Commercial expansion was expected to earn revenue that would help sustain the enlarged American fleet. Mercogliano attributes the disappointing results partly to management and operating costs. British operators could recruit lower-cost crews from across the empire, while an American proposal to employ Filipino seafarers failed to develop. The comparison connects maritime ambition to the labour arrangements and recurring expenses of running ships.
Notable Point · 41:14-42:32
Crew costs weakened America's postwar merchant expansion
A larger merchant fleet needed competitive operating costs and profitable routes to survive after government support declined.