CSS Stonewall belonged to a transitional period of warship design. A steam ram could make sense as a blockade runner or in another specialized mission. The type was much less convincing as a general fleet combatant. Its value depended on a narrow operational problem rather than routine battle-fleet service.
Notable Point · 46:46-47:09
Where a steam ram such as CSS Stonewall made sense
Steam rams belonged to a transitional design moment and were better suited to specialized blockade work than to the fleet battle line.