100 Historical Stories That Unlock Teenage Wisdom

Chapter 50 10 Napoleon refused to use steam ships

Chapter 510 Napoleon refused to use steamships - don't weigh new things with fixed thinking

At any time, we must keep our thinking active and accept the impact of new knowledge. Only when knowledge is constantly updated and more truths are discovered, will we have a long future, great achievements and great development!
In 1803, the young American inventor Fulton built the first steam engine-powered ship on the Seine River.In August of this year, when he learned that Napoleon was going to cross the English Channel to fight against Britain, Fulton enthusiastically came to promote his new steam-powered ship. Napoleon might take his advice.If so, the rest of Napoleon's life and the history of France may have to be rewritten.

At that time, Napoleon's navy was already huge, but most of the ships were made of wood, and the sails were basically powered by sails.However, his opponents, the British, had already used steam-driven ships, which made Napoleon often feel short of breath when he confronted the British commander Nelson.He had already heard that Fulton's steamboat had made a fool of himself during a demonstration on the Seine, but Napoleon was still intrigued by this newly powered marine device.

Fulton eloquently said: "A 20-horsepower steam engine can be equivalent to 20 full sails. Your Majesty's fleet will no longer have to stay in the port and wait for good weather to set sail. At that time, let alone Nelson, it will be Rabbit, you can't outrun Your Majesty, and when you win the battle, you will be the tallest person in the world..." Fulton slipped his tongue inadvertently, touching on Napoleon's most taboo issue about height.This is like telling the bald man that the light is on. Napoleon, who was listening carefully just now, suddenly sank his face. He stopped Fulton and said, "You only said that the ship is fast, but you didn't mention iron plates, steam engines and coal." Weight, I don't say you are a liar, you are also a complete fool!"

Perhaps there were many reasons why Napoleon rejected Fulton, but this reason was the one that best reflected his character.

In 1812, the British purchased Fulton's ship patents. In the 19s, the side wheels were gradually replaced by more advanced stern propellers. Britain's maritime supremacy was consolidated with its strong ships and guns, while France was defeated by Far behind.

Later military commentators said: If Napoleon had used his brain a little bit and accepted Fulton's suggestion to defeat Britain with a powerful steam engine fleet, then the entire history of Europe after the 19th century would be completely different.

It can even be said that it was Napoleon's "smartness" that did not believe that "warships can sail without sails", so he regarded Fulton as a liar and failed to grasp the opportunity to develop the fleet, which led to the subsequent failure.If he had been smarter, the existing state and pattern of Europe might have been completely different.

Wisdom Interpretation:

Never be self-righteous and reject new technologies, new attempts, and new changes.When the world is updating and moving forward at a rapid speed, let us remember: "A seed, if it does not grow, it will die forever." Similarly, if our thoughts cannot keep pace with the times, we will sooner or later come to life the opposite of!
(End of this chapter)