Everything Everywhere Daily · Friday, September 18, 2026
The episode examines the industrialization of whaling, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries, driven by the demand for whale oil and baleen. It explains how technological advancements and the establishment of whaling stations facilitated large-scale operations and led to the exploitation of various whale species.
“The demand for whale oil for lighting and lubrication, and baleen for corsets and other products, fueled an industrial-scale whaling enterprise.”
“From the Basque region to New England, major ports became centers for this burgeoning industry, processing vast quantities of whale products.”