Small steam vessels bring guns closer in the Opium Wars

The Opium Wars put sail-era ships of the line alongside armed steam tugs, paddle vessels, and bomb ships. Steam auxiliaries towed and supported older warships while carrying their own guns into battle. Their smaller size and independent propulsion let them approach shore targets more closely and level their guns more effectively. The result was a transitional fleet in which steam expanded the tactical use of small craft without immediately displacing sailing warships. Technological change arrived through a mixed force rather than a clean break between sail and steam.