Five Decades with No Whaling: 1770-1820
The mighty British Navy showed New Englanders what life without whaling was like. During the American Revolution, British ships intercepted and seized all whaling cargo on board. Sailors were confined to their harbors. In a similar fashion, during the War of 1812, the British Navy completely blockaded the Eastern Seaboard, sealing off whaling routes and crippling New England's economy.
"During three and a half years I remained at my native place, could do little.Our coast and harbors were blockaded, and we, at Nantucket, lay at the mercy of our friends and enemies." ~ Captain Edmund Gardner, on the War of 1812 - Some whalers decided to take matters in their own hands - They attempted to do small acts of piracy that would repel the British - New England based whaling clippers acted as privateers on the open seas, hassling the British with every military manuever tried. - New Englanders were forced to live without whale meat, blubber, or oil for years at a time. - Alternatives to the items were found, and whaling lost some interest. - The decade after the War of 1812 featured little whaling as well, as Captains and New England based companies were scrambling to find suitable crew members. |
THE CIVIL WAR: A MAJOR BLOW TO WHALING FLEETS
The Civil War was the first in a series of major blows to the New England whaling industry. The demand for whale products decreased and the journey just to get to the whaling grounds became even longer and harder than it already was.
Union Navy Blockade made southern sailors rebellious. Blockade runners: Shenandoah Alabama Advance Steamed quickly and stealthily past Union ships. Captured whaling vessels-- privateer or actual whaler. Did anything to mess with whalers. Torched or sank at least 50 whaling vessels before wars end. Whalers became scared: Owners sold ships Sailors learned new trades Very few people remained in the whaling industry |