The author describes the work of the Navy and private industry that allowed the relatively primitive submersible of the First World War period to be replaced by the fleet submarine that fought in the Second World War. Building American Submarines argues that there was a fundamental shift in the relationship between the Navy and its submarine suppliers during this period. After being completely dependent upon private industry in 1914, the Navy - not industry - controlled the design and construction process by the eve of the Second World War.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 151-158) and index.

Points of Departure, 1880-1916 --Questions of Strategy and Design -- A Firm Foundation? -- On-the-Job Training -- The Achilles' Heel -- Submarine Characteristics and Construction Schedules. Points of Departure, 1880-1916 -- Questions of Strategy and Design -- A Firm Foundation? -- On-the-Job Training -- The Achilles' Heel -- Submarine Characteristics and Construction Schedules.