Why was the Gulf Stream important to Western Europe?
The Gulf Stream is a current of warm water that brings warmth and moisture to Western Europe. Palm trees can grow along the coast of Ireland and the south-west coast of England. This point is far to the north of the most northern point in the United States where palm trees grow. It keeps Europe warmer in the winter than it would be other wise. The 12 kilometer an hour (8 miles an hour) current makes it possible for ships to travel faster from the United States to Europe than would otherwise be possible. The need for ships to sail north of the gulf stream caused problems. Icebergs filled those waters as the story of the Titanic illustrates.
