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Great question. I believe the need for coaling stations was a driving force in Imperialism. Here's why. The US was converting its commercial fleet from sailing vessels to steam (coal fired) vessels at the end of the 19th Century (oil fired steam would come a few decades later.) Given that a ton of coal takes up 40 cubic feet and that one ton of coal would drive a steam vessel about 10 miles you can calculate the amount of coal it would take to get to Hawaii or Asia. If you assume that the average steam vessel was less than 300 feet in length with a beam of 50 feet and depth of forty feet you can estimate a percentage of space required for these trips. (don't forget to deduct space for crew quarters, the steam engines and other shipboard necessities) If you are a business person you also realize that if you can reduce this space for fuel to a bare minimum with lots of coaling stations, you can make much more profit for each trip. US imperialism was based on trade therefore we were highly motivated to increase profit for our China trade thus the need for more and more territory on which to locate coaling stations. Any other rationale for territorial expansion is nowhere near as compelling in my view.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoBecause they liked coal
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The US acquired island colonies mainly to serve as what?
Coaling Stations
Why did Hawaii's location make it attractive to Americans?
Hawaii was an ideal spot for coaling stations and navel bases for ships traveling to and from Asia.
The desire for new markets for manufacturing goods and coaling stations led the US to pursue a policy of?
Imperialism.
What were the main coaling stations for the Union's blockading ships during the US Civil War?
The main coaling and supply stations for Union ships participating in the blockade against the South were:1. Beaufort, North Carolina 2. Port Royal, South Carolina 3. Pensacola, FloridaThere were others, however, the three mentioned handled most of the Union's traffic.
Cuba was then called upon to sell or lease to the US lands to be used for coaling or naval stations-a proviso that led to an American naval base at?
Guantanamo Bay
Which best explains the reason for the changes in political boundaries across the pacific ocean shown on this map?
the desire for coaling stations along key trade routes.
Which best explains the reason for the changes in the political boundaries across the pacific ocean shown on this map?
the desire for coaling stations along key trade routes.
What are the release dates for S.S. 'Coptic' Coaling - 1898?
S.S. 'Coptic' Coaling - 1898 was released on: USA: June 1898
What are the release dates for Japanese Coaling a Man-of-War - 1904?
Japanese Coaling a Man-of-War - 1904 was released on: USA: 1904
What are the release dates for S-S- 'Coptic' Coaling - 1898?
S-S- 'Coptic' Coaling - 1898 was released on: USA: June 1898
An increase in American international commerce during the late nineteenth century necessitated what?
A stronger navy and coaling stations and colonies pg. 605 "The American People Creating A Nation & A Society" Volume Two Since 1865
What are the release dates for The Newest Method of Coaling Battleships at Sea - 1913?
The Newest Method of Coaling Battleships at Sea - 1913 was released on: USA: 26 February 1913
