wall [Theme] Page 2

Only that people has the right and power to hold in their hands the sea that can defend it. Therefore, all those peoples who strove for the sea, who reached it, irresistibly embarked on the path of shipbuilding. For them, the fleet was the subject of national pride; it was outward proof that the people had the strength, that they were able to keep the sea in their power. For this, fortresses alone are not enough; it is impossible to protect the coastline with fortifications alone. To protect the coast, mobile, free-floating fortresses are needed, a linear fleet is needed. All coastal peoples understood this. Defenselessness at sea is just as dangerous as defenselessness on land. Of course, it is possible, under favorable circumstances, to live for some time on land and without shelter, but when a storm comes up, strong walls and a strong roof are needed to resist it. That is why the business of shipbuilding has everywhere become a national affair. That is why the launching of each new ship into the water is a national celebration, a national celebration. This is the return to the sea of part of the people's forces accumulated on land, people's energy. That is why, everywhere, powerful states built fleets at home.