This is the first installment in a two-part series. Part I explores the history of the U.S. merchant marine and the geopolitical and economic catalysts for the Act’s creation. Part II begins in 1918 and examines the legislative enactment and substantive provisions of the Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act, 1920).

Constantine “Charlie” Papavizas is the Chair of the Maritime Practice Group and a Partner at Winston & Strawn, LLP in Washington, D.C.