The early ocean-going ironclads carried steam power, armor, explosive shells, and much heavier guns, yet their broadside layouts still resembled sailing-era warships. Their single gun deck accounted for the frigate designation even though they performed the battleship role of their era. They retained sails for much of their propulsion and relied on human eyesight, judgment, and telescopes for fire control. HMS Monarch's long service yielded practical knowledge about what worked and what should change in the next generation. The more famous HMS Captain sank, while Monarch remained available for crews and designers to develop their understanding. Improvements in gun power and accuracy therefore accompanied considerable continuity in how ships fought.
Chapter · 2:44-6:50
Ironclads and HMS Monarch show evolutionary warship design
Broadside ironclads combined much greater gun power with familiar fighting methods, while HMS Monarch remained in service long enough to inform later designs.