why was the big stick called the great white fleet
Big Stick Diplomacy Afloat. From 16 December 1907 to 22 February 1909 the US Altantic Fleet steamed around the world on a mission of Gunboat Diplomacy. The ships, commonly known as the Great White Fleet due to their white-painted hulls, called in ports the world over, impressing foreign dignitaries with the appearance of great power. The entire affair was designed to impress, and everything was done to make sure the fleet's appearance was perfect.