The USS Vermont, USS Kansas, USS Minnesota and USS Florida: A Journey Through Early 20th Century Battleship Designs

The USS Vermont BB-31, USS Kansas BB-21, USS Minnesota BB-22, and USS Florida BB-30 are part of the South Carolina class of battleships. These vessels were pivotal in the evolution of naval warfare and represented some of the earliest American dreadnoughts, characterized by their all-big-gun armament. This article delves into the history and significance of these ships.

USS Vermont BB-31

The USS Vermont was laid down in 1909 and commissioned in 1913. It served primarily during World War I, where it played a notable role in various naval operations. The ship's design contributed significantly to the naval tactics and strategies of the early 20th century.

USS Kansas BB-21

The USS Kansas, another member of the South Carolina class, launched in 1905 and commissioned in 1916. Although it saw limited action during World War I, its inclusion in this class marked a milestone in the construction of American dreadnoughts. The ship's story is a fascinating example of the parallel developments in naval technology and strategy of the time.

USS Minnesota BB-22

The USS Minnesota, commissioned in 1907, also served during World War I and the interwar period. This ship played a crucial role in the naval operational capabilities of the United States, demonstrating the gradual advancements in battleship design and naval warfare techniques.

USS Florida BB-30

The USS Florida commissioned in 1911, serving in both World War I and the interwar period. This ship's early contributions were notable, particularly in the context of preliminary battleship developments and the strategies employed by the United States Navy.

Historical Context and Discrepancies

While the real USS Vermont, Kansas, Minnesota, and Florida were integral parts of the Connecticut class pre-dreadnought battleships and the Florida class dreadnought battleships, the ships featured in World of Warships (WoWs) differ significantly. The names and designs of these ships in WoWs are largely works of fiction and are not based on the actual historical records of these vessels.

USS Kansas in WoWs

In WoWs, the USS Kansas is an example of the South Dakota class of 1920, which were laid down but never completed due to the Washington Naval Treaty. While the names of these ships are historically significant, the South Dakota class was never fully constructed, and only a few of these vessels were scrapped. The design and capabilities of this class reflect the changing naval strategies of the period.

USS Minnesota in WoWs

The USS Minnesota in WoWs appears to be an upgraded South Dakota 1920 or entirely fictional. This discrepancy arises because it is not aligned with the US Navy's "maximum battleship" design studies, which would have featured 18-inch or larger guns. The design in WoWs does not align with these historical records.

USS Vermont in WoWs

The USS Vermont in WoWs is also a work of fiction. Some people argue it resembles a Tillman battleship, but its size and armament do not match Tillman IV-2, making it a less plausible design. The name "Vermont" was chosen to avoid confusion with the historical ships of the South Carolina class.

USS Florida in WoWs

The USS Florida in WoWs is more historically valid. This ship is based on the design that North Carolina-class battleships were nearly built with, featuring twelve 14-inch guns and a different arrangement of secondary guns. The 2nd London Treaty allowed for the redesign of these ships, leading to the North Carolina-class with nine 16-inch guns.

Conclusion

The USS Vermont, USS Kansas, USS Minnesota, and USS Florida represent significant milestones in the development of American battleships during the early 20th century. While the ships in World of Warships (WoWs) share the names of these vessels, their designs and capabilities are largely fictional. Understanding the real historical context of these ships provides valuable insights into the evolution of naval warfare and the technological advancements of the period.

For those interested in delving deeper into the history of these battleships, resources such as naval archives, historical journals, and firsthand accounts offer a rich understanding of these vessels and their impact on global naval strategy.