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SS Leviathan: America’s Failed Superliner

Big Old Boats・14 minutes read

In 1922, naval architect William Francis Gibbs was tasked with refurbishing the German SS Vaterland, the second largest ship in the world, as part of the German Empire's desire to outclass British liners and advance naval building, leading to World War I. The USS Leviathan, formerly the SS Vaterland, faced challenges post-World War I, including the impact of Prohibition laws, lack of running mates matching its size and speed, financial difficulties, and eventually being sold for scrap in 1937.

Insights

  • The SS Vaterland, later USS Leviathan, played a crucial role in World War I, transporting troops and showcasing its size and speed advantages, highlighting its significance beyond luxury passenger travel.
  • The Leviathan faced challenges post-World War I due to changing immigration laws, prohibition, and lack of running mates matching its size and speed, ultimately leading to financial difficulties, debt accumulation, and its eventual sale for scrap in 1937, marking a significant failure in the American maritime industry.

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  • What was the largest ship in 1914?

    SS Vaterland

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Summary

00:00

"SS Vaterland: Largest Ship, WWI, USS Leviathan"

  • In 1922, naval architect William Francis Gibbs was tasked with refurbishing the German SS Vaterland, the second largest ship in the world.
  • The German Empire's desire to outclass British liners led to the rapid advancement in naval building, sparking competition and tension that eventually contributed to World War I.
  • Albert Ballin, head of the Hamburg America Line, aimed to create a trio of liners for a weekly Atlantic express service, resulting in the SS Imperator and later the SS Vaterland.
  • The SS Vaterland, at 53,500 tons, was the largest ship globally, featuring lavish interiors designed by Charles Mewes and innovative funnel casings for spacious public rooms.
  • The SS Vaterland's grand features included a Ritz-Carlton restaurant, a grand swimming pool, and two massive Kaiser suites, offering luxury surpassing British liners.
  • The ship's safety measures included a spotlight for iceberg detection, 83 lifeboats, and attention to third-class accommodations to enhance passenger experience.
  • The SS Vaterland's maiden voyage in 1914 marked the pinnacle of the North Atlantic building race but was cut short by World War I, leading to its layup in Hoboken, New Jersey.
  • The ship's seizure by the United States during the war, renaming to USS Leviathan, and conversion to a troop ship highlighted its crucial role in transporting troops during the conflict.
  • USS Leviathan's significant contributions to the war effort included transporting 120,000 troops to Europe and repatriating soldiers post-armistice, showcasing its size and speed advantages.
  • After the war, USS Leviathan underwent conversions back to a passenger liner, operated by United States Lines, and commenced service in 1923, facing challenges due to changing immigration laws and prohibition.

15:10

"Leviathan: Dry Ship, Financial Struggles, Demise"

  • In 1920, the United States passed an act declaring registered U.S. ships as U.S. territory, prohibiting alcohol on board, making them "dry ships." This decision put the Leviathan at a disadvantage in the transatlantic market, as it was seen as less fun compared to British-operated ships that served alcohol and were known for being party ships.
  • The Leviathan struggled due to its lack of running mates matching its size and speed, only offering a monthly transatlantic service while competitors like Cunard Line and White Star Line had weekly express services to New York. The United States Lines faced financial difficulties and accumulated debt throughout the 1920s, leading to the sale and restructuring of the company.
  • Despite early promise, the Leviathan never turned a profit for its owners and was eventually sold for scrap in 1937. The liner, carrying 250,000 passengers under the United States Lines, was seen as a failure, delaying the creation of a new American super liner until after World War II. William Francis Gibbs, the designer, was praised for his work, but circumstances and competition with British liners led to the demise of the Leviathan.
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