NOVA Season 50 Episode 11 Ship That Changed the World

In season 50 episode 11 of the long-running science documentary series NOVA, viewers are taken on a journey through history to explore the impact of one of the world's most significant ships. This episode, entitled "Ship That Changed the World," explores the story of the clipper ship, a vessel that played a vital role in transforming global trade during the 19th century.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a range of experts, including historians, engineers, and sailors, who provide insights into the history and engineering of the clipper ship. They discuss how the clipper ship marked a significant departure from earlier sailing vessels, thanks in part to its innovative design and construction techniques. The clipper ship featured a slender, streamlined hull and towering masts that allowed it to travel at incredible speeds, making it ideal for transporting goods across the seas.

The episode also explores the clipper ship's impact on global trade and the economy. During the 19th century, the clipper ship revolutionized international trade by drastically reducing travel times and the cost of transportation. With this newfound efficiency, merchants were able to transport goods like tea, spices, and opium across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans with ease, allowing them to profit enormously from global trade.

As the episode progresses, viewers are introduced to some of the most famous clipper ships of the era, including the Flying Cloud, which set a new speed record for sailing to California during the Gold Rush of 1849, and the Cutty Sark, a beautifully preserved example of a British clipper ship that is on display in a museum in London. Through archival footage and expert interviews, viewers gain a vivid sense of what it would have been like to crew one of these magnificent vessels during their heyday.

Despite their undeniable impact on global trade during the 19th century, clipper ships eventually gave way to steam-powered vessels and other innovations in maritime technology. However, their legacy lives on, as today's most advanced shipping vessels build on their legacy of speed and efficiency. "Ship That Changed the World" is a fascinating and informative look at the history of one of history's most significant technological innovations and its lasting impact on global trade.