Great White Fleet Facts Revealed Naval History For Kids

The Great White Fleet was a popular nickname given to the United States Navy battleships, which completed a world tour from December 16, 1907, to February 22, 1909, under the guidance of President Roosevelt.The Great White Fleet was so important because it helped to show the world that America is a superpower.The fleet also helped to improve relations between America and other countries. Finally, the fleet served as a training ground for American sailors.Thanks to the Great White Fleet, America became one of the most powerful countries in the world.Great White Fleet HistoryDuring the growing period of his administration, President Theodore Roosevelt dispatched 16 Navy battleships on a worldwide journey around the globe.The white-painted ships with a red, white, and blue banner on the bows truly highlighted the naval power of the U.S. army.The journey was the largest and the most powerful one that ever circled the globe. The fleet made a friendly visit to every country, and the mission turned out to be a successful one.Purpose Of The Great White FleetThe fleet had multiple purposes to fulfill.First of all, it demonstrated that America is a friendly country and wants to maintain proper relations with all other countries, no matter how small or large. Also, the U.S. army got invitations from various countries to participate in celebrations for the fleet in the UK, France, and Germany.The journey of the Great White fleet exhibited worldwide that the U.S. had become a world power in the field of navy and ships. Taking a world tour is not everyone’s cup of tea. The voyage also improved the sea and battle worthiness of the fleet. A lot of many ships with advanced technologies were introduced into the army, which made the American army more powerful.Role Of Theodore Roosevelt In The Great White FleetIt was Roosevelt who initiated this great world voyage. It was the result of his determination to build a modern navy and a powerful American military.Theodore Roosevelt became president in 1901 after the assassination of President William McKinley. He was sworn in as the 26th president of the United States.He passed a number of important laws, including the Pure Food and Drug Act, the Meat Inspection Act, and the National Park Service Act. His foreign policy was called the ‘Big Stick’ policy. It was based on the idea that America should be a strong and powerful nation and that it should use its military as necessary. This policy led to a lot of conflicts.The pleasant morning of December 16, 1907, witnessed the world’s greatest voyage from Hampton Roads, Virginia, which was going on a global journey. The fleet that started in Hampton Roads consisted of 16 battleships accompanied by six destroyers and six auxiliary vessels and carried 14000 sailors. The supply ship was also carried along. The ship was painted white and hence the name, the Great White Fleet. This is the reason the Hampton roads still remain a special place for all till now.President Roosevelt was watching the process, and he kept a record of all the minute details of the happenings which took place during the journey. Roosevelt had been fascinated by warships since childhood. The Great White Fleet was an important event in the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. Although he left his presidency before the completion of the journey in 1909, the successful return of the Great White Fleet added sparkle to Roosevelt’s presidential career.Cost And Construction Of The Great White FleetThe planning of such a large voyage required the assessment of talented and exceptional leaders and also of the U.S. Navy facilities on the West Coast as well as across the Pacific.The white fleet consisted of 16 battleships divided into two squadrons along with various small escorts. The squadrons were managed by 14,000 sailors, which covered 8,000 kilometers and made 20 port calls on six continents.The fleet was an impressive demonstration of America’s naval power. During the first leg of the journey, the battleships were accompanied by six early destroyers as well as by several auxiliary ships. Can you imagine the cost of this great fleet? Well, the fleet cost $96,606,000. It’s an unimaginable amount, right?The great journey captured the attention of the world. Such a great and powerful initiative is no less than a dream for an ordinary individual.Did You Know…The Great White Fleet was a battle fleet of the United States Navy that completed a world tour by order of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.The fleet consisted of 16 battleships, divided into two squadrons, along with various escorts. Japan had mixed reactions to the Great White Fleet. Some were impressed by the show of power, while others questioned America’s motives. The Japanese navy, meanwhile, was in the midst of a rapid modernization campaign, as Japan sought to build up its military in the years before the First World War.The two fleets met for the first time on May 28, 1908, in the Battle of Tsushima Strait. The Japanese fleet destroyed the Russian fleet, which was already weakened by the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. Great White Fleet Captain Frank had a message for the Japanese that America was not afraid to fight. Admiral Evans with his naval personnel was making naval history with his battle fleet action on the world cruise across the west coast, establishing major sea power.The Fleet’s station ship was a dream. Rear Admiral Charles S. Sperry had a vision for the Great White Fleet, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Rear Admiral Charles wanted to create a naval force that would be so impressive, no other country would dare challenge the United States.While they were on their voyage, the Spanish American War happened. This war was fought between Spain and America over Cuba. America won this war and gained control of Cuba.The Great White Fleet didn’t just travel for the Spanish American War though. They sailed from Virginia to San Francisco and then they went west around the world. As the fleet sailed, they stopped in many countries such as Japan, China, the Philippines, and Australia.The Atlantic Fleet has been assigned a number of roles throughout its history. It was originally established as a strategic defensive force against German aggression during Second World War in order to protect American ships from attack by enemy submarines.The USS Alabama and USS Wisconsin were two of the most famous ships in the U.S. Navy’s Great White Fleet, which traveled around the world making stops in different ports to demonstrate America’s naval might and help improve diplomatic relations with other countries.The USS Olympia was not part of the Great White Fleet. It was a cruiser that was based in San Francisco. The fleet sailed from there to Japan.The Great White Fleet’s world tour was a major show of force by the United States, and it helped to cement America’s status as a leading power in the Pacific. The Pacific fleet and the Atlantic fleet sailed through the world, establishing American sea power. The Fleet’s cruise, fleet deployment, fleet auxiliaries by President Roosevelt is an inspiration to modern warships and a significant contribution to naval history.Hampton Roads was a key stop on the tour, and there was a large celebration held there to commemorate the occasion. Thanks to the Great White Fleet, America emerged as a global superpower in the early 20th century. So if you’re ever in Hampton Roads, be sure to visit the Naval Museum and learn more about this momentous event in American history!