In 1800, the American inventor Robert Fulton built a 6.4-m (21-ft) submarine named the Nautilus, which was similar in shape to the modern submarine. Fulton introduced two important innovations: rudders for vertical and horizontal control and compressed air as an underwater supply of oxygen. When submerged, the Nautilus was powered by a hand-operated, four-blade propeller. On the surface the boat was propelled by means of sails attached to a folding mast.
Demonstrated in Rouen with Fulton aboard, the Nautilus folded its mast and sails flat on the deck and, with three crew members cranking a screw, dove to a depth of 7.6 m (25 ft). The French and later the British, however, showed no interest.
What if, however, the United States had heard about the Nautilus and began to pursue the technology? What I am interested in is not how this could happen, but how far submarine technology could be taken in 19th century America.
Demonstrated in Rouen with Fulton aboard, the Nautilus folded its mast and sails flat on the deck and, with three crew members cranking a screw, dove to a depth of 7.6 m (25 ft). The French and later the British, however, showed no interest.
What if, however, the United States had heard about the Nautilus and began to pursue the technology? What I am interested in is not how this could happen, but how far submarine technology could be taken in 19th century America.