America's Whaling Empire: A Visual Journey Through History

The American Whaling Industry's Global Reach: A Visual History New Bedford, Massachusetts, was once the center of the world's whaling industry. A recent TikTok video by Dr. Tim's History uses data visualization to illustrate the industry's impressive expansion from 1831 to 1854. The video shows how whaling ships, sailing under the American flag, ventured far into the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in pursuit of whales. "For two decades starting after 1835, four out of five of the world's whaling ships were based in New Bedford," Dr. Tim explains in the video. The map visualization clearly shows the increasing range of these expeditions over time. Before the era of electricity, whale oil was crucial. "Whale oil was a primary source of light," says Dr. Tim. Whalebone also had numerous uses, including in corsets, parasols, and buggy whips. The video effectively contrasts the industry's importance with its eventual decline following the introduction of electric lighting. The video's visual storytelling approach makes a complex historical topic accessible and engaging, highlighting the significance of the American whaling industry and its global impact.