USS America went to France, several planned vessels disappeared, and only nine of twenty-eight started American ships of the line were completed for US service. The abortive Columbus and later programs show how often authorization and framing failed to produce commissioned warships. Comparing that record with Venice turns the absence into a policy signal: a much smaller city-state could operate ships of the line while the wealthier United States did not. A modest balanced force of ships of the line, heavy frigates, and ordinary cruisers would have represented American wealth and intent more accurately. Such a fleet could keep part of its strength in ordinary while maintaining an active squadron. Pennsylvania's 130 guns and the quality of the Independence class demonstrate that technical capability was not the limiting factor.
Chapter · 34:04-41:27
America repeatedly starts but rarely completes battle fleets
Continental, Columbus, Independence, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and later programs reveal a persistent gap between American ambition and completed ships.