All the Factors of Victory

Thomas Wildenberg is an independent historian/scholar specializing in the development of naval aviation and technological innovation in the U.S. Navy. He has written extensively about the Navy during the interwar period. His articles have appeared in various scholarly journals and is the author of five books on U.S. naval history.

“Thomas Wildenberg has provided a long-needed . . . solid professional biography, telling us much about the man's motivations as well as his assignments and accomplishments. . . . Excellent.” —Norman Polmar; The Journal of Military History“Wildenberg's detailed, easily read text is a compendium of the turn-of-the-century Navy that will be of interest to everyone. . . . The author explores this important but little-known period, including new aircraft like the Boeing and Curtiss fighters of the time. It's good reading.” —Peter Mersky; The Hook“Wildenberg has mined previously neglected official and private sources to tell the story of Reeves's life and career against the background of technological innovation and bureaucratic change in the 1920s and 1930s. All the Factors of Victory is an important book that deserves the attention of all serious historians of naval aviation.” —WIlliam F. Trimble, author of Admiral William A. Moffett: Architect of Naval Aviation“Wildenberg has written a very well researched and enjoyable biography. While having to deal with a scarcity of information from Reeves himself, Wildenburg made rational assumptions, where necessary, based on his extensive research. He provides many entertaining anecdotes about Reeves' life at sea and ashore. Of particular interest is the detail he offers on Reeves' interactions throughout his career with fellow officers, command-level naval officers, members of various boards and panels, and period politicians, including President Franklin Roosevelt. The book serves to enlighten the reader on the life, commitment and outcomes of a little-known, but highly influential, American patriot. It is a good read.” —Air Force Historical Foundation“Reeves made an important contribution in preparing the US Navy through the Fleet Problem experimental programme, to advance carrier warfare and make a contribution. A good read that adds to our understanding of the interwar period.” —The NAVY Magazine“This is an excellent book that not only tells the story of a remarkable man but covers a wide range of naval issues and disciplines although, it has to be said, aviation stands out as the first among them. Reeves was a dynamic officer who deserved his rise to the top of his profession and established carrier operating techniques that have endured the tests of conflict time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and recommend it to [anyone] with a wide range of naval and historical interests.” —Australian Naval Institute“All the Factors of Victory and the Origins of Carrier Airpower is a thought-provoking biography on the influential career of a US Naval Officer and the parallel formation of carrier airpower…. An excellent book describing a change of cultural and military history, through a determined, innovative and ground-breaking USN Officer.” —Aerospace“Wildenburg has made considerable use of official records and other memoirs to illustrate the significance of Reeves’s career.” —The Mariner’s Mirror“All the Factors of Victory is an excellent and worthwhile read for anyone interested in naval history, military history, and America’s rise as a world power between the two World Wars.” —International Journal of Naval History