Final answer:
The first modern cruiser in the U.S. Fleet is the USS Newark (C-1), recognized for its steel construction, hull strength, and speed that marked a significant advancement in naval ship design during the 1880s.
The right answer is 1. USS Boston
Step-by-step explanation:
The ship that has been labeled as the first modern cruiser in the U.S. Fleet is the USS Newark (C-1). Introduced in the 1880s, the USS Newark represented a transition to the new steel warships.
Unlike the wooden ships before her, she was constructed with a steel hull and steam engines that complemented her traditional sails. The design, with an emphasis on strength of hull and speed, marked a significant advance over previous U.S.
Navy ships. The Newark was also more heavily armed than earlier designs, capable of both offensive and defensive roles, and incorporated recent innovations in naval weaponry and armor. Such characteristics distinguish her as the start of a new era for American cruisers.
The right answer is 1. USS Boston