Whats Going on with Shipping
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Is the United States a Maritime Country | 25 Ships That Influenced American History
Posted
July 4, 2026
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July 4, 2026
43,031
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36:47Now PlayingIs the United States truly a maritime nation, or is it a continental power focused on the heartland?
In this special episode of What's Going on With Shipping, host Sal Mercogliano explores the complex maritime history of the U.S. through the lens of 25 pivotal ships and groups of vessels. From the early voyages of the Santa Maria and the arrival of the Mayflower to the massive Liberty ships of World War II and the modern-day "tanker wars" in the Persian Gulf, we look at how these ships shaped American identity, fueled its economy, and triggered its most significant conflicts.
In this video, we cover:
⚓The Age of Discovery & Colonization: How vessels like the Santa Maria and Susan Constant bridged the old and new worlds.
⚓The Revolutionary Era: The role of the Continental Navy and the impact of the Boston Tea Party.
⚓The Early Republic: The birth of the "Six Frigates" and the battle against piracy in the Mediterranean.
⚓Technological Revolutions: The rise of steam power with Robert Fulton, the impact of the Erie Canal, and the nineteenth century American maritime retreat from the world's oceans.
⚓The World Wars: How the U.S. became the "Arsenal of Democracy" through mass ship production like the Liberty and Victory ships.
⚓The Cold War & Modern Era: The decline of the U.S. merchant fleet and the ongoing mission of freedom of the seas.
Contact What's Going on With Shipping via:
Patreon: www.patreon.com/wgowshipping
Twitter: @mercoglianos
Bluesky: @mercoglianos.bsky.social
Facebook: @wgowshipping
Email: mercoglianosal@gmail.com
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