ABSTRACT
America emerged from the triumphs of the Revolution with a moribund merchant marine, shattered trade ties, and few prospects for a major role upon the seas. The loss of British citizenship denied American vessels open entry into the British West Indies and the home islands, which had been the destination of most American deep-sea traders before 1775. The competitive advantages of American vessels which were so noticeable in the colonial period continued throughout the Federalist period. The nearly constant warfare which racked Europe between 1792 and 1815 offered American merchants, shipowners, and seamen fabulous opportunities and great uncertainties. The close of the War of 1812 loosed a wave of nationalism in the nation—a pride in Americanness that had not existed before the war. The inability of American iron foundries to produce heavy iron forgings and the high prices for the shapes they could produce also retarded the conversion to steam.
