German-built steamships had won the speed record in ocean
liners. Thereafter the output of steamships became much the larger, and
in 1906 the Government was taking measures to revive the sailing-ship
trade, because of its value as a training-school for seamen for the
navy.[CV] In 1910-11 the total tonnage was recorded at 4,333,186
tons.[CW]
The other influences contributing to this extraordinary growth are
variously stated according to the observer's point of view. The United
States consul at Hamburg sees them in the "rapid transformation of the
country from a non-producing nation into one of the foremost industrial
powers of Europe, a large available supply of excellent and cheap labor,
and the geographical situation of the empire."[CX] The historian of
Modern Germany sees them in German business methods:
"The astonishing success of the German shipbuilding industry is
due partly to its excellent management and organization; partly
to the application of science and experience to industry; * * *
partly to the harmonious co-ordination and co-operation of the
various economic factors which in more individualistic countries,
such as Great Britain, are not co-ordinated, and often serve
rather to obstruct and to retard progress by unnecessary friction
than to provide it by harmonious action.
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