The Battle of the Ironclads, Part 4: Building the Monitor

Tags: U.S. History, War and Foreign Policy

01/23/2019 Chris Calton

Season 3, Episode 41

John Ericsson’s design for the Monitor was only a skeleton when he was awarded the contract to have it built. In a race to match the feared Merrimack, Ericsson had to quickly construct a working, combat-ready iron ship that would receive its first test in combat. If the ship proved a failure, Ericsson would be forced by the US government to pay back every penny invested in the experimental ship – which most people expected to sink like a rock. This episode details the incredible process of constructing this technological marvel.

Chris Calton recounts the controversial history of the Civil War. You may support this podcast financially at Mises.org/SupportHC. Subscribe today at Spotify, Google Play, iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or via RSS.

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