Navy
Benjamin Stoddert’s Difficult Task
Stoddert began a ship building program. While most have heard of the famous “Six Frigates” – Chesapeake, Congress, Constellation, Constitution, President, United States – he also established six formal Navy yards to support the new U.S. Navy. Stoddert realized that in order to have an effective navy, the country needed an infrastructure to keep the ships manned, equipped, and maintained.
Read MoreWe Need a Strong Navy
Ever since the American Revolution, the U.S. has depended on freedom of the seas to trade with other nations. In every major conflict, the role of the U.S. Navy was decisive in helping ensure victory. Without control of the Atlantic, victory in Europe in WWI or WWII would not have been possible. And during the Cold War, had the Soviets invaded Europe, we would have fought the third Battle of the Atlantic.
Read MoreThe Seeds of the Needs for a Strong Navy
Since the United States is a maritime nation, logic says we need a strong navy to protect our coasts, our merchant ships, and our interests abroad. Yet, despite knowing this,…
Read MoreWe Are a Maritime Nation
The U.S. is bounded by two oceans, a gulf, five very large lakes and a long deep river. Ever since the colonies on the North American Coast were founded, our commerce with other nations was dependent merchant ships carrying cargoes. This was true when this country was founded as is true in 2021.
Read MoreSome Things in Defense Procurement Never Change
The modern U.S. Navy came into being when the Congress passed the Naval Act of 1794. For at least two years, Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton and Minister (Ambassador) to France…
Read MoreMelee Tactics Versus Trading Broadsides
When the Continental Navy was authorized by the Continental Congress on October 13th, 1775, the Americans had no ships, the Royal Navy had 350 rated ships and 550 in commission.…
Read MoreOne of the World’s First Successful Meritocracies
In 18th Century England, if one was not borne to wealth and privilege, there was another way to win fame and fortune. It was called the Royal Navy. If one…
Read MoreFor Purchase or Otherwise
In the winter of 1794, war in Europe raged. The first of the French Revolutionary Wars – the War of the First Coalition – was approaching the two-year mark. In…
Read MoreThe U.S. Navy’s First War
By 1794 the War of the First Coalition was well underway in Europe. The French claimed that the Franco-American 1778 Treaty of Alliance and Friendship committed the U.S. to protect…
Read MoreThe Undeclared War Against France
The French Republic won the War of the First Coalition when Austria, Prussia, Spain and The Netherlands made peace. French royalty’s first attempt to restore the Bourbon monarchy had failed.…
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