The Transition to Oil-Powered Empires

One of the key transformations in the history of empires and warfare was the shift to oil as the primary fuel source for large naval vessels. This transition provided significant performance advantages, including increased speed and reliability, compared to coal-powered ships. However, the reliance on oil necessitated that empires secure access to oil-rich territories to ensure their naval dominance. The strategic implications of this dependency altered international relations and military tactics, compelling nations to expand their reach in search of oil resources.