Robert Fulton was responsible for several turning points in history. His torpedo, submarine, and steam warship were turning points that changed warfare forever. Fulton intended to end wars with his weapons of mass destruction. “The liberty of the seas would become a guarantee of the perpetual peace to all maritime nations.” (Robert Fulton 1799). Instead, they made strong navies even more important. His steamboat and contributions to the concept and design of the Erie Canal were inventions for humanity and turning points in transportation, creating American growth and prosperity.
" People followed waterways, from canals to great rivers, to build businesses, communities, and new lives." (Smithsonian Institute) |
Not everyone admired Fulton. Some thought he stole others’ work for profit or that he used his well-connected partners to succeed. At different times, he offered his work to France, England, and America – for a price. Fulton was certainly interested in fame and fortune. "No man can in justice say that we have not a right to make every possible profit of these inventions and we have a right to accept money.." (Robert Fulton 1804). Yet, balancing naval power and bringing peace consumed him.
"If at first glance, the means I propose seem revolting, it is only because they are extraordinary. They are anything but inhuman; it is certainly the most powerful and least bloody mode that the philosopher could imagine to overturn the system of plunder and perpetual war, which has always vexed the maritime nations." (Robert Fulton 1797)
Modern Versions of Fulton's Inventions
Fulton’s vision was ahead of his time. He did not invent anything new. He used his talents to learn from the failures of others. Robert Fulton invented practical applications from old ideas and created turning points in history.