The life of a sailor during the age of sail
The Sailor’s Life The life of a sailor during the age of sail was physically demanding, mentally draining and often times dangerous job that attracted primarily uneducated labors with few options that resulted in the adaptation of a diluted moral code, often viewed as immoral and riotous to the puritan society. The most prevalent vices of sailors include drunkenness, sexual immorality, and vulgar/offensive language. The more serious behavioral problems include fighting, gambling, and cheating, which have often been associated with the lifestyle of pirates. From the early 1700s thru mid-1800s mariners have been marked by distinct stereotypes that persist in to the modern era. In the age of sail, puritan critics often portrayed seamen as rough characters, lacking in discipline and moral fiber.
However, the maritime profession has played a major role in American history, and significantly contributed to the success and greatness of America. The maritime profession was the second most common occupation for men in Colonial America after agricultural. The contribution to the economic and populous growth of the country is unmatched by any other field of work. America’s naval strength helped establish her as a respectable, free, and independent nation, which protected the sea lanes and allowed free commerce to prosper in a dangerous world. All of the benefits that America has gained from the maritime industry have come with a great sacrifice from all the Mariners who have left the safety and comfort of dry land to accomplish the mission of the vessel they sailed. These brave mariners were willing to put their lives at risk and leave their loved ones to make a wage and survive. The maritime profession provided employment for those with few alternatives to earn wages on shore. Many of these mariners were raised in large seaports or port towns, and working on the water was all they knew to do. Many of whom began their seafaring career at an age as young as
However, the maritime profession has played a major role in American history, and significantly contributed to the success and greatness of America. The maritime profession was the second most common occupation for men in Colonial America after agricultural. The contribution to the economic and populous growth of the country is unmatched by any other field of work. America’s naval strength helped establish her as a respectable, free, and independent nation, which protected the sea lanes and allowed free commerce to prosper in a dangerous world. All of the benefits that America has gained from the maritime industry have come with a great sacrifice from all the Mariners who have left the safety and comfort of dry land to accomplish the mission of the vessel they sailed. These brave mariners were willing to put their lives at risk and leave their loved ones to make a wage and survive. The maritime profession provided employment for those with few alternatives to earn wages on shore. Many of these mariners were raised in large seaports or port towns, and working on the water was all they knew to do. Many of whom began their seafaring career at an age as young as
Bibliography: Anonymous. “The Fisherman’s Song.” Voyages, The Age of Sail. Ed. Smith, Joshua M. and the National Maritime Historical Society. Gainesville, Florida: University Press of Florida, 2009. 311-314. Print. Clark, Joseph. “Land Sharks.” Voyages, The Age of Sail. Ed. Smith, Joshua M. and the National Maritime Historical Society. Gainesville, Florida: University Press of Florida, 2009. 323-328. Print. Mather, Cotton. “The Seas Is a School of Vice.” Voyages, The Age of Sail. Ed. Smith, Joshua M. and the National Maritime Historical Society. Gainesville, Florida: University Press of Florida, 2009. 90-93. Print. Roland, Alex et. al. The Way of the Ship: America’s Maritime History Reenvisioned, 1600 – 2000. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2008. 82-88 Print.