The American squadron that forced open Japan included paddle steamers such as USS Mississippi. For a navy with limited overseas support infrastructure, a familiar and maintainable propulsion system offered real value. Paddle machinery was then better understood and more trusted for long-range work than the newer screw system. The balance shifted quickly: paddles were a proven long-range system in the early 1850s, shortly before screw propulsion transformed major warship design.
Notable Point · 51:06-55:51
USS Mississippi and the opening of Japan
USS Mississippi illustrates why mature paddle machinery remained attractive for long-range diplomacy before screw systems became dominant.