Ahoy Shipmates

The latest instalment

Did everyone agree with this plan?

Teddy Roosevelt was very careful and considered with his planning. Apart from himself and a very few high ranking US Navy officials nobody was truly aware of Roosevelt’s intention to send the fleet around the world. Even his own Cabinet was not aware of it. The general held perception and understanding was that the fleet was to steam from the East to West Coast in a formidable training exercise.

Once the true plans became public knowledge clearly not everyone was enthusiastic. Some critics felt that this clear show of force may have the reverse planned effect and may encourage the Japanese to attack the fleet. Other critics were worried about the weakened Atlantic Naval defenses as a direct result of taking away the ships. The fact that the Fleet was to pass through the dangerous Magellan Strait and its notorious currents and storms was a concern highlighted by many.

Senator Eugene Hale from Maine Chairman of the Naval Appropriations Committee verbally threatened to withhold the funding for the cruise. Teddy Roosevelt’s reply was simple and direct - he already had the funds and dared Congress to “try and get it back”.

Nobody took Roosevelt up on this challenge.

The next instalment will be about putting this era and the year 1907 into historical perspective.

Regards


Sean

Great White Fleet Installment 1
Great White Fleet Installment 2
Great White Fleet Installment 3