United States Merchant Marines
Well over 200 years ago, the Merchant Marine developed in the United States. The maritime presence underpins the economic and military strength of a country. Military transport was vital to the U.S. economy and early between 1792 and 1795. Skilled mariners allowed U.S. exports to twice double.
Early in U.S. history the nation’s Merchant Marine was caught between the superpowers of the age, France and Britain. The Royal Navy had resorted to seizing ships in search of British subjects. By 1812, they had seized an estimated 15,000 U.S. sailors before the U.S. retaliated by declaring war.
During the War of 1812, the U.S. standing Navy was only 15 ships, but the U.S. government commissioned privately owned merchant ships. Called privateers, these civilian-piloted ships captured more than 2,000 British merchant vessels compared to the U.S. Navy’s capture of only 250 ships. These early mariners managed to inflict a heavy toll on the British invaders.
Throughout American history the Merchant Marine personnel has consisted of civilian volunteers who would carry vital war cargo to allies. Even today, 200 thousand men and women of the Merchant Marine keep the world’s trade moving. The U.S. Merchant Marine always has been vital to U.S. strength and prosperity.
BACKGROUND
The story of the U.S. Merchant Marine will be best understood by knowing the U.S. Shipping Board was created in
