Free Ships: The Restoration of the American Carrying Trade

A sharp‑tongued investigation into the long‑neglected American carrying trade, this work traces how a nineteenth‑century mix of wartime fallout and entrenched protectionism crippled the nation’s own merchant fleet. By unpacking the misguided congressional reports, Senate battles, and a legacy of navigation laws born of compromise with slavery, the author reveals how legislation intended to shield shipbuilders instead chained American merchants to foreign vessels. The narrative combines detailed parliamentary anecdotes with clear explanations of how the restrictive policies warped competition and raised costs for ordinary shippers.

Beyond the historical recounting, the book makes a persuasive case for freeing the seas from outdated monopolies. It argues that, when all else is equal, the cheapest, best‑built ships—no matter their flag—should dominate trade, allowing America’s commerce to regain its vigor. Readers will come away with a richer understanding of how legal relics can hinder progress and why modern reform could revive a once‑vital industry.