Battleships Driven Quote by David Edgerton
““British battleships were driven by between 30 and 100 megawatts of power.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Shock of the Old: Technology and Global History Since 1900, 2011
British battleships required massive power output, between 30 and 100 megawatts, to operate their propulsion and systems.
In simple terms: Battleships needed huge power.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the scale of early 20th‑century naval engineering.
Themes
technology
history
naval engineering
Mood
awe
curiosity
Type
historical
technical
When to use this quote
- maritime museum exhibits
- naval engineering curricula
- historical documentaries
Key Concepts
industrial power
marine propulsion
strategic deterrence
Questions to Reflect On
- How did power constraints shape naval tactics?
- What modern technologies could replace such massive power needs?
A Different Perspective
Power demands limited ship design flexibility and required extensive fuel logistics.
![“Pershing won [WWI] without even looking into an airplane, let alone gong up in one. If they had been of such importance he'd have tried at least a ride. . . . We'll stick to the army on the ground and the battleships at sea.” quote by John W. Weeks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/851/john-w-weeks-249771_air-power_pershing-won-wwi-without-even-looking-in_2713249.jpg)
