Mahan criticizes French risk aversion as a reason for their poorer wartime results. An alternative interpretation gives greater weight to the French operation's purpose than to winning the battle itself. At the Glorious First of June, French ship losses accompanied the successful passage of the grain convoy. Whether that action counts as a victory therefore depends on whether the measure is captured ships or completion of the convoy mission.
Notable Point · 2:09:21-2:10:13
Mahan, French caution, and the purpose of a naval battle
Mahan's criticism of French risk aversion is tested against whether the fleet completed its mission.