Just seven years before the start of World War I, a fleet of 16 American battleships took part in a 14-month, round-the-world voyage ordered by US President Theodore Roosevelt as a peaceful display of American naval power. Later known as the "Great White Fleet," the ships were painted white except for the gilded scrollwork on their bows. In ports around the world, thousands of people turned out to see the ships when they arrived. Why did several of the ships make an unscheduled stop in Italy? Discuss (http://forum.thefreedictionary.com/postst31616_The-Great-White-Fleet-Begins-Its-Circumnavigation-of-the-Globe--1907-.aspx)
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