How many Navy ships were in active service a year and a half after the Civil War?

A year and a half after the Civil War, which officially ended in April 1865, the number of active Navy ships was influenced by the post-war reassessment of naval needs and resources. The correct answer reflects a period in which the Navy was transitioning, facing budget cuts and a shift in focus from wartime operations to peacetime duties. At that time, the United States Navy had a relatively small fleet compared to its wartime expansion.

The count of 56 active ships signifies a strong but reduced presence after the intense naval engagements of the Civil War. This number showcases the realization that a smaller, more efficient fleet was needed in the aftermath of the war, aligning with the strategic and economic considerations of the time. While options indicating higher ship counts would suggest a continuation of wartime levels, those figures do not accurately reflect the reality of the Navy’s condition during the transition to peace. The option of 56 ships thus accurately depicts the Navy's operational status during this period.