Imagine the United States, Italy, France, and Great Britain locked in fierce competition—a competition in which a number of lives were lost--- but they were not at war with each other. Beginning in 1913, a wealthy financier named Jacques Schneider launched a seaplane competition known as the Schneider Trophy Race, which was to continue until 1931. Early aviation competition between nations was fierce.Seven countries, France, Britain, Italy, Switzerland, the United States, Belgium and Spain signed up for the first race in 1913, but only 4 planes actually arrived, all from France. It goes without saying that France was the winner of the first Schneider Trophy competition. The race was held 11 times over a nearly 20-year-period and, although its stated purpose was to advance civil aviation, knowledge gained during the races was also beneficial for military purposes many years after the races ended.This book briefly recalls each of the exciting races, attended by millions over the years.