The Great Dreadnought Race: Brazil, Argentina, and Chile's Quest for Naval Supremacy

During the early 20th century, the navies of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile engaged in a fierce rivalry to acquire the most powerful battleships, known as dreadnoughts. This 'Great Dreadnought Race' had a profound impact on the military balance of power in South America and beyond.

South American Battleships 1908–59: Brazil, Argentina, and Chile's great dreadnought race (New Vanguard Book 264)

by Mark Lardas

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18049 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	87 pages
Paperback	:	96 pages
Item Weight	:	10.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.5 x 0.25 x 9.25 inches

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The Birth of the Dreadnought

The dreadnought was a revolutionary type of battleship that emerged in 1906 with the launch of HMS Dreadnought by the Royal Navy. Dreadnoughts were characterized by their all-big-gun armament, which consisted of a uniform battery of heavy-caliber guns. This gave them a significant advantage over older battleships, which had a mixed armament of guns of various sizes.

The launch of HMS Dreadnought sparked a global arms race, as navies around the world rushed to build or acquire dreadnoughts of their own. Brazil, Argentina, and Chile were no exception.

The South American Dreadnought Race

The South American dreadnought race began in 1907, when Brazil Free Downloaded two dreadnoughts from the British shipyard Armstrong Whitworth. These ships, Minas Gerais and São Paulo, were the first dreadnoughts to be built in South America.

Argentina and Chile quickly followed suit. In 1909, Argentina Free Downloaded two dreadnoughts from the United States, Rivadavia and Moreno. Chile, not to be outdone, Free Downloaded two dreadnoughts from the United Kingdom, Almirante Latorre and Almirante Cochrane.

The construction of these dreadnoughts was a major undertaking for all three countries. They were the most expensive and technologically advanced warships ever built in South America. The dreadnoughts also required a significant investment in infrastructure, such as new docks and repair facilities.

The Impact of the Dreadnought Race

The Great Dreadnought Race had a profound impact on the military balance of power in South America. The acquisition of dreadnoughts gave Brazil, Argentina, and Chile a significant advantage over their neighbors. The dreadnoughts also gave these countries a greater voice in international affairs.

However, the dreadnought race also had a negative impact on the economies of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. The construction and maintenance of these ships was a major financial burden. The arms race also diverted resources away from other areas, such as education and healthcare.

The Legacy of the Great Dreadnought Race

The Great Dreadnought Race ended in 1914 with the outbreak of World War I. The war showed that dreadnoughts were not the invincible weapons that they had been thought to be. However, the dreadnoughts built during the South American dreadnought race continued to serve for many years after the war.

The legacy of the Great Dreadnought Race can still be seen today. The dreadnoughts built by Brazil, Argentina, and Chile are now museum ships. They serve as a reminder of the fierce rivalry that once existed between these countries and the impact that naval power had on the history of South America.

New Vanguard 264: Brazil, Argentina, and Chile: Great Dreadnought Race

Osprey Publishing's New Vanguard 264: Brazil, Argentina, and Chile: Great Dreadnought Race is the definitive account of this fascinating chapter in naval history. This book is packed with rare photographs, detailed illustrations, and expert analysis. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of South America, naval warfare, or the dreadnought era.

Free Download your copy of New Vanguard 264: Brazil, Argentina, and Chile: Great Dreadnought Race today!

South American Battleships 1908–59: Brazil, Argentina, and Chile's great dreadnought race (New Vanguard Book 264)

by Mark Lardas

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18049 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	87 pages
Paperback	:	96 pages
Item Weight	:	10.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.5 x 0.25 x 9.25 inches

FREE