Ironclad Ships

Ironclad ships were revolutionary naval vessels developed in the mid-19th century, characterized by their armored hulls made of iron or steel, which provided significant protection against traditional wooden ships and cannon fire. Introduced during the American Civil War, the most famous examples include the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. Their design marked a shift from wooden ships to metal ones, changing naval warfare forever by emphasizing firepower and defense. The emergence of ironclads signified the beginning of modern naval engineering and warfare, influencing ship construction for generations to come.