The Abandoned Ocean offers an in-depth appraisal of United States maritime policy from the establishment of a merchant marine immediately after the Revolutionary War through radical industry transformations of the late twentieth century. In this sweeping analysis of federal policies that promote, regulate, and subsidize American shipping, Andrew Gibson and Arthur Donovan also examine the closely related fortunes of the shipbuilding industry and the merchant and military navies. The authors consider why, since the middle of the nineteenth century, United States maritime policy has been so strikingly unsuccessful in achieving its goal to promote a commercially viable merchant marine engaged in foreign trade.

Beginning with the tariffs and restrictive laws adopted by the new republic, Gibson and Donovan chronicle key legislative acts and their often counterproductive results. They identify the interests that prevailed during policy debates and the circumstances that prevented many policies from succeeding. In this they underscore the power of the shipbuilding lobby throughout the country's history.

Tracing the policies that have compromised the competitiveness of the United States shipping industry during the twentieth century, the authors articulate the government's commitment to sustaining a U.S.-flag merchant marine capable of carrying the country's foreign trade while providing the sealift necessary to fight large-scale overseas wars. They tell how two policy goals -- one commercial and the other military -- have defined and justified federal maritime programs since World War I. Questioning these policy objectives in light of the end of the cold war and a recent surge in globaltrade, Gibson and Donovan call for a reassessment of United States maritime policy and a shift from military to commercial considerations.