US Navy Protected Cruisers 1883-1918

The US Navy's 11 new steel warships, built during the late 19th century, were crucial in advancing American naval supremacy. These vessels, including the Atlanta, Boston, and Chicago, were the first steel warships built for the US Navy and played a significant role in the 1898 Spanish-American War. They also served in World War I and were retired in the 1920s. This book explores the development, qualities, and service of these important warships and highlights the Columbia-class, designed as high-speed commerce raiders.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The US Navy's 11 new steel warships, built during the late 19th century, played a crucial role in advancing American naval supremacy. After the American Civil War, the Navy had declined significantly, becoming a security liability. In 1883, Congress approved four new steel-constructed vessels called the "ABCD" ships, which included three protected cruisers: the Atlanta, Boston, and Chicago. These ships marked a technological and cultural transformation for the US Navy, known as the "New Navy," and were instrumental in the US victory in the 1898 Spanish-American War. The protected cruisers, including the famous Olympia, formed the backbone of the early US steel navy and served as escorts and auxiliaries in World War I. The book explores the development, qualities, and service of these important warships, highlighting the Columbia-class, designed as high-speed commerce raiders and to mimic specific passenger liners. All 11 protected cruisers are depicted in meticulously researched color illustrations, with one depicting the Olympia deploying her full sail rig.

Weight: 170g
Dimension: 250 x 185 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472857033