Customer Reviews

Mckinley's Bulldog: The Battleship Oregon

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This is a very readable, if somewhat choppy, history of a fascinating warship. Most people are probably unfamiliar with the story of the Oregon's gallant cruise from San Francisco to Havana in order to particpate in one of the two decisive naval battles which helped bring the U.S. a relatively quick and easy victory in the Spanish-American War of 1898. Because of the length of the voyage, American leaders realized the necessity of a two-ocean navy as well as the urgent need for the building of a canal across the isthmus of Panama. Sternlicht's story seems to dwell somewhat on insignificant details (such as the hullabaloo surrounding the Oregon's launching) while glossing over some other important areas, such as the experiences of the crewmen on board. But overall it's a very readable, interesting history of a warship that was instrumental in defining the direction of growth and ultimate destiny of the American Navy during the 20th century.

This story of the Oregon was very enlightening for me. As an amateur naval history buff, I had heard little of the Oregon. This history is nice in giving a short concise history of the life of the Oregon. It does dwell a little to long on the launching but the Spanish-American War episode is educational and in basic layman terms. More people should be aware of the contribution of the USS Oregon and it deserves a place with the Arizona and Missouri in American History.