Why did Thomas Jefferson propose a fleet of gunboats as a solution to the problem of coastal defense?
A) They were relatively cheap to produce.
B) They were heavily armed and could wield great offensive power.
C) They were an effective supplement for America's existing navy.
D) They were manned by privateers instead of a standing army.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Thomas Jefferson proposed a fleet of gunboats as a coastal defense solution because they were relatively cheap to produce. He believed that a large navy was not necessary for national defense and that gunboats could effectively protect America's coastal waters at a much lower cost.

Why Did Thomas Jefferson Propose a Fleet of Gunboats as a Solution