Brazil, Argentina, and Chile: The Great Dreadnought Race - New Vanguard 264

The early 20th century witnessed an intense arms race among several countries as they competed to build and showcase their naval power. In this race, three South American nations, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, took center stage. This article delves into the fascinating history of the Great Dreadnought Race between these countries and their quest to build state-of-the-art warships, specifically focusing on the New Vanguard 264.

The Naval Arms Race in South America

In the early 1900s, South American countries sought to secure their positions as emerging powers by bolstering their naval capabilities. As tensions rose and rivalries developed, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile eagerly pursued the construction of the most advanced battleships of the time - the dreadnoughts.

The Great Dreadnought Race rapidly gained momentum in 1904 when Chile ordered a warship from the British shipbuilding company Armstrong Whitworth. This ignited a sense of urgency in Brazil and Argentina, who feared being left behind.

South American Battleships 1908–59: Brazil, Argentina, and Chile's great dreadnought race (New Vanguard Book 264)

by Mark Lardas(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18049 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	87 pages
Paperback	:	96 pages
Item Weight	:	10.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.5 x 0.25 x 9.25 inches

FREE

New Vanguard 264: The South American Dreadnought

The New Vanguard 264, commissioned by Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, revolutionized naval warfare in South America. This battleship, armed with the latest technology and weaponry, became the centerpiece of the race.

With a displacement of over 24,000 tons and a length of 600 feet, New Vanguard 264 was a formidable warship. It featured an array of powerful armaments, including a main battery of twelve 12-inch guns, complemented by a secondary battery consisting of sixteen 6-inch guns. Additionally, it boasted an armor thickness of up to 14 inches, providing superior protection in naval engagements.

Notably, the New Vanguard 264 incorporated modern innovations such as a steam turbine propulsion system, allowing for higher speeds and greater fuel efficiency. This, coupled with superior armor and armament, gave these dreadnoughts a considerable advantage over older battleships.

The Diverse Journeys of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile

As each nation embarked on its quest for naval supremacy, they encountered unique challenges, setbacks, and triumphs.

Brazil

Brazil faced financial constraints and logistical hurdles during the construction of its dreadnoughts. However, despite these obstacles, Brazil successfully launched its first dreadnought, Minas Geraes, in 1909.

Argentina

Argentina, determined not to lag behind Brazil, raced to acquire its own dreadnoughts. With financial assistance from the British government, Argentina launched its first dreadnought, Rivadavia, in 1911.

Chile

Chile, being the first country to initiate this race, faced significant pressures. Their lead in ship acquisition pushed Brazil and Argentina to swiftly respond. In 1913, Chile completed its Almirante Latorre, marking a crucial milestone in the Great Dreadnought Race.

The Legacy of the Great Dreadnought Race

The Great Dreadnought Race forever transformed the naval capabilities and strategic landscape of South America. The arrival of the New Vanguard 264 battleships marked a turning point in naval warfare, rendering older warships obsolete.

Not only did Brazil, Argentina, and Chile achieve their goal of naval supremacy, but they also gained international recognition and respect. These dreadnoughts inspired awe and admiration worldwide, solidifying the position of their countries as significant players on the global stage.

The End of an Era

As the world entered World War I in 1914, the Great Dreadnought Race was abruptly halted. The focus shifted towards supporting the war effort, and the era of naval competitions between South American nations came to a close.

However, the impact and legacy of this race endured, and the New Vanguard 264 battleships continued to serve their respective nations for many years.

The Great Dreadnought Race among Brazil, Argentina, and Chile during the early 20th century showcased the ambitions and aspirations of these South American nations. Through the construction of the New Vanguard 264 battleships, they aimed to establish dominance over the seas and solidify their places as influential global powers.

This race brought about technological advancements in naval warfare and left a lasting legacy in the annals of naval history. The story of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile's Great Dreadnought Race will forever be remembered as a testament to ambition, innovation, and the pursuit of power.

South American Battleships 1908–59: Brazil, Argentina, and Chile's great dreadnought race (New Vanguard Book 264)

by Mark Lardas(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18049 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	87 pages
Paperback	:	96 pages
Item Weight	:	10.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.5 x 0.25 x 9.25 inches

FREE

In 1908 the most incredible naval arms race in history began. Flush with cash from rubber and coffee, Brazil decided to order three of the latest, greatest category of warship available – the dreadnought battleship. One Brazilian dreadnought by itself could defeat the combined gunnery of every other warship of all the other South American nations. Brazil's decision triggered its neighbour Argentina to order its own brace of dreadnoughts, which in turn forced Chile (which had fought boundary disputes with Argentina) to order some.

In the process, the South American dreadnought mania drove the three participants nearly into insolvency, led to the bankruptcy of a major shipyard, and triggered a chain of events which led Turkey to declare war on Great Britain. It also produced several groundbreaking dreadnought designs and one of the world's first aircraft carriers.