Cline admitted the probability of hurricane approaching the Gulf.Ĭline’s extreme confidence in his knowledge of storm phenomenon was the major reason for ignoring the message from the Cuban meteorologists who identified the incoming storm on September 5. However, the author emphasized this fact to prove the possibility of eliminating the tragedy if Mr. He also knew about the peculiarities of the climatic conditions. In addition, Isaac had a clear view of the Gulf to make possible calculations and predictions concerning any threats to the city. The scientist was able to explain even the strangest phenomena that ever happened. In particular, the author writes, “Isaac was aware of himself and how he moved through the day, and saw himself as something bigger than a mere recorder of rainfall and temperature” (Larson 4). In the book, Larson refers to the characters as well-educated, confident citizens, who strongly believed that technological progress and scientific knowledge were reliable protection mechanisms. Galveston citizens had been reassured that no hurricane could destroy Galveston because of accurate temperature and meteorologist forecast. Gaining a reputation of a future cosmopolitan, people were, indeed, proud of the achievements and potential of the community development. Hence, all scientists, businesspeople, and investors were more concerned with commercial and economic growth of the city rather than with meteorological situation. In the book, Larson introduces his own research findings by stating, “…if things continued as there were Galveston soon would achieve the stature of New Orleans, Baltimore, or San Francisco” (12). The rapid development of trade relations had also contributed to technological advancement and, therefore, Galveston community believed that their progressive technologies could overcome the natural forces. Due to its beneficial geographic location, Galveston had also become the biggest commercial city in Texas, which made the citizens become more proud of it. However, blind confidence had become the reason for the most horrible disaster in the American history.Īt the threshold of the 20 th century, the city of Galveston was considered a prosperous city with the population of about 37.000 residents. Nevertheless, in 1900, the American society felt stronger than it did before and, therefore, nothing in nature could prevent the prosperous development of Galveston. Therefore, the idea that a hurricane could destroy the entire city of Galveston was not even considered. Indeed, Isaac Cline was an honorable meteorological community he had strong confidence in scientific knowledge that allowed him to predict storms by cloud motions and behavior.
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