Insights Into History: Episode 5 "America's Flagship"

This episode traces the golden age of ocean liners—giant, glamorous ships built for speed and national pride—and the rivalry for the Atlantic "Blue Ribbon." It highlights iconic vessels like Mauritania, Normandy, Queen Mary, and the SS United States, explains how jets made liners obsolete, and follows the SS United States from record-setting maiden voyage to decades in limbo and a planned final role as an artificial reef.