Which historical figure best understood the value of bodies of water?

Answer 1

Theodore Roosevelt certainly understood the value of bodies of water. After all he knew the United States needed a faster way to move ships (naval and commercial) from the Atlantic side to the Pacific. Best place for the canal was the Panama isthmus. He also studied and wrote books on the subject of naval warfare. He sent the Great White Navy around the world to show everybody America was becoming a naval power.

Winston Churchill served as First Lord in the British Admiralty 1911-1915 (over Gallipoli) Churchill recognized that Germany was seriously becoming a naval threat that could gain control of the major sea lanes thus choking off Great Britain's ability to get supplies if a conflict broke out.

He wanted to show the Germans ,that whatever they built, Britain would build more. 1) He pushed through the development of the 15inch battleship gun (greater punch) 2) For purposes of greater mobility (faster battleships) he converted the whole fleet from coal to oil.

Answer 2

If I understand your intelligent question, you may have someone soecific in mind. The ancient Sumerians used currents and counter currents to sail rafts across many oceans. The Phoenicians inherited their charts, and soon dominated the seas for centuries; Crete was a maritime power under its kings and high admirals, so p[owerfuyl they had cities without walls. The Mycenaean Greeks only gradually rediscovered seafaring. My pick is Alcibiades, the Athenian admiral; he invented the art of naval warfare by his sending of an advance squadron, drawing out the enemy and then attacking them suddenly in force, winning great victories. He knew strategic planning, negotiation, patience, bribery, methods of siege and much more; and he appreciated the strengths and limits of an island-based and sea-based power better than anyone else in the ancient world.

Answer 3

Do you mean from a scientific, economic or political viewpoint?

From a political point of view, I think it is the early modern Spanish monarch, Isabella of Castille. By sponsoring Cristofo Colombo's voyage she was the catalyst for the great age of European expansion, which had consequences for subsequent world history.

Answer 4

Queen Elizabeth the First thats why she sent Sir Francis Drake to circumnavigate the world.

Answer 5

Your question is somewhat vague, but I guess I'd go with:

Major James Rennell (1742-1830) The father of oceanography.