Naval strategic combinations surer now than formerly 22 Wide scope of naval strategy 22 CHAPTER I. DISCUSSION OF THE ELEMENTS OF SEA POWER. The sea a great common 25 Advantages of water-carriage over that by land 25 Navies exist for the protection of commerce 26 Dependence of commerce upon secure seaports 27 Development of colonies and colonial posts 28 Links in the chain of Sea Power: production, shipping, colonies 28 General conditions affecting Sea Power: I. Geographical position 29 II. Physical conformation 35 III. Extent of territory 42 IV. Number of population 44 V. National character 50 VI. Character and policy of governments 58 England 59 Holland 67 France 69 Influence of colonies on Sea Power 82 The United States: Its weakness in Sea Power 83 Its chief interest in internal development 84 Danger from blockades 85 Dependence of the navy upon the shipping interest 87 Conclusion of the discussion of the elements of Sea Power 88 Purpose of the historical narrative 89 CHAPTER II. STATE OF EUROPE IN 1660.--SECOND ANGLO-DUTCH WAR, 1665-1667.--SEA BATTLES OF LOWESTOFT AND OF THE FOUR DAYS