Redefining the naval seascape: The emergence of the torpedo boat

My thesis examines the evolution and impact of motor torpedo boats. The process began in 1869 with Whitehead's invention of autonomous torpedoes. The device quickly became entwined with its carriers, tiny 'torpedo boats', and here began a revolution that altered the naval seascape. Armed with these small and inexpensive vessels, navies could destroy even the most powerful national treasure, the battleship. The capacity for weaker ships and weaker navies to successfully oppose and destroy larger powers had never before existed. This new potential had considerable impact in the international arena. Coastal defence, commerce warfare, division of land and sea operations, and design and functionality of other ships changed. By World War I, every nation coveted torpedo boats, for both offensive use and for protection against the torpedo's deadly potential. Then leading naval thinkers weighed in with differing opinions. My thesis examines these opinions and the torpedo boat's enormous impact.