US Cruisers 1883–1904

The birth of the steel navy

US Cruisers 1883–1904 cover

Description

At the end of the Civil War the US Navy was the most technologically advanced navy in the world, but after the war this spirit of innovation faded and America's naval might dwindled. However, in the 1880s a "New Navy" was born and at the forefront of its fleet were the mighty cruisers. Lawrence Burr details how it was these cruisers that allowed America to once again display its power on the world's oceans. Exploring how the birth of this "Steel Navy" required the development of new shipbuilding, motive power, ordnance, and armour-plate production capability, he details the design and development of these ships.

Intricate colour artwork illuminates the technicalities of the design, especially their internal workings through a cutaway of the USS Olympia, which has been restored and is now on public display. This title also places these technological advances in context, through vivid accounts of how US cruisers were fundamental to the Spanish-American War of 1898, destroying the Spanish fleet at the battles of Manila Bay and Santiago. It was their performance at these engagements that marked the emergence of the US Navy as a major naval power, and America as a world power.

Table of Contents

Introduction · A Naval Renaissance · Design and Construction · The Ships · Cruisers in Action · Pointing the Guns · USS Olympia · Conclusion · Select Bibliography · Appendix · Index

Product details

Published Jun 17 2008
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 48
ISBN 9781846032677
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 32 b/w; 7 col
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series New Vanguard
Short code NVG 143
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Illustrator

Ian Palmer

Ian Palmer is a highly experienced digital artist…

Illustrator

John White

John White was born in Knebworth, Hertfordshire, i…

Resources

Discover More

Visit our exclusive member's website to see artwork, maps, and more from this book.

Resources

Book Vote

Tell us what titles you would like to see published by Osprey, then vote for your favourites in our monthly book vote!

Related Titles

Sign up for Osprey membership for access to thousands of plane profiles, maps, battle scenes and more. Plus up to 30% off website purchases