Commanding the Pacific Navy

In 1900, the U.S. controlled two small islands in the Pacific Ocean, Guam and American Samoa. Graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy, Captains Benjamin F. Tilley and Richard P. Leary, commanded the islands with absolute authority. Tilley’s reign led to a territory which still praises him, while Leary remains largely forgotten. What separated the command styles of these two successful, yet very different, leaders is the subject of this talk.

Instructor

Diana Ahmad, Ph.D.

Dr. Ahmad is a Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor Emerita of American history at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. She specializes in history of the American West, including animals on the overland trails and the expansion of the U.S. ... read more