Some of the Worst Battleships America Ever Built

Описание: In the late 19th century, the United States Navy found itself at a crossroads. Emerging from the shadows of the Civil War with an aging and largely obsolete fleet, it faced a growing need to modernize in the face of global naval advancements. The result? The Indiana-class battleships—Indiana, Massachusetts, and Oregon—the first seagoing capital ships ever constructed for the U.S. Navy. Hailed at the time as a bold leap forward, they were anything but flawless.

This video is the first installment of a new series that delves into some of the worst battleship designs from major naval powers, and today we’re examining what may be the weakest link in America’s battleship lineage. The Indiana class looked impressive on paper: outfitted with 13-inch guns, thick armor, and formidable firepower for their size. But beneath the surface, serious issues were brewing. From dangerously low freeboard and poor seakeeping to stability problems that left them vulnerable in real-world combat conditions, the design was hampered by poor weight distribution and legislative compromises.

Drawing heavily from sources like Norman Friedman’s U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History, this video traces how budgetary restrictions, political compromises, and the technological learning curve of a young naval power shaped these deeply flawed vessels. The Policy Board of 1890 envisioned a two-tiered fleet—fast, ocean-going warships for power projection and a coastal defense force to protect the homeland. The Indiana class was part of the latter category. While they were sold to Congress as unbeatable coastal defenders, their armor belt sat perilously low when fully loaded, often completely submerged in combat conditions, rendering one of their key defensive features useless.

Blast interference, cramped quarters, and overloading further plagued the class. The ships were reportedly so wet that heavy seas often swept across their decks. In an infamous trial, one of the vessels nearly capsized after both turrets trained to one side—a result of poor stability planning and excessive top weight. Trials aboard Massachusetts also revealed that her rolling was so violent, it unseated her turrets entirely.

Despite these setbacks, the Indiana-class battleships did serve in the Spanish-American War and played a role in shaping future design practices. Yet their operational limitations led to early retirement, and their legacy remains one of early ambition overshadowed by engineering missteps. In this episode, we explore the historical and political context behind their construction, evaluate their technical specifications, and assess how the lessons learned from the Indiana class paved the way for a stronger, more capable U.S. Navy.

If you enjoy naval history, ship design analysis, and exploring the stories behind the world’s most infamous warships, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment. Your support helps this channel continue diving deep into the hidden corners of maritime history. Thanks for watching, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the Indiana class—arguably the worst American battleships ever built.

Intro 0:00
Background 0:39
Design 5:24
Terrible Qualities 10:14
Sources/Other Reading:

https://www.amazon.com/Castles-Steel-...

https://www.amazon.com/U-S-Battleship...

https://www.history.navy.mil/content/...

https://www.history.navy.mil/our-coll...

Video Information:
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