Souvenir of the visit of the USA Great White Fleet to Australia in August 1908

Date1908

Object number00004060

NamePostcard

MediumPrinted ink on paper

DimensionsOverall: 85 x 136 mm

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis postcard was made to commemorate one of the biggest public events in Australia during the 20th century, the arrival of the United States Great White Fleet to in August 1908. The hand coloured card depicts two decorative coins with images of the Australian flag, kangaroo, American flag and an eagle.HistoryIn 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 postcard is representative of the production of postcards as souvenirs to mark the visit of the American Great White Fleet in 1908. The depiction of Australian and American motifs symbolises the developing alliance and relationship between the two countries at the time.