David Richardson
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199290673
- eISBN:
- 9780191700569
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199290673.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, World Modern History
This chapter focuses on the movement of Africans to America on British slave ships. The exact number of British ships that participated in the slave trade will probably never be known, but in the 245 ...
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This chapter focuses on the movement of Africans to America on British slave ships. The exact number of British ships that participated in the slave trade will probably never be known, but in the 245 years separating the first known English slaving voyage to Africa in 1562 and the abolition of the British slave trade in 1807, merchants in Britain despatched about 10,000 voyages to Africa for slaves, with merchants in other parts of the British empire perhaps fitting out a further 1,150 voyages. Altogether, the ships involved in these British and British empire voyages were responsible for carrying possibly 3.4 million or more enslaved Africans to the Americas, or one in three or four of all enslaved Africans entering the Atlantic slave trade during its history.Less
This chapter focuses on the movement of Africans to America on British slave ships. The exact number of British ships that participated in the slave trade will probably never be known, but in the 245 years separating the first known English slaving voyage to Africa in 1562 and the abolition of the British slave trade in 1807, merchants in Britain despatched about 10,000 voyages to Africa for slaves, with merchants in other parts of the British empire perhaps fitting out a further 1,150 voyages. Altogether, the ships involved in these British and British empire voyages were responsible for carrying possibly 3.4 million or more enslaved Africans to the Americas, or one in three or four of all enslaved Africans entering the Atlantic slave trade during its history.
S.G. Sturmey
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780986497322
- eISBN:
- 9781786944528
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497322.003.0004
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter examines British shipping in the interwar period, with the intent of understanding why tonnage levels had dropped to 5.1 million tons below the pre-war growth rate by 1939. It examines ...
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This chapter examines British shipping in the interwar period, with the intent of understanding why tonnage levels had dropped to 5.1 million tons below the pre-war growth rate by 1939. It examines trend projections; trade, freights, and tonnage data; fuel trades; and the advent of motor ship technology to make an economic analysis, before comparing and contrasting Britain with contemporary Norwegian and German shipping to provide an international context. The conclusion states that the interwar period was difficult for British shipowners due to factors outside of their control, such as the decline of the British coal trade, the protection of British labour, and an over-tonnaged world market.Less
This chapter examines British shipping in the interwar period, with the intent of understanding why tonnage levels had dropped to 5.1 million tons below the pre-war growth rate by 1939. It examines trend projections; trade, freights, and tonnage data; fuel trades; and the advent of motor ship technology to make an economic analysis, before comparing and contrasting Britain with contemporary Norwegian and German shipping to provide an international context. The conclusion states that the interwar period was difficult for British shipowners due to factors outside of their control, such as the decline of the British coal trade, the protection of British labour, and an over-tonnaged world market.
S.G. Sturmey
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780986497322
- eISBN:
- 9781786944528
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497322.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter provides a history of the pre-1914 period in British shipping. It determines and summarises the four factors that led to British domination of the ocean as the extent of their colonial ...
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This chapter provides a history of the pre-1914 period in British shipping. It determines and summarises the four factors that led to British domination of the ocean as the extent of their colonial activity; the speed of industrialisation; population growth; and the advantages of establishing trade routes, posts, and ports earlier than other nations. It then explores the extent of the British dominance in relation to the rest of the world; world trade in relation to British trade; national shipping policies; navigation laws; and the response of the rest of the world to the Navigation Acts. It concludes that Britain retained dominance in this period but saw an increase in world competition, particularly from Germany and Japan, and that British trade grew at a slower pace than world trade, which meant shipowners needed to keep their vessels larger and faster than those of upcoming rivals.Less
This chapter provides a history of the pre-1914 period in British shipping. It determines and summarises the four factors that led to British domination of the ocean as the extent of their colonial activity; the speed of industrialisation; population growth; and the advantages of establishing trade routes, posts, and ports earlier than other nations. It then explores the extent of the British dominance in relation to the rest of the world; world trade in relation to British trade; national shipping policies; navigation laws; and the response of the rest of the world to the Navigation Acts. It concludes that Britain retained dominance in this period but saw an increase in world competition, particularly from Germany and Japan, and that British trade grew at a slower pace than world trade, which meant shipowners needed to keep their vessels larger and faster than those of upcoming rivals.
S.G. Sturmey
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780986497322
- eISBN:
- 9781786944528
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497322.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter presents the effects of the First World War on the future of the British shipping industry. It examines shipping tonnage statistics to demonstrates Britain’s loss of three million tons ...
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This chapter presents the effects of the First World War on the future of the British shipping industry. It examines shipping tonnage statistics to demonstrates Britain’s loss of three million tons and in contrast, the worldwide tonnage increase of seven million tons. It is presented in two halves: the first provides overviews of the tonnage profit between 1914 and 1920 in America, Japan, France, and Italy, and the tonnage of neutral countries and British enemies; detailed shipping losses and the financial effects on British shipping; plus tramp and liner statistics, tax rates, freight rates, the lack of equalisation schemes, and the loss of entrepôt trade. The second half examines the British postwar reconstruction effort, and calculates the value of the four major sources of tonnage available: British ships built during the war; ceded German ships; purchases from foreign owners; and new builds. It concludes that Britain sought to return to a prewar perceived sense of normalcy in shipping, despite irrevocable changes in worldwide shipping such as the rise of the American fleet.Less
This chapter presents the effects of the First World War on the future of the British shipping industry. It examines shipping tonnage statistics to demonstrates Britain’s loss of three million tons and in contrast, the worldwide tonnage increase of seven million tons. It is presented in two halves: the first provides overviews of the tonnage profit between 1914 and 1920 in America, Japan, France, and Italy, and the tonnage of neutral countries and British enemies; detailed shipping losses and the financial effects on British shipping; plus tramp and liner statistics, tax rates, freight rates, the lack of equalisation schemes, and the loss of entrepôt trade. The second half examines the British postwar reconstruction effort, and calculates the value of the four major sources of tonnage available: British ships built during the war; ceded German ships; purchases from foreign owners; and new builds. It concludes that Britain sought to return to a prewar perceived sense of normalcy in shipping, despite irrevocable changes in worldwide shipping such as the rise of the American fleet.
Colin Pengelly
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780813033136
- eISBN:
- 9780813038780
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Florida
- DOI:
- 10.5744/florida/9780813033136.003.0008
- Subject:
- History, Military History
This chapter examines the role of Samuel Hood in the Battle of the Chesapeake. It discusses the poor condition of the British ships, British forces search for the French and their decision to station ...
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This chapter examines the role of Samuel Hood in the Battle of the Chesapeake. It discusses the poor condition of the British ships, British forces search for the French and their decision to station in New York. It also highlights the misinformation received by the British Royal Navy about the plans of the French. The British sighting of French ships was recorded on September 5, 1781.Less
This chapter examines the role of Samuel Hood in the Battle of the Chesapeake. It discusses the poor condition of the British ships, British forces search for the French and their decision to station in New York. It also highlights the misinformation received by the British Royal Navy about the plans of the French. The British sighting of French ships was recorded on September 5, 1781.
Audra A. Diptee
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780813034829
- eISBN:
- 9780813038414
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Florida
- DOI:
- 10.5744/florida/9780813034829.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, African-American History
In this chapter, it is suggested that, at least for the period under study, Jamaican purchasers did not make the buying of adult males their top priority when purchasing captives. Nor was their ...
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In this chapter, it is suggested that, at least for the period under study, Jamaican purchasers did not make the buying of adult males their top priority when purchasing captives. Nor was their greatest demand necessarily for women and/or children. Ultimately, it was the health and condition of captives that had the largest influence on trading prices and patterns. British ship captains understood that Jamaican planters had the greatest demand for healthy African captives, and for this reason the age and sex of the enslaved they purchased was a secondary concern. There were various factors had the potential to undermine the profitability of a slaving voyage. Furthermore, few if any pragmatic-minded British traders would deliberately delay their ships on the African coast for the express purpose of purchasing the “assortment” of captives requested by buyers on the other side of the Atlantic.Less
In this chapter, it is suggested that, at least for the period under study, Jamaican purchasers did not make the buying of adult males their top priority when purchasing captives. Nor was their greatest demand necessarily for women and/or children. Ultimately, it was the health and condition of captives that had the largest influence on trading prices and patterns. British ship captains understood that Jamaican planters had the greatest demand for healthy African captives, and for this reason the age and sex of the enslaved they purchased was a secondary concern. There were various factors had the potential to undermine the profitability of a slaving voyage. Furthermore, few if any pragmatic-minded British traders would deliberately delay their ships on the African coast for the express purpose of purchasing the “assortment” of captives requested by buyers on the other side of the Atlantic.
John Armstrong
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780986497308
- eISBN:
- 9781786944542
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497308.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This book collects seventeen previously published essays by John Armstrong concerning the British coastal trade. Armstrong is a leading maritime historian and the essays provided here offer a ...
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This book collects seventeen previously published essays by John Armstrong concerning the British coastal trade. Armstrong is a leading maritime historian and the essays provided here offer a thorough exploration of the British coastal trade, his specialisation, during the period of industrialisation and technological development that would lead to modern shipping. The purpose is to demonstrate the whether or not the coastal trade was the main carrier of internal trade and a pioneer of the technical developments that modernised the shipping industry. Each essay makes an original contribution to the field and covers a broad range of topics, including the fluctuating importance of the coastal trade and size of the coastal fleet over time; the relationship between coastal shipping, canals, and railways; a comparison between the coastal liner and coastal tramp trade; the significance of the river Thames in enabling trade; coastal trade economics; maritime freight rates; the early twentieth century shipping depression; competition between coastal liner companies; and a detailed study of the role of the government in coastal shipping. The book also contains case studies of the London coal trade; coastal trade through the River Dee port; and the Liverpool-Hull trade route. It contains a foreword, introduction, and bibliography of Armstrong’s writings. There is no overall conclusion, except the assertion that coastal shipping plays a tremendous role in British maritime history, and a call for further
research into the field.Less
This book collects seventeen previously published essays by John Armstrong concerning the British coastal trade. Armstrong is a leading maritime historian and the essays provided here offer a thorough exploration of the British coastal trade, his specialisation, during the period of industrialisation and technological development that would lead to modern shipping. The purpose is to demonstrate the whether or not the coastal trade was the main carrier of internal trade and a pioneer of the technical developments that modernised the shipping industry. Each essay makes an original contribution to the field and covers a broad range of topics, including the fluctuating importance of the coastal trade and size of the coastal fleet over time; the relationship between coastal shipping, canals, and railways; a comparison between the coastal liner and coastal tramp trade; the significance of the river Thames in enabling trade; coastal trade economics; maritime freight rates; the early twentieth century shipping depression; competition between coastal liner companies; and a detailed study of the role of the government in coastal shipping. The book also contains case studies of the London coal trade; coastal trade through the River Dee port; and the Liverpool-Hull trade route. It contains a foreword, introduction, and bibliography of Armstrong’s writings. There is no overall conclusion, except the assertion that coastal shipping plays a tremendous role in British maritime history, and a call for further
research into the field.
S.G. Sturmey
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780986497322
- eISBN:
- 9781786944528
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497322.003.0010
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter explores the economics of British shipping enterprises in relation to the necessary factors for economic expansion. It examines the economics of different ship types - cargo liners, ...
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This chapter explores the economics of British shipping enterprises in relation to the necessary factors for economic expansion. It examines the economics of different ship types - cargo liners, passenger liners, tramps, and tankers - their cost structures; profitability; vessel technology; and ability to attract and retain both capital and labour. It concludes with predictions for post-1960 shipping economics, and suggests that smaller companies would be more likely to suffer from stunted fleet growth than larger, established companies.Less
This chapter explores the economics of British shipping enterprises in relation to the necessary factors for economic expansion. It examines the economics of different ship types - cargo liners, passenger liners, tramps, and tankers - their cost structures; profitability; vessel technology; and ability to attract and retain both capital and labour. It concludes with predictions for post-1960 shipping economics, and suggests that smaller companies would be more likely to suffer from stunted fleet growth than larger, established companies.
S.G. Sturmey
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780986497322
- eISBN:
- 9781786944528
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497322.003.0014
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter provides a thorough account of the structure of the British shipping industry as it stood in 1960. It examines fleet ownership and provides a detailed summary of the eight liner ...
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This chapter provides a thorough account of the structure of the British shipping industry as it stood in 1960. It examines fleet ownership and provides a detailed summary of the eight liner companies that owned eighty percent of British liner tonnage at the time, and both the causes and consequences of this structure. The companies detailed, in order of size, are as follows: Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O); Furness Withy; Blue Funnel Group (containing the Blue Funnel and Elder Dempster lines); Cunard; British and Commonwealth; Ellerman; Vestey; and Inverforth. It concludes with the author’s prediction that in order to improve the industry, large companies must accept the turbulent industry environment and learn to navigate it flexibly to attain future growth.Less
This chapter provides a thorough account of the structure of the British shipping industry as it stood in 1960. It examines fleet ownership and provides a detailed summary of the eight liner companies that owned eighty percent of British liner tonnage at the time, and both the causes and consequences of this structure. The companies detailed, in order of size, are as follows: Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O); Furness Withy; Blue Funnel Group (containing the Blue Funnel and Elder Dempster lines); Cunard; British and Commonwealth; Ellerman; Vestey; and Inverforth. It concludes with the author’s prediction that in order to improve the industry, large companies must accept the turbulent industry environment and learn to navigate it flexibly to attain future growth.
S.G. Sturmey
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780986497322
- eISBN:
- 9781786944528
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497322.003.0015
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This final chapter returns to the original question laid out at the start of the volume: why the tonnage of British ships declined by an enormous amount between 1900 and 1960. It brings together the ...
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This final chapter returns to the original question laid out at the start of the volume: why the tonnage of British ships declined by an enormous amount between 1900 and 1960. It brings together the findings of the volume to provide a definitive conclusion. It reiterates the changes in economic factors; interferences with the competitive process; trade factors; war; taxation; policy-making; growth rates; and growth constraints, concluding that overall, the decline of the industry was primarily due to internal decision-making rather than external factors. Upon publication, this conclusion drew ire and scrutiny, but Sturmey’s arguments have generally stood the test of time.Less
This final chapter returns to the original question laid out at the start of the volume: why the tonnage of British ships declined by an enormous amount between 1900 and 1960. It brings together the findings of the volume to provide a definitive conclusion. It reiterates the changes in economic factors; interferences with the competitive process; trade factors; war; taxation; policy-making; growth rates; and growth constraints, concluding that overall, the decline of the industry was primarily due to internal decision-making rather than external factors. Upon publication, this conclusion drew ire and scrutiny, but Sturmey’s arguments have generally stood the test of time.
David Syrett
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780859897860
- eISBN:
- 9781781380710
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780859897860.0001.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
The Seven Years' War was the most successful in British history, with naval supremacy triumphantly asserted over France and Spain, and a vast new overseas empire conquered. This is the story of the ...
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The Seven Years' War was the most successful in British history, with naval supremacy triumphantly asserted over France and Spain, and a vast new overseas empire conquered. This is the story of the British shipping that carried, supplied, and sustained the British expeditions that shattered French and Spanish imperial power in America. Solidly based on primary sources, the book shows that the tide of victories would have been impossible without a sophisticated and highly effective logistical support operation which got the troops, provisions, and munitions to where they were needed and then maintained British armed forces in and off the coasts of Europe and throughout the world.Less
The Seven Years' War was the most successful in British history, with naval supremacy triumphantly asserted over France and Spain, and a vast new overseas empire conquered. This is the story of the British shipping that carried, supplied, and sustained the British expeditions that shattered French and Spanish imperial power in America. Solidly based on primary sources, the book shows that the tide of victories would have been impossible without a sophisticated and highly effective logistical support operation which got the troops, provisions, and munitions to where they were needed and then maintained British armed forces in and off the coasts of Europe and throughout the world.
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9781846312007
- eISBN:
- 9781846315138
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9781846312007.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History
This chapter explores the inter-locking causes of the seaport riots. These included the high level of post-war unemployment in the merchant navy and the tension caused in overcrowded ports by the ...
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This chapter explores the inter-locking causes of the seaport riots. These included the high level of post-war unemployment in the merchant navy and the tension caused in overcrowded ports by the arrival of increased numbers of black people to work and settle. The social dislocation produced by the end of the war and the problems created by four and half years of conflict are also evaluated. In 1919, rioting in the ports constituted a wider part of dissent and violence among sections of the working class left disenchanted by their peacetime prospects. The National Seamen's and Firemen's Union (NSFU) was the oldest and largest seamen's union and traditionally adopted an ambivalent stance to the presence of sailors from overseas on British ships. The compliant behaviour of the NSFU left many merchant sailors feeling powerless. Furthermore, colonial workers in France were involved in riots.Less
This chapter explores the inter-locking causes of the seaport riots. These included the high level of post-war unemployment in the merchant navy and the tension caused in overcrowded ports by the arrival of increased numbers of black people to work and settle. The social dislocation produced by the end of the war and the problems created by four and half years of conflict are also evaluated. In 1919, rioting in the ports constituted a wider part of dissent and violence among sections of the working class left disenchanted by their peacetime prospects. The National Seamen's and Firemen's Union (NSFU) was the oldest and largest seamen's union and traditionally adopted an ambivalent stance to the presence of sailors from overseas on British ships. The compliant behaviour of the NSFU left many merchant sailors feeling powerless. Furthermore, colonial workers in France were involved in riots.
S.G. Sturmey
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780986497322
- eISBN:
- 9781786944528
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497322.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter introduces the journal and its approach to the question of why the British shipping industry declined at tremendous rate between 1900 and 1960. It outlines the possible answers - the ...
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This chapter introduces the journal and its approach to the question of why the British shipping industry declined at tremendous rate between 1900 and 1960. It outlines the possible answers - the change in economy; international competition; factors outside of shipping; and internal decision-making - and how they will be addressed in subsequent chapters. It provides an overview of both British and international growth performances over the period, and defines the statistical parameters of the study - tonnage is measured in gross tonnage; British shipping is limited to ocean shipping and excludes coastal shipping.Less
This chapter introduces the journal and its approach to the question of why the British shipping industry declined at tremendous rate between 1900 and 1960. It outlines the possible answers - the change in economy; international competition; factors outside of shipping; and internal decision-making - and how they will be addressed in subsequent chapters. It provides an overview of both British and international growth performances over the period, and defines the statistical parameters of the study - tonnage is measured in gross tonnage; British shipping is limited to ocean shipping and excludes coastal shipping.
Robert G. Greenhill
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780968128848
- eISBN:
- 9781786944801
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780968128848.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter assesses the role of conference system from its formation through to 1914. During the nineteenth century a sharp and persistent increase in competition between shipowners over trade and ...
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This chapter assesses the role of conference system from its formation through to 1914. During the nineteenth century a sharp and persistent increase in competition between shipowners over trade and trade routes led to the need for conferences, with the intention of curbing rivalry and retaining customers. Robert G. Greenhill seeks to determine how successful these conferences were at meeting their goals, and finds that though results varied from location to location, overall the consensus amongst shipowners was that it was better for business to be involved in the conference system, rather than not be.Less
This chapter assesses the role of conference system from its formation through to 1914. During the nineteenth century a sharp and persistent increase in competition between shipowners over trade and trade routes led to the need for conferences, with the intention of curbing rivalry and retaining customers. Robert G. Greenhill seeks to determine how successful these conferences were at meeting their goals, and finds that though results varied from location to location, overall the consensus amongst shipowners was that it was better for business to be involved in the conference system, rather than not be.
Gordon Boyce
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780986497391
- eISBN:
- 9781786944450
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497391.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This book is an in-depth case study of the Furness Withy and Co Shipping Group, which operated both tramp and liner services and was one of the five major British shipping groups of the early ...
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This book is an in-depth case study of the Furness Withy and Co Shipping Group, which operated both tramp and liner services and was one of the five major British shipping groups of the early twentieth century. It demonstrates how British shipowners of this period generated success by exploring Christopher Furness’ career in relation to the social, political, and cultural currents during a time of tremendous shipping growth in Britain and the establishment of some of the largest shipping firms in the world. It approaches the study from three angles. The first analyses how the Furness Group expanded its shipping activities and became involved with the industrial sector. The second illustrates the organisational and financial structure of the enterprise. Finally, the Group’s leadership and entrepreneurship is scrutinised and placed within the wider context of twentieth century British business. The case study begins in 1870, with an introduction explaining how Christopher Furness came to join the family company, Thomas Furness and Co. in order develop services, expand, and instigate the changes and mergers that brought the Furness Group into existence. There are thirteen chronologically presented chapters, a bibliography, and seven appendices of data including an ownership timeline, tonnage statistics, acquisitions, a list of maritime associates, and a timeline of Christopher Furness’ life. The book concludes in 1919 with the de-merging of the Furness Group’s shipping and industrial holdings, the resignation of the Furness family from the company’s board, the sale of their shares, and the move into managing the firm’s industrial interests.Less
This book is an in-depth case study of the Furness Withy and Co Shipping Group, which operated both tramp and liner services and was one of the five major British shipping groups of the early twentieth century. It demonstrates how British shipowners of this period generated success by exploring Christopher Furness’ career in relation to the social, political, and cultural currents during a time of tremendous shipping growth in Britain and the establishment of some of the largest shipping firms in the world. It approaches the study from three angles. The first analyses how the Furness Group expanded its shipping activities and became involved with the industrial sector. The second illustrates the organisational and financial structure of the enterprise. Finally, the Group’s leadership and entrepreneurship is scrutinised and placed within the wider context of twentieth century British business. The case study begins in 1870, with an introduction explaining how Christopher Furness came to join the family company, Thomas Furness and Co. in order develop services, expand, and instigate the changes and mergers that brought the Furness Group into existence. There are thirteen chronologically presented chapters, a bibliography, and seven appendices of data including an ownership timeline, tonnage statistics, acquisitions, a list of maritime associates, and a timeline of Christopher Furness’ life. The book concludes in 1919 with the de-merging of the Furness Group’s shipping and industrial holdings, the resignation of the Furness family from the company’s board, the sale of their shares, and the move into managing the firm’s industrial interests.
Ayodeji Olukoju
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780986497315
- eISBN:
- 9781786944535
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497315.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This essay explores the lives of West African seamen stranded in Britain during the interwar years, the decline of the British shipping industry in the postwar colony, and the reluctance of colonial ...
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This essay explores the lives of West African seamen stranded in Britain during the interwar years, the decline of the British shipping industry in the postwar colony, and the reluctance of colonial and imperial governments to provide humanitarian aid to stranded man. It explores the factors that led to the prominence of African destitution in Britain, including employer preference for white British labour in maritime roles. It also explores the efforts of humanitarian pressure groups, the West African elite who responded to the crisis, plus instances of individual acts of aid. It analyses Nigerian colonial correspondence and West African and British newspapers to determine that the way in which colonial governments responded to a crisis had less to do with lack of resources and more to do with the personal proclivities of colonial administrators.Less
This essay explores the lives of West African seamen stranded in Britain during the interwar years, the decline of the British shipping industry in the postwar colony, and the reluctance of colonial and imperial governments to provide humanitarian aid to stranded man. It explores the factors that led to the prominence of African destitution in Britain, including employer preference for white British labour in maritime roles. It also explores the efforts of humanitarian pressure groups, the West African elite who responded to the crisis, plus instances of individual acts of aid. It analyses Nigerian colonial correspondence and West African and British newspapers to determine that the way in which colonial governments responded to a crisis had less to do with lack of resources and more to do with the personal proclivities of colonial administrators.
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9781846318184
- eISBN:
- 9781846317675
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/UPO9781846317675.014
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History
It has been demonstrated in this book that seafarers of the African Diaspora have served British interests from at least the reign of the Tudors up to the present day. The black seafarers in Britain ...
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It has been demonstrated in this book that seafarers of the African Diaspora have served British interests from at least the reign of the Tudors up to the present day. The black seafarers in Britain have served and have frequently performed their duties with bravery and stoicism as a ubiquitous and often apparently invisible presence on British ships. They have felt many difficulties in the course of their long history of British service. Together with the slave trade, the employment of seafarers of African descent undoubtedly brought about a far wider distribution of people of the African Diaspora. It can appear that black seamen on British ships were more than a mere a peripheral force within the British Royal and mercantile navies.Less
It has been demonstrated in this book that seafarers of the African Diaspora have served British interests from at least the reign of the Tudors up to the present day. The black seafarers in Britain have served and have frequently performed their duties with bravery and stoicism as a ubiquitous and often apparently invisible presence on British ships. They have felt many difficulties in the course of their long history of British service. Together with the slave trade, the employment of seafarers of African descent undoubtedly brought about a far wider distribution of people of the African Diaspora. It can appear that black seamen on British ships were more than a mere a peripheral force within the British Royal and mercantile navies.
Anthony Slaven and Hugh Murphy (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781927869017
- eISBN:
- 9781786944436
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9781927869017.003.0053
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
Interview with Reg Arnell, Board Member for Finance, British Shipbuilders Plc, 1977-1991. Details experience working with British Shipbuilders Plc.
Interview with Reg Arnell, Board Member for Finance, British Shipbuilders Plc, 1977-1991. Details experience working with British Shipbuilders Plc.
Yrjö Kaukiainen
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780973007374
- eISBN:
- 9781786944672
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780973007374.003.0011
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter foregrounds the international competition in shipping during the latter half of the nineteenth century and into the beginning of the twentieth century. It notes the impact that the ...
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This chapter foregrounds the international competition in shipping during the latter half of the nineteenth century and into the beginning of the twentieth century. It notes the impact that the developing timber trade had on shipping and offers an explanation for the low share of Finnish ships responsible for wood transportations. The chapter also provides a comparison of the difference in behaviour between Finnish and British owners and reports the decline of Britain’s shipping dominance after 1895.Less
This chapter foregrounds the international competition in shipping during the latter half of the nineteenth century and into the beginning of the twentieth century. It notes the impact that the developing timber trade had on shipping and offers an explanation for the low share of Finnish ships responsible for wood transportations. The chapter also provides a comparison of the difference in behaviour between Finnish and British owners and reports the decline of Britain’s shipping dominance after 1895.
Gordon Boyce
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780986497391
- eISBN:
- 9781786944450
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9780986497391.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, Maritime History
This chapter examines the growth of the Furness Group’s shipping services during the 1880s. It begins with an overview of British foreign trade between 1870 and 1901, citing population growth and ...
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This chapter examines the growth of the Furness Group’s shipping services during the 1880s. It begins with an overview of British foreign trade between 1870 and 1901, citing population growth and rising incomes as reasons for the huge rise in imports. It explores the advantages of British shipping over international competitors, which included the trebling of the merchant fleet, activity in the well-established Baltic trade, and the capacity for steamship construction. It then considers Christopher Furness’ shipping activity from the 1891 establishment of the Furness Group and onwards. By studying the changing composition of Furness’ accessible resources and the economic conditions facing the shipping industry, it determines the specific routes chosen out of the multiple options developing in the expanding global trade. It concludes in the 1890s and states that unlike other shipowning companies in the era, which had begun consolidating ownership but not at a tremendous rate, Furness commanded eighty-four percent of the Furness Group which gave him a debt-free platform and the capacity to support further growth in shipping operations.Less
This chapter examines the growth of the Furness Group’s shipping services during the 1880s. It begins with an overview of British foreign trade between 1870 and 1901, citing population growth and rising incomes as reasons for the huge rise in imports. It explores the advantages of British shipping over international competitors, which included the trebling of the merchant fleet, activity in the well-established Baltic trade, and the capacity for steamship construction. It then considers Christopher Furness’ shipping activity from the 1891 establishment of the Furness Group and onwards. By studying the changing composition of Furness’ accessible resources and the economic conditions facing the shipping industry, it determines the specific routes chosen out of the multiple options developing in the expanding global trade. It concludes in the 1890s and states that unlike other shipowning companies in the era, which had begun consolidating ownership but not at a tremendous rate, Furness commanded eighty-four percent of the Furness Group which gave him a debt-free platform and the capacity to support further growth in shipping operations.