Our merchant marine, the Rip Van Winkle of the sea

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Our merchant marine, the Rip Van Winkle of the sea

Our merchant marine, the Rip Van Winkle of the sea. Illustration shows Rip Van Winkle, his beard long and his clothes tattered, asleep near an abandoned ship building yard, an overturned jug labeled High Protective Tariff at his side and a sign behind him that states Prohibitive Cost of Construction; probably refers to the high cost of American products due to protective tariffs against the importation of less expensive foreign products. Date 1911 November 15. Our merchant marine, the Rip Van Winkle of the sea. Illustration shows Rip Van Winkle, his beard long and his clothes tattered, asleep near an abandoned ship building yard, an overturned jug labeled High Protective Tariff at his side and a sign behind him that states Prohibitive Cost of Construction; probably refers to the high cost of American products due to protective tariffs against the importation of less expensive foreign products. Date 1911 November 15

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Media ID 7346428

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Merchant Puck Winkle

EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating political cartoon published in Puck Magazine on November 15, 1911. The illustration depicts Rip Van Winkle, a legendary figure from Washington Irving's tales, fast asleep near an abandoned shipbuilding yard. His long beard and tattered clothes add to the image of neglect and disrepair. An overturned jug labeled "High Protective Tariff" lies beside him, and a sign behind him reads "Prohibitive Cost of Construction." This powerful image is a commentary on the state of America's merchant marine industry during this era. The high protective tariffs imposed on imported goods were intended to protect American industries and jobs. However, they also made American products more expensive, making it difficult for American shipbuilders to compete with their foreign counterparts. As a result, the American merchant marine industry fell into disrepair, with many shipyards closing and ships going unused. Rip Van Winkle, a symbol of sleep and neglect, represents the state of the American merchant marine industry. The overturned jug of tariff, a common symbol of protectionism, highlights the role that government policy played in the industry's decline. The sign "Prohibitive Cost of Construction" underscores the high costs that American shipbuilders faced, making it difficult for them to build and maintain competitive ships. This cartoon serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between government policy and industry. While protective tariffs were intended to protect American jobs and industries, they ultimately led to the neglect and decline of the American merchant marine industry. The image of Rip Van Winkle, asleep near the abandoned shipyard, is a poignant reminder of the cost of inaction and the importance of balancing protectionism with competitiveness.

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