ABSTRACT
The role of technology in the transformation of Europe’s armies and navies and the impact of this transformation on the rest of the world are often discussed by historians. Theories of technical change as a social and economic activity are usually not mentioned in these discussions which are centred on changes in tactics and strategy. Technology, tactics and strategy are closely related concepts in all discussions about warfare at sea but changes and structures in warfare can also be placed in their social, economic and political contexts where theories about technical change are relevant. 1
