Note 168 — Chapter XIX · THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND REGULATION OF COMMERCE.

In the days of wooden vessels, propelled by sail, America had natural advantages in shipbuilding, particularly in the abundant supply of ship-timber. Many such vessels were built and the once-famous American “clipper ships” carried our commerce to all parts of the world. During the period from 1815 to 1860 the American merchant marine reached its zenith in size and prosperity. In 1860 it was second to that of Great Britain and served not only to carry the entire commerce of the United States but the trade of other countries as well. The Civil War interfered greatly with the progress of American shipbuilding, however, and with the advent of iron vessels, propelled by steam, the United States began to drop behind in the construction of ships for ocean service. European countries, particularly Great Britain, forged far ahead during the period from 1865 to 1900. Of the tonnage which cleared for foreign countries from the seaports of the United States in 1900 less than one-fifth was American. This decline in the size of the merchant marine inspired the government of the United States to stimulate the construction of ships by the grant of subsidies, but no great success attended these efforts. The shipbuilding industry did not make renewed progress until it received a great impetus from the World War.