Compare Togo's strategy and that of the Americans in 1898. Practically all great Naval actions have been brought about in this way, that is they have been the outcome on an effort to clear essential communications from the enemy's fleet, _e.g._, Gravelines, La Hogue, Quiberon, Trafalgar, Tsushima. Similarly the great actions of the old Dutch wars were brought about because our geographical position placed us astride the Dutch trade communications, and they were forced to seek a decision against our fleet. FINAL NOTE In applying the maxim of "seeking out the enemy's fleet" it should be borne in mind:-- (1) That if you seek it out with a superior force you will probably find it in a place where you cannot destroy it except at heavy cost. (2) That seeing that the defensive is a stronger form of war than the offensive, it is _prima facie_ better strategy to make the enemy come to you than to go to him and seek a decision on his own ground. * * * * * WAR COURSE * * * * * Notes on Strategy * * * * * PART ONE GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND DEFINITIONS INTRODUCTORY Naval strategy is a section of the Art of War. The study for officers is the Art of War, which includes Naval Strategy. War is the application of force to the attainment of political ends. MAJOR AND MINOR STRATEGY We seek our ends by directing force upon certain objects, which may be ulterior or primary. _Primary objects_ are the special objects of particular operations or movements which we undertake in order to gain the ulterior object of the campaign. Consequently it must be remembered that every particular operation or movement must be regarded, not only from the point of view of its special object, but also as a step to the end of the campaign or war. Strategy is the art of directing force to the ends in view. There are two kinds--Major Strategy, dealing with ulterior objects; Minor Strategy, with primary objects. Every operation of an army or fleet must be planned and conducted in relation (1) to the general plan of the war; (2) to the object to which it is immediately directed.