Souvenir 36 Views Illustrative of the American Fleet's Visit to Australia, 1908

Publisher NSW Bookstall Company (Australian, 1879 - 1957)

Printer John Sands

Date1908

Object number00008340

NameBooklet

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 5 x 188 x 229 mm, 0.1 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis booklet of post cards features an image of the crossed national flags of Australia and America on its cover. It contains 36 cards depicting views of the American Great White Fleet world tour in 1908, with a focus on the visit to Australia in August. It was published by John Sands in Sydney and offers images of the crew, fleet, American President and Sydney.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 booklet is representative of the production of souvenirs to mark the visit of the American Great White Fleet to Australia in 1908. Postcards were one of the cheapest and most popular souvenir pieces available.