Civil Warships

The book explores the antebellum naval landscape and the economic factors influencing each side's naval capabilities. For example, the introduction of ironclads challenged the dominance of wooden navies, while the Union's blockade aimed to cripple the Confederacy's economy, although it faced international legal challenges. Drawing from naval records, newspapers, journals, and personal accounts, Civil Warships integrates technological, strategic, and economic perspectives.

The book progresses by first introducing pre-war naval technology, transitioning to the Union blockade's impact, and then analyzing key naval battles. By taking a holistic view, the book offers insights for both casual readers and serious scholars interested in military history and naval warfare, as well as broader themes such as economic warfare and technological innovation.