Historical Context of Corbett's Work
At the turn of the century Corbett emerged as one of the first authors in the development of modern naval doctrine. Drawing from the influences of Baron de Jomini and Carl von Clausewitz, Corbett was instrumental in attempting to apply the existing theories of land warfare for war at sea. Clausewitz’s On War was an invaluable basis and stimulus for Corbett’s theoretical work; however, it was not his blueprint. For example, Corbett did not hesitate to take issue with Clausewitz, Jomini or other continental strategists on the importance of the search for the decisive battle and the principle of concentration. The fact that Corbett believed these factors to be far less relevant at sea was a daring departure from the accepted wisdom of his time. In developing his theory of limited war, Corbett again used On War as his point of departure but ended up with his own, unique method of waging a limited war in a maritime environment.
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