when whalers first began hunting, they used small rowboats and were able to find many whalers near the shore. Later, the whalers needed bigger ships, and their whaling trip lasted much longer. Sometimes, whalers were gone for many moths or even years. Explain why the whaling industry changed.
The whales were getting scarcer. At one time the whalers could find a lot of whales close to shore. But the whales got scarce when so many were killed. Then the whalers had to get larger boats and go farther and farther from home to find whales.
What do you think?
because if the size of the ships?
Why did the ships get larger?
becasue of the size of the whales or the many amounts of the whales too big for the boat???
thanks :D
You're welcome.
thank you....
Joe mama
The whaling industry went through significant changes over time due to several key factors. Here's an explanation of why the whaling industry changed:
1. Depletion of Whale Populations: Initially, when whalers began hunting, whales were abundant near the shore. They could easily access them using small rowboats. However, as the demand for whale products increased, the population of whales near the shore started to decline. Whalers had to venture further into the open ocean to find whales, leading to the need for larger ships.
2. Technological Advancements: In the early days, whalers used primitive hand tools and harpoons for hunting. But as time went on, technology progressed, leading to the invention of more advanced whaling tools and techniques. This included the development of harpoon cannons, explosive tipped harpoons, and better whale processing methods. With these advancements, larger and more specialized ships were required to accommodate the new equipment and processing facilities.
3. Global Demand for Whale Products: Whaling, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries, was driven by the high demand for whale oil, which was used for lighting, as well as lubrication in machinery. The discovery of new uses for whale products, such as baleen (used in corsets and other items), further increased the demand. As the demand grew, the whaling industry had to expand its operations to meet the global market, requiring bigger ships capable of longer voyages.
4. Exploration and International Competition: Whaling became an international industry, with different countries competing for resources. Whaling fleets from different nations began exploring new whaling grounds in distant oceans to locate remaining whale populations. This intense competition led to longer expeditions, as whalers traveled vast distances to find whales, therefore necessitating larger vessels that could sustain crews for extended periods.
5. Technological, Economic, and Societal Changes: During the 19th century, advancements in shipbuilding technology, such as steam-powered vessels, increased the range and efficiency of whaling ships. Simultaneously, economic factors, such as the growth of capitalism and industrialization, influenced the expansion of the whaling industry. The demand for whale products persisted, and societal attitudes towards the environment and conservation were less developed, allowing the industry to continue on a large scale.
In summary, the whaling industry changed due to the depletion of nearshore whale populations, technological advancements, global demand for whale products, exploration and competition, and broader societal and economic factors. These factors collectively drove the transition from small rowboats to larger ships, enabling whalers to embark on longer and more distant expeditions.