broadside
Quick Summary
In naval warfare, a "broadside" refers to the simultaneous firing of all the guns on one side of a ship. This tactic became decisive with the development of sailing ships in the mid-17th century, where ships would form a line, known as a "line ahead," to bring their broadsides to bear on the enemy. This marked a shift from earlier galley warfare, which focused on ramming and boarding. The effectiveness of a broadside was enhanced by improvements in naval guns, including rifling and the use of explosive shells, which increased range and destructive power.12345
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navyThe broadside arrangement of guns was not compatible with the use of oars, and the oars themselves were made unnecessary by developments in the art of sailing. The standard fighting ship in the English navy became the galleon, a ship with two or three decks carrying…
Read MoreThe broadside arrangement of guns was not compatible with the use of oars, and the oars themselves were made unnecessary by developments in the art of sailing. The standard fighting ship in the English navy became the galleon, a ship with two or three decks carrying…
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warshipThe galleass…basically full-rigged sailing ships carrying broadsides of heavy guns and a bank of auxiliary oars for mobility. The hybrid existed only in small numbers and soon passed out of fashion to the north.
Read More…basically full-rigged sailing ships carrying broadsides of heavy guns and a bank of auxiliary oars for mobility. The hybrid existed only in small numbers and soon passed out of fashion to the north.
Read More