The short reign of clipper ships was one of lasting influence on American culture. Posters, oil paintings, ships in bottles, and full sized replicas of clipper ships can still be seen today. Newly built replicas of the early clipper ships are even used to carry people on cruises and vacations on the open seas. Moreover, these ships were more than just quicker and efficient ways of transporting goods between America, Europe, and China. They symbolized the American dream and sent the message to other countries that America was a nation of progress and prosperity. The Americans were the first to build effective clipper ships and utilize them in order to beat trade competition from other countries, like England. The building of these new clipper ships helped to separate America from Great Britain, as they were American's creations. The shipping industry grew ten fold in America, and it also influenced shipping elsewhere. A booming economy was seen in the Golden Age of clipper ships (1845-1855) and they also aided the expanison to the West, most notably California. Even though they were only around for a couple decades at the most, it is amazing to see the great influence that these great ships had on America's identity and economy.
Oil paintings made into posters displaying the spectacle of clipper ships
SOURCES:
www.eraoftheclipperships.com
www.globalindex.com/clippers/museum
www.American_clipper_ships.html
www.uh.edu/engines/epi338.htm
http://pages.infinit.net/aaricia/tea/clippe2.htm