defines a decisive engagement as one that leads directly to the end of hostilities.
  • The battle has strategic and political significance.
  • Decisive maritime battles shape affairs on land.
  • Naval actions have decided the fates of civilizations, empires and nations.
Learn more about decisive naval battles and what makes such a battle decisive.

References

Source Information: National Interest The