Australian and United States flags

Date1908

Object number00004940

NameHatpin

MediumMetal

DimensionsOverall: 30 mm

ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionHat-pin commemorating the visit of the Great White Fleet to Australia in 1908. The pin features the United States flag and the Australian red ensign on a gold background. The date '1908' appears above the crossed flags.HistoryVast arrays of souvenirs were produced for a population caught up in the euphoria generated by the Great White Fleet's world tour in 1908. Badges, medallions, pins, postcards and photographs all reflected the enthusiasm surrounding a potential new and powerful ally. The postcards typically represent America and Australia as cooperative partners and commonly depict national motifs including flags, emblems and banners. In 1907 American President Roosevelt ordered the Atlantic Battle Fleet of the US Navy on an ambitious voyage around the world. In December 1907 led by the flagship CONNECTICUT, the Atlantic Fleet consisted of 16 battleships painted white as all US Navy ships were in times of peace. The ships sailed in four divisions of four ships each and visited six continents, 26 countries and 32 ports. It carried 614 officers, 13,504 other crew and consumed 435,000 tons of coal, more than any other naval expedition. It was the largest fleet to ever accomplish a circumnavigation. Led by the flagship, USS CONNECTICUT, the Great White Fleet as it became known, consisted of 16 battleships painted white, as was the practice of all US Navy ships in times of peace. The ships sailed in four divisions of four ships each. Early in the voyage the order of the ships was altered to allow the best-looking vessels to be at the front of the fleet. The cruise incorporated six continents, 26 countries and 32 ports with 614 officers and 13,504 crew. It consumed 435,000 tons of coal, more than any other naval expedition and was the largest fleet to ever accomplish a circumnavigation of the globe.SignificanceThis pin represents the memorabilia created to celebrate the peace time world tour of the Great White Fleet in 1908 to countries including Australia.