BBC - Clydebuilt The Ships that Made the Commonwealth (2013) Part 3 Robert E. Lee

warships and cargo ships. David Hayman explores the stories of four ships, built on the river Clyde that helped forge links with countries throughout the Commonwealth of Nations. From iconic ships such as Cutty Sark and HMS Hood to the lesser-known CS Mackay-Bennett, a ship that laid the foundations of a Victorian communications revolution and played a crucial role in the world's worst maritime disaster. Also, David investigates the story of a paddle steamer called Robert E. Lee, and the controversial role Glasgow shipbuilders and captains played in the American Civil War. This four-part series travels the world to tell the fascinating story of ships built during the golden age of ship-building at Clydebank, Glasgow – a time when “Clydebuilt” was synonymous with “world class”.

Part 3 Robert E. Lee

The story of the Robert E. Lee, one of the most famous Clydebuilt blockade running paddle steamers. During the American Civil War, Glasgow shipbuilders and captains made a fortune running the supplies of war to the Confederate South and bringing out valuable cotton. To run the blockade of Union warships these paddle steamers had to be fast and their crews fearless. Glasgow provided both but Britain was neutral and these ships shouldn't have been anywhere near someone else's war.

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