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The development of American naval logistics, 1794-1842
Abstract
When Congress authorized construction of first ships of the United States Navy in 1794, it committed the nation to build not only warships, but a logistical system for constructing, outfitting, and supporting its vessels. In 1794 the United States was a maritime but not a naval power. It depended on imported military and naval stores and lacked an appreciation for the cost and requirements of a naval infrastructure. The development of American naval logistics encompassed the Navy's struggle to overcome these deficiencies as it pursued its mission defending the nation and protecting commerce abroad. Originally part of the War Department, the Navy gained its independent status when the demands of mobilizing for the Quasi-War with France (1798-1801) overtaxed its parent organization. Benjamin Stoddert, the first Secretary of the Navy, created a small efficient Navy, but also laid plans for the gradual increase of the Navy, not just in terms of warships, but the development of an extensive shore establishment of navy yards and drydocks as well as the promotion of naval industries. His plans became a basic framework that slowly became a reality by the 1830s. Stoddert also lay the foundation for supporting American naval forces on foreign stations. The system of foreign agents and chartered supply vessels served its forces well through the Tripolitan War (1801-1805) and the deployment of forces on distant stations around the world following the War of 1812. As the Navy grew it changed its organization and administration to better meet its needs. Stoddert managed his department with a small staff of clerks, accountants, and a system of agents in major ports, an organization that continued until the heavy demands of the War of 1812 swamped its administration. In the war's aftermath Congress created a Board of Commissioners, composed of senior naval officers, who aided the Secretary in administering the logistical network until Navy's expanding responsibilities brought about a further reorganization in 1842.
Subject Area
American history
Recommended Citation
Adamiak, Stanley James, "The development of American naval logistics, 1794-1842" (1994). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9510989.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9510989