Titanic Commutator – Issue # 114 This cover shows a boiler being hoisted aboard a ship that would become Britannic. A third, as yet unnamed sister which became Britannic would complete an incomparable trio. The first Olympic, would begin a new era of luxury travel Titanic was next incorporating various improvements learned from the operation of her sister. He decided to replace the older ones operating between Southampton and New York with a new class of ocean giants. The price war cost the IMMC dearly Ismay believed the solution to the threat of competition, notably Cunard, was to build larger and finer ships. The situation became so serious that talks were forced among the companies forming the Atlantic Conference which led to the situation Morgan had initially planned price stability. Without Cunard, the IMMC lost the ability to fix prices and eliminate competition, however a price war broke out in the Morgan Combine of shipping lines and by 1908 an emigrant could book passage to America for as little as $10. The loan led to the construction of Lusitania and Mauretania, technological triumphs of the Edwardian era, when they entered service in 1907. The British Government rewarded the company with a $10 million low interest loan repayable over twenty years provided the company remained in British hands. The Cunard Line was unable to build new ships without financial help. With White Star and other British lines in the hands of the American-owned IMMC, the British Mercantile Marine¹s reputation and national pride were at stake. The company profited in time and money benefitting wages, turnaround time, cargo and passenger receipts. Economy of size meant a steamship line operating two big ships would save more money than three or even four smaller, older vessels. The reason for building these enormous floating palaces is easy to understand. Titanic Commutator – Issue # 109 White Star’s primary rivals, were the Cunard Line’s Lusitania and Mauretania. The fact is, developing these massive liners actually began in 1899 with Oceanic entering service in September, reflecting his father’s view that White Star ships would be large vessels of moderate speed and great comfort. Ismay keenly observed the developments of his rival Cunard, and at a dinner party at the home of shipbuilder Lord Pirrie in London, Ismay talked about a new class of liner, one that was larger and finer than the competition.Ĭonsiderable significance is given to this evening party where Olympic and Titanic were planned. At the age of 41, he was head of one of the largest shipping organizations in the world.

Son of Thomas Ismay, the Line’s founder, he negotiated White Star’s purchase by the International Mercantile Marine Company. Joseph Bruce Ismay, Chairman and Managing Director of the White Star Line was an intelligent businessman. Pierpont Morgan’s International Mercantile Marine Company (IMMC) whose dream was to monopolize North Atlantic shipping, eliminating competition and standardize the cost of travel and freight. By 1902 White Star had been purchased by J. Was third class prevented from getting into lifeboats?Īt the turn of the twentieth century Great Britain was pre-eminent her largest shipping companies, Cunard and White Star, since the earliest days of transatlantic travel, battled for the greatest share of passenger business. Why weren’t there enough lifeboats for everyone? What were the origins of this great ocean liner?

Titanic watertight compartments