Final answer:
The USS Constitution, or 'Old Ironsides,' is a significant symbol in American naval history. Her demolition or sinking would mean the loss of this historical emblem. The ship's preservation is important to honor American maritime legacy and resilience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The events surrounding the USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides," reflect a significant period in American naval history. When discussing whether Old Ironsides would be better off sinking or being destroyed by the U.S. Navy, it's essential to acknowledge the historical impact of the vessel. The USS Constitution played a pivotal role in boosting American morale during the War of 1812, particularly in the face of a British naval blockade. Her impressive evasion of a British fleet and the significant victory over the Guerriere where her hull repelled cannonballs, earning her the nickname "Old Ironsides," are both renowned events that symbolize American resilience and naval engineering excellence.
The destruction or sinking of such a historic ship would be the loss of a powerful symbol from American naval history. Comparable losses, like the sinking of the USS Maine or the USS Reuben James, led to serious political ramifications and are remembered as significant events in their own right. Preservation of the USS Constitution serves as a testament to American ingenuity, maritime legacy, and the power of sea-going vessels as instruments of national policy and pride, a concept well-articulated by Alfred Thayer Mahan in The Influence of Sea Power Upon History. Hence, the continued existence of Old Ironsides as a historic naval ship seems far more valuable than her demolition or sinking.