The United States Navy has played an essential role both in resolving conflicts and in peacekeeping throughout the entire history of the United States. Today, the US Navy, the world's most powerful naval force, remains a critical tool of American foreign policy, and a key player in preserving geopolitical stability throughout the world.

In The History of the United States Navy, Professor Craig L. Symonds brings alive the extraordinary saga of America's naval forces, from the first naval shipbuilding on Lake Champlain in 1775 to the present age of nuclear-armed submarines.

Ranging across the centuries, these 24 lectures present an in-depth view of the operations of the Navy:

As a key feature of the story, track the unfolding development of the warships and armaments that defined naval warfare in each era;

Early in the course, visualize the colorful and dramatic exploits of the young US Navy as it established global reach;

Dive into significant naval advances and engagements during the Civil War, including the advent of ironclad and steam-powered warships;

Witness the transformation of the US Navy in the late 19th century, and its emergence as a global naval power during the Spanish-American War;

Survey the massive role of the US Navy in the Second World War, and envision the events of the legendary battles of Midway, Guadalcanal, and D-Day;

Chart the Navy's integral work in nuclear deterrence during the Cold War; the Navy's response to political crises in the Mediterranean, Asia, and Cuba; and its critical operations throughout the Vietnam War; and

Delve into key naval incidents in the Middle East and the Navy's actions in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and learn about its core peacetime work.

Brimming with historical detail and compelling insights, these engrossing lectures offer you an unforgettable view into a core element of American life and experience.