Currency relations in the context of global challenges. The relationship of national culture and national economy in the context of global challenges
A sailing fleet is a group of ships propelled by a sail. As a rule, the use of the fleet was accompanied immediately by the appearance of the ships themselves, which are suitable for long expeditions or sea battles.
A brief history of sailboats
The first sailing ships appeared in last years antiquity. They consisted of primitive sailing-ridge vessels and could reach speeds above the wind. A group of such ships cannot be called a full-fledged fleet, because each acted independently in the battles, and the outcome of the battle was decided mainly by the number. The main techniques of confrontation were ramming, bulk and boarding. Large sail-ridge ships were equipped with additional weapons: a stone thrower (mainly for capturing coastal fortresses), a harpoon and Greek fire.
In the 12th - 13th centuries, ships appeared carrying military weapons. However, they were developed towards personal power. Ships of the Karakka type could single-handedly fight against a small group of ships, as well as conduct raider operations.
If we are talking about a full-fledged sailing ship, it was first built in the British Empire in the 16th century. He bore the name Great Harry ("Great Harry"). The first Russian military sailing ship was launched in 1668. He did not belong to a specific type and bore the name "Eagle".
The ship "Great Harry"
A regular navy of sailing ships appears in the early 17th century in the Western powers. In the overwhelming majority, these were the colonial empires - Britain, Portugal, Spain and France. After 100 years, a full-fledged fleet was formed in almost all of Europe, which later played a key role in expansionist companies. Also, many criminals - pirates took possession of warships.
The era of sailing ships of the 17th century
With the discovery of the steam engine, the large battleships of the sailing fleet existed for some time, but the sail no longer served as the main force of movement of the ship. It was used as an additional means of sailing in the event of a boiler breakdown or to save fuel in strong winds. Sailing ships were completely supplanted by dreadnoughts and battleships. A sailboat with an unprotected mast had no chance against an armored ship. It is worth noting that in the 60s of the 19th century there was no rifled artillery yet and the dreadnoughts were practically unsinkable.
Sailing vessel classification
The demand for ships was based on the tasks they performed - for expeditions or military operations. In the second case, the vessel was required to achieve specific tactical goals, which led to the development different types ships. The main characteristics of any combat naval unit were: displacement, number of artillery pieces and masts. Ultimately, a classification of ships by ranks was formed:
- The first three were ships of the line only;
- 4 - 5 ranks were frigates;
- 6 - 7 rank other smaller vessels (brigs, tenders, corvettes).
Simultaneously with the development of the main combat units, additional ships were formed, which were supposed to solve auxiliary tasks in order to achieve strategic goals on the battlefield.
These were mainly:
- Firebrands. A ship with explosives on board to set fire to an enemy ship. They were developed through simple preparation. The fire ships were not built and they, in fact, are not an independent class of the ship. The decision to use them was often applied already in the course of battles; for preparation I used a failed ship that could not fight, but was still capable of sailing. A special effect was if the enemy ship was in close formation with others or was in the bay.
- Bombardier ships. In terms of its capabilities, it did not differ from the main painful ships - a large 3-masted vessel with arthor guns. It had low sides and was intended for shelling coastal infrastructure (bays, docks, fortifications). In a naval battle, he could also effectively prove himself, but because of his sides he became an easy target.
- Transport ships. Among them there were also different types of ships for specific tasks (clippers, sloops, packet boats, etc.)
It is worth noting that there was practically no cargo ships among the ships of the sailing fleet of the colonial powers. The cargo was stored on the main ships, and if the need for a transport ship nevertheless appeared, they were hired from private individuals.
Main combat sailing ships
During the Renaissance, the navy played an important role for any state, and its power determined the world politics of that time. The development of ships continued for two centuries before they received a clear classification. The main warships of the sailing fleet were:
- Brigantine. 2-masted vessel with straight foremast and oblique mainmast. It appeared in the 17th century and was used for reconnaissance operations. There were 6 - 8 guns on board.
- Brig. 2-masted ship of the 7th rank with a displacement of up to 400 tons. She was the main reconnaissance messenger ship in all fleets of the world. Also on board had from 8 to 24 guns, which were used for shooting when escaping the pursuit. The brigantine appeared as a more practical and simpler version, but did not completely supplant them.
- Galion. The largest ship from the 15th to 17th centuries. It could include from 2 to 4 masts, and the displacement was up to 1600 tons. Galions were the dominant ships in battles before the appearance of battleships.
- Caravel. 3 - 4 masted universal vessel with a displacement of up to 450 tons. She received wider application in expeditions. Good seakeeping is achieved thanks to the versatile masts and superstructures at the bow and stern. Despite the high side, the caravels were only single-deck ships. In battles, they often served as a cargo ship, capable of shooting back from small ships and during boarding.
- Karakka. Large 3-masted vessel of early times. It had a displacement of up to 2000 tons and had 30 - 40 guns on board. The ship could carry a large number of passengers, up to 1,300 people. The Karakka established itself well in the 13th and 16th centuries as a powerful vessel capable of fighting back alone. However, with the formation of fleets and the appearance of large ships, they lost their importance.
- Corvette. 2 - 3 masted vessel with a displacement of up to 600 tons for tactical tasks. Appeared in the 18th century and one of two (along with the frigate) classes of ships that have survived to this day. It was used for cruising hunting or the destruction of single targets, less often for reconnaissance. Equipped with an open or closed artillery battery with dozens of guns.
- Battleship. The largest 3-masted vessel with three artillery decks (mostly with closed batteries). According to the standard, battleships were considered ships with a displacement of up to 5000 tons, however, many ships of this type are known in history and up to 8000 tons. The entire battery could include up to 130 pairs of guns located along the sides. They were used mainly to combat the same large ships and shell the coastline. Battleships are one of the few combat sailing ships that served in the naval forces until the beginning of the 20th century.
- Flutes. 3-masted transport sailboat. The displacement was arbitrary, but often did not exceed 800 tons. They had up to 6 guns and were distinguished by high maneuverability. They were often used by corsairs for robberies. In Russia, the first flutes appeared in the Baltic Fleet in the 17th century.
- Frigate. 3-masted vessel with a displacement of up to 3500 tons. The next in power after the battleship and had on board up to 60 pairs of guns. It was used as a large support ship along the entire front line or for carrying out communication tasks (guarding merchant ships). Was the main warship of the sailing fleet of the Russian Empire.
- Sloop. 3-masted ship with low sides. It had a displacement of up to 900 tons and 16 - 32 artillery guns. Served as a long-range reconnaissance or expeditionary vessel. Sloops were popular in the 17th and 19th centuries among Russian forwarders for traveling around the world.
- Shnyava. A small sailboat with 2 straight masts, which has become widespread in the Scandinavian region. In Russia, they were actively used by Peter I for reconnaissance operations before battles. Displacement up to 150 tons, and the number of guns ranged from 2 to 18.
- Schooner. A vessel with an arbitrary, mostly large displacement. It could include up to 16 guns and was distributed as part of the sailing fleet of the Russian Empire. Battle schooners were exclusively 2-masted, and messenger ships had an arbitrary number of masts.
V individual countries there were unique types of warships that did not become widespread. For example, Portuguese ships, comparable in displacement to a frigate, but having several gun decks, were called cruisers, although this type was already fixed for more modern ships.
Large ships of the Russian sailing fleet
The first mentions of Russian sailing ships can be found in The Tale of Bygone Years, which tells about the trip of Prince Oleg to Byzantium on ships. The Russian sailing fleet was already formed by Peter I. The construction of the first ships proceeded in the likeness of European ones. The first major battle of the Russian fleet is celebrated with the Swedes in the Northern War. In the future, the naval forces are only beginning to grow.
Large ships of the Baltic fleet
The largest military sailing ships in Russia (as well as in the world) were ships of the line. The first battleships were laid down in the Ladoga shipyard, which had no experience in building large ships, as a result of which the ships received poor seaworthiness and maneuverability. List of sailing battleships of the Russian Imperial Navy, which became the first in service in the Baltic:
- Riga,
- Vyborg,
- Pernov,
All three ships were launched in 1710 and were classified as rank 4 battleships. The sides housed 50 guns of various calibers. The ship's crew was 330 people. Sailing ships in the Russian fleet also lost their importance with the development of steam engines and battleships, but were still used for reconnaissance operations until the time of the civil war.
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The 17th century was a rich period in the history of shipbuilding. The ships have become faster, more maneuverable and more stable. Engineers learned to design best samples sailing ships. The development of artillery made it possible to equip battleships with reliable, accurate guns. The need for military action determined the progress in shipbuilding.
The most powerful ship at the beginning of the century
The beginning of the 17th century saw the dawn of the era of ships of the line. The first three-deck was the British HMS "Prince Royal", which came out of the Woolwich shipyard in 1610. The British shipbuilders took the prototype from the Danish flagship, and were subsequently rebuilt and improved several times.
The ship was hoisted 4 masts, two for straight and Latin sails. The three-deck, originally 55-gun ship, in the final version of 1641 became 70-gun, then changed its name to Resolution, returned the name, and in 1663 had 93 guns in its equipment.
- Displacement of about 1200 tons;
- Length (keel) 115 feet;
- Width (midship) 43 feet;
- Intry depth 18 feet;
- 3 full-fledged artillery decks.
As a result of battles with the Dutch, the ship was captured by the enemy in 1666, and when they tried to recapture it, it was burned and flooded.
The most powerful ship at the end of the century
The French Soleil Royal was built by shipbuilders of the Brest shipyard 3 times. The first in 1669, a three-masted with 104 guns, created as an equal opponent to the British "Royal Sovereign", died in 1692. And in the same year, a new battleship with 112 guns was already built and had:
- Cannons 28 x36-lbs., 30 x18-lbs. (At middeck), 28 x12-lbs. (At operdeck);
- Displacement 2200 tons;
- 55 meters long (keel);
- Width 15 m (midship);
- Draft (intryuma) 7 m;
- A team of 830 people.
The third was built after the death of the previous one, as a worthy heir to the glorious traditions associated with this name.
New types of ships of the 17th century
The evolution of past centuries has shifted the emphasis of shipbuilding from the need to simply move safely on the seas, from the merchant ships of the Venetians, Hanseaticans, Flemings and, traditionally, the Portuguese and Spaniards to overcome considerable distances, to asserting the importance of dominance at sea and, as a result, defending their interests through the military action.
Initially, they began to militarize merchant ships to counter pirates, and by the 17th century, a class of only warships was finally formed, and there was a separation of the merchant and military fleets.
In the construction of the navy, shipbuilders and, of course, the Dutch provinces succeeded. From the Portuguese shipbuilders, the galleon originates - the basis of the power of the squadrons of Spain and England.
17th century galleon
Until recently, the shipbuilders of Portugal and Spain, who played a significant role, continued to improve the traditional ship designs.
In Portugal, at the beginning of the century, 2 types of ships appeared with new proportions of the hull in the ratio of length to width - 4 to 1. This is a 3-masted pinas (similar to flutes) and a military galleon.
On galleons, guns began to be installed above and below the main deck, highlighting battery decks in the structure of the ship, ports-cells for guns were opened on board only for combat, and were battened down to avoid the flooding of waves of water, which, with a solid mass of the ship, would inevitably flood it; the warheads were hidden in the holds below the waterline. The displacement of the Spanish largest galleons of the early 17th century was about 1000 tons.
The Dutch galleon had three or four masts, up to 120 feet long, up to 30 feet wide, and 12 feet low. draft and up to 30 guns. Ships with such a proportion of long hulls added speed to the number and area of sails, additionally foxes and underlisels. That made it possible to cut the wave steeper towards the wind in comparison to the rounded hulls.
Linear multi-deck sailing ships formed the backbone of the squadrons of Holland, Britain, Spain. Three-, four-deck ships were the flagships of the squadrons and determined the military superiority and advantage in battle.
And if battleships constituted the main combat power, then frigates began to be built as the fastest ships, equipping one closed fire battery with a small number of cannons. To increase the speed, the sail area was increased and the curb weight was reduced.
The British ship "Sovereign of the Seas" became the first classic example of a battleship. Built in 1637, armed with 100 guns.
Another classic example was the British frigate - a reconnaissance and escort of merchant ships.
Actually, these 2 types of ships became an innovative line in shipbuilding and gradually ousted from the shipyards the European galleons, galiots, flutes, pins, which were obsolete by the middle of the century.
New technologies of the military fleet
For a long time, the Dutch retained the dual purpose of the ship during the construction, shipbuilding for trade was their priority. Therefore, in relation to warships, they were clearly inferior to England. In the middle of the century, the Netherlands built the 53-gun ship Brederode, akin to the Sovereign of the Seas, its flagship of the fleet. Construction parameters:
- Displacement 1520 tons;
- Proportions (132 x 32) ft .;
- Draft - 13 feet;
- Two artillery decks.
Flute "Schwarzer Rabe"
At the end of the 16th century, the Netherlands began to build flutes. At the expense new design the Dutch flute had excellent seaworthiness and had:
- Low draft;
- Fast sailing equipment allowing a steep fence to the wind;
- High speed;
- Large capacity;
- New construction with length-to-width ratios ranging from four-to-one;
- Was cost effective;
- And the crew is about 60 people.
That is, in fact, a military transport ship in order to transport cargo, and in the open sea to repel the attack of the enemy, and quickly go into the gap.
Flutes at the beginning of the 17th century were built:
- About 40 meters long;
- About 6 or 7 m wide;
- Draft 3 ÷ 4 m;
- Carrying capacity 350 ÷ 400 tons;
- And cannon equipment of 10 ÷ 20 guns.
For a century, flutes dominated all seas and played a prominent role in wars. The steering wheel was first used on them.
From the sailing equipment, topmills appeared on them, the yards were made shortened, the length of the mast became longer than the vessel, and the sails became narrower, more convenient to control, and small in size. Sails mainsail, foresail, topsail, brahmseilles on mainsail, foremast. On the bowsprit there is a rectangular blind-sail, bomb-blind. On the mizzen mast there is an oblique sail and a straight cruise. To manage the sail equipment, a smaller number of the top crew was required.
Structures of warships of the 17th century
The gradual modernization of artillery pieces began to allow their successful use on board the ship. Important characteristics in the new battle tactics are:
- Convenient, fast reloading during the battle;
- Conducting continuous fire at intervals for reloading;
- Conducting aimed fire at long distances;
- An increase in the size of the crew, which made it possible to fire while boarding.
Since the 16th century, the tactics of separating combat missions within the squadron continued to develop: some of the ships retreated to the flanks to conduct long-range artillery fire at the accumulation of enemy large ships, and the light vanguard rushed to board the damaged ships.
British naval forces used this tactic during the Anglo-Spanish War.
The wake column during the review in 1849
The ships are classified according to the purpose of their use. Rowing galleys are being replaced by sailing cannon ships, and the main focus is shifted from boarding grip to destructive gunfire.
The use of heavy large-caliber was difficult. The increased number of artillery crews, the significant weight of the gun and charges, the recoil force destructive for the ship, which made it impossible to fire volleys at the same time. The emphasis was on 32 ... 42-lb. cannons with a barrel no more than 17 cm in diameter. For this reason, several medium guns were preferable to a pair of large ones.
The most difficult thing is the accuracy of the shot in conditions of rolling and inertia of recoil from neighboring guns. Therefore, the artillery crew needed a clear sequence of volleys with minimal intervals, the training of the entire crew of the team.
Strength and maneuverability have become very important: it is necessary to keep the enemy strictly on board, not to allow entry to the rear, and to be able to quickly turn the ship on the other side in case of serious damage. The length of the keel of the ship was no more than 80 meters and, in order to accommodate more guns, they began to build upper decks, along the side of each deck a battery of guns was placed.
The coordination and skill of the ship's crew was determined by the speed of the maneuvers. The highest manifestation of skill was considered the speed with which the ship, having fired a volley from one side, managed to turn its narrow nose under the enemy's oncoming volley, and then turning the opposite side to fire a new volley. Such maneuvers made it possible to receive less damage and inflict significant and quick damage to the enemy.
It is worth mentioning the numerous military rowing boats used throughout the 17th century. The proportions were approximately 40 by 5 meters. Displacement of about 200 tons, draft of 1.5 meters. A mast and a Latin sail were installed on the galleys. For a typical galley with a crew of 200, 140 rowers were housed in three on 25 banks on each side, each on its own oar. Oars bulwarks were covered from bullets and crossbows. Guns were installed on the stern and bow. The aim of the galley attack is boarding combat. Cannons and projectiles launched an attack, and when they approached, boarding began. Understandably, such attacks were designed to target heavily laden merchant ships.
The most powerful army at sea in the 17th century
If at the beginning of the century the fleet of the winner of the Great Spanish Armada was considered the strongest, then later the combat capability of the British fleet fell catastrophically. And the failures in battles with the Spaniards and the shameful seizure of 27 English ships by Moroccan pirates finally dropped the prestige of British power.
At this time, the Dutch fleet takes leading positions. This is the only reason why Britain's rapidly growing wealthy feat made it possible for Britain to build up its fleet in a new way. By the middle of the century, the flotilla consisted of up to 40 warships, of which six were 100-gun. And after the Revolution, the fighting power at sea increased until the Restoration. After a period of lull towards the end of the century, Britain re-positioned its power at sea.
From the beginning of the 17th century, the flotillas of European countries began to be equipped with ships of the line, the number of which determined the combat strength. The 55-gun ship HMS "Prince Royal" of 1610 is considered to be the first linear 3-deck ship. The next 3-deck HMS "Sovereign of the Seas" acquired the parameters of a serial prototype:
- Proportions 127x46 feet;
- Draft - 20 feet;
- Displacement 1520 tons;
- Total number 126 guns on 3 artillery decks.
Placement of guns: 30 on the lower deck, 30 on the middle, 26 with a smaller caliber on the upper, 14 under the forecastle, 12 under the poop. In addition, there are many embrasures in the superstructures for the guns of the crew on board.
After three wars between England and Holland, they united in an alliance against France. The Anglo-Dutch alliance was able to destroy 1,300 French naval units by 1697. And at the beginning of the next century, led by Britain, the alliance achieved the advantage. And the blackmail of the naval power of England, which became Great Britain, began to determine the outcome of the battles.
Naval battles tactics
Previous naval wars were characterized by disordered tactics, there were skirmishes between ship captains, there were no schemes and a single command.
From 1618 the British Admiralty introduced the ranking of its warships
- Ships Royal, 40… 55 guns.
- Great Royals, about 40 guns.
- Middling Ships. 30 ... 40 guns.
- Small Ships, including frigates, less than 30 guns.
The British developed linear combat tactics. According to her rules,
- Peer-to-peer formation in line with wake columns;
- Aligning an equivalent and equal speed column without breaks;
- Unified command.
What should ensure success in battle.
Equal-ranked tactics excluded the presence of weak links in the column, the flagships led the vanguard, center, command and closed the rear. The unified command was subordinate to the admiral, there was a clear system for transmitting commands and signals between ships.
Naval battles and wars
Battle of Dover 1659
The first battle of the fleets a month before the start of the 1st Anglo-Dutch War, which formally gave it a start. Tromp with a squadron of 40 ships set out to escort and protect Dutch transport ships from British corsairs. While in British waters close to a squadron of 12 ships under command. Admiral Byrne, the Dutch flagships did not want to salute the English flag. When Blake approached with a squadron of 15 ships, the British attacked the Dutch. Tromp covered a caravan of merchant ships, did not dare to get involved in a long battle, and yielded to the battlefield.
Battle of Plymouth 1652
It took place in the First Anglo-Dutch War. de Ruyter took over command of a squadron from Zealand of 31 soldiers. ship and 6 fire-ships in the protection of the convoy of the merchant caravan. He was opposed by 38 soldiers. ships and 5 fire ships of the British forces.
When the Dutch met, they divided the squadron, some of the British ships began to pursue them, breaking the formation and losing the advantage of firepower. The Dutch, with their favorite tactics of shooting at masts and rigging, disabled some of the enemy's ships. As a result, the British had to retreat and go to the ports for repairs, and the caravan safely left for Calais.
Newport battles of 1652 and 1653
If in the battle of 1652 Ruyter and de Witt, combining 2 squadrons of 64 ships into a single one - the vanguard Ruyter and the center de Witt - squadron, gave an equal battle to 68 ships of Black. Then in 1653 the squadron of Tromp, which had 98 ships and 6 fire-ships against 100 ships and 5 fire-ships of the British admirals Monk and Dean, when trying to attack the main forces of the British, was pretty destroyed. Ruyter, vanguard rushing in the wind, fell upon the English. the vanguard of Admiral Lauson, and Tromp vigorously supported him; but Admiral Dean had time to come to the rescue. And then the wind subsided, an artillery firefight began until dark, when the Dutch, having discovered a lack of shells, were forced to leave for their ports as soon as possible. The battle showed the superiority of the equipment and weapons of the British ships.
Battle of Portland 1653
Battle of the First Anglo-Dutch War. The convoy is under command. Admiral M. Tromp of 80 ships accompanied the returning caravan of 250 merchant ships loaded with colonial goods in the English Channel. Encountered with a fleet of 70 British ships under command. Admiral R. Blake, Tromp was forced into battle.
For two days of fighting, the change in wind did not allow the formation of groups of ships; the Dutch, shackled by the defense of transport ships, suffered losses. And yet at night the Dutch were able to break through and leave, eventually losing 9 military and 40 merchant ships, and the British 4 ships.
Battle of Texel in 1673
De Ruyter's victory with Admirals Bunkert and Tromp over the Anglo-French fleet at Texel in the third Anglo-Dutch war. This period was marked by the occupation of the Netherlands by French troops. The goal was to recapture the trade caravan. 92 ships and 30 allied fire ships were opposed by a Dutch fleet of 75 ships and 30 fire ships.
Ruyter's vanguard managed to separate the French vanguard from the British squadron. The maneuver was a success and, in view of the disunity of the allies, the French preferred to keep the flotilla, and the Dutch managed to crush the center of the British in a fierce battle for many hours. And in the end, ousting the French, Bunkert came to reinforce the center of the Dutch. The British were never able to land the troops and suffered heavy losses in manpower.
These wars of the advanced naval powers determined the importance of tactics, formations and firepower in the development of the navy and the art of fighting. Based on the experience of these wars, classes of division into ranks of ships were developed, the optimal configuration of a sailing ship of the line, the number of weapons were checked. The tactics of single combat of enemy ships were transformed into a combat formation of a wake column with well-coordinated firing of artillery, with a quick reorganization and a unified command. Boarding was a thing of the past, and strength at sea influenced success on land.
17th century Spanish fleet
Spain continued to form its armada with large galleons, the unsinkability and fortress of which were proved by the results of the battles of the Invincible Armada with the British. The artillery available to the British could not inflict damage on the Spaniards.
Therefore, the Spanish shipbuilders continued to build galleons with an average displacement of 500 ÷ 1000 tons and a draft of 9 feet, creating an ocean-going ship - stable and reliable. Three or four masts and about 30 guns were put on such ships.
In the first third of the century, 18 galleons with up to 66 cannons were launched into the water. The number of large ships exceeded 60 against the 20 large royal ships of England and 52 of France.
The features of durable, heavy ships are their high resistance to being in the ocean and fighting water elements. The installation of straight sails in two tiers did not provide maneuverability and ease of control. At the same time, the low maneuverability was compensated by the excellent survivability during storms in terms of strength, and the versatility of galleons. They were used simultaneously for trade and military operations, which was often combined with an unexpected meeting with the enemy in the vast waters of the ocean.
The extraordinary capacity made it possible to equip ships with a decent number of weapons and take on board a large, battle-trained crew. That made it possible to successfully carry out boarding - the main naval tactic of battles and seizure of ships in the arsenal of the Spaniards.
17th century French fleet
In France, the first battleship "Crown" was launched in 1636. Then began the rivalry with England and Holland at sea.
Ship characteristics of the first rank three-masted two-deck ""
- Displacement over 2100 tons;
- Length on the upper deck 54 meters, waterline 50 m, keel 39 m;
- Shirina 14 m;
- 3 masts;
- Mainmast 60 meters high;
- Boards up to 10 m high;
- Sail area about 1000 m²;
- 600 sailors;
- 3 decks;
- 72 different-caliber guns (14x 36-pounder);
- Oak body.
It took about 2 thousand dried trunks to build. The shape of the barrel was matched to the shape of the ship's part while matching the bends of the fibers and the part, which gave it special strength.
The ship is known for overshadowing the "Sovereign of the Seas" - British masterpiece "Sovereign of the Seas" (1634), and is now considered the most luxurious and beautiful ship of the sailing era.
17th century fleet of the United Provinces of the Netherlands
The Netherlands in the 17th century fought endless wars with neighboring countries for independence. The maritime confrontation between the Netherlands and Britain was in the nature of internecine rivalry between neighbors. On the one hand, they were in a hurry to control the seas and oceans with the help of the fleet, on the other hand, to press out Spain and Portugal, while successfully making robberies on their ships, and on the third, they wanted to dominate as the two most militant rivals. At the same time, dependence on corporations - the owners of the ships, leading the financing of shipbuilding, overshadowed the importance of victories in naval battles, which stopped the growth of the Netherlands' seafaring.
The formation of the power of the Dutch fleet was facilitated by the liberation struggle with Spain, the weakening of its strength, the numerous victories of the Dutch ships over the Spaniards during the Thirty Years' War to its end in 1648.
The fleet of the Netherlands was the largest, it consisted of 20 thousand merchant ships, and a huge number of shipyards operated. Actually, this century was the Golden Age of the Netherlands. The struggle of the Netherlands for independence from the Spanish Empire led to the Eighty Years War (1568-1648). After the end of the Seventeen Provinces of Liberation from the Spanish monarchy, there were three Anglo-Dutch wars, a successful invasion of England, and wars with France.
3 Anglo-Dutch wars at sea tried to determine the dominant position at sea. By the beginning of the first, the Dutch fleet had 75 warships along with frigates. The available warships of the United Provinces were scattered around the world. In case of war, warships could be chartered, or simply hired from other European states. The designs of the "pinas" and "Flemish karakka" in case of war were easily upgraded from a merchant ship to a military ship. However, apart from Brederode and Grote Vergulde Fortuijn, the Dutch could not boast of their own warships. They won battles due to courage and skill.
By the Second Anglo-Dutch War in 1665, van Wassenar's squadron was able to collect 107 ships, 9 frigates and 27 lower ships. Of these, 92 are armed with over 30 cannons. The number of crews is 21 thousand sailors, 4800 guns.
England could oppose 88 ships, 12 frigates and 24 lower ships. A total of 4500 guns, 22 thousand sailors.
In the most disastrous battle in the history of Holland, Lowestoft, the Flemish flagship 76-gun "Eendragt" was blown up along with van Wassenaar.
British Navy 17th century
In the middle of the century, there were no more than 5,000 merchant ships in Britain. But the navy was significant. By 1651, the royal "Royal Navi" squadron already had 21 battleships and 29 frigates, 2 battleships and 50 frigates were being completed on the way. If you add the number of free-hired and chartered ships, the fleet could be up to 200 ships. The total number of guns and caliber were unrivaled.
Construction was carried out at the royal shipyards of Britain - Woolwich, Davenport, Chatham, Portsmouth, Deptford. A significant part of the ships came from private shipyards in Bristol, Liverpool, etc. Over the century, growth has steadily increased with the predominance of a regular fleet over a chartered one.
In England, the most powerful ships of the line referred to Manowar as the largest, with more than a hundred guns.
To increase the multipurpose composition of the British fleet in the middle of the century, more warships of smaller types were created: corvettes, bombards.
During the construction of frigates, the number of guns on two decks increased to 60.
In the first Dover battle with the Netherlands, the British fleet had:
60- push. James, 56-push. Andrew, 62-push. Triumph, 56-push. Andrew, 62-push. Triumph, 52-push. Victory, 52-push. Speaker, five 36-push, including President, three 44-push, including Garland, 52-push. Fairfax and others.
What the Dutch fleet could oppose:
54- push. Brederode, 35- push. Grote Vergulde Fortuijn, nine 34-cannons, the rest are lower ranks.
Therefore, the Dutch reluctance to engage in open water combat according to the rules of linear tactics becomes obvious.
Russian fleet of the 17th century
As such, the Russian fleet did not exist before Peter I, due to the lack of access to the seas. The very first Russian warship was the two-deck, three-masted "Eagle" built in 1669 on the Oka. But it was built at the Voronezh shipyards in 1695 - 1696 from 23 rowing galleys, 2 sailing-rowing frigates and more than 1000 shnavs, barges, plows.
The ship "Eagle" 1667
The parameters of the 36-gun frigates "Apostle Peter" and "Apostle Paul" are similar:
- Length 34 meters;
- Width 7.6 m;
- 15 rowing pairs for maneuverability;
- Flat-bottomed hull;
- The anti-curtain sides are bent inward at the top.
Russian masters and Peter himself in 1697. the frigate "Peter and Paul" was built in Holland.
The first ship to enter the Black Sea was the "Fortress". From the shipyard at the mouth of the Don in 1699:
- Length - 38 meters;
- Width - 7.5 m;
- Crew - 106 sailors;
- 46 guns.
In 1700, the first Russian battleship "Divine Predestination", intended for the Azov flotilla, left the Voronezh shipyard, and was rebuilt by Russian craftsmen and engineers. This three-masted ship, equal to rank IV, had:
- Length 36 meters;
- Width 9 m;
- 58 guns (26x 16lb guns, 24x 8lb, 8x 3lb);
- Crew of 250 sailors.
Considering such an interesting subject as the history of shipbuilding, it is very important to look not only at the achievements in this area over the past decades, but also at the very first attempts of ancient people to make sea voyages.
The ocean, the big water have always attracted people and made them strive for the horizon in search of food, a better fate, and the opening of new trade routes. That is why, even in the most dense history of mankind, there are already the first notes about the shipbuilding of that time and the attempts of daredevils to go on distant wanderings.
It is worth noting that successful seafarers have existed for so long that it is sometimes difficult to believe in it. For example, there is a well-founded opinion that the first to get to America were not the Spaniards, but also the Vikings.
Consider the main milestones in the formation of shipbuilding and the achievements in this regard from different eras.
Ancient ships
In the old days, people settled mainly near the seas and rivers, as this gave many opportunities. Constant trips to distant countries, the seizure of new lands, livestock and slaves, as well as other urgent tasks required that navigation should constantly develop and improve.
Who was the first to invent the boat, sail, oars and other attributes of this sphere is absolutely impossible to say, since it is not possible to trace this.
Already the ancient Sumerians who lived on the territory of present-day Iraq, the Egyptians, Phoenicians and other peoples knew how to make fairly strong ships and traveled on them over very decent distances.
Today, archaeologists and researchers regularly find the most ancient ships on the seabed, on which there are often all kinds of amphorae, objects made of metal, wood and clay, which were intended for trade or were the result of plundering of other countries and peoples.
Biblical times
Already in biblical times, shipbuilding was very developed, which is confirmed by many documents and writings of those times, in particular, the Bible. This book more than once indicates how many of the heroes of the narratives went to other lands on ships.
During these times, sailing ships prevailed - sturdy wooden ships that were equipped with sturdy sails that used the force of the wind to move. Ancient Roman courts were also quite similar in this regard.
The main shipbuilders of the biblical times were the Phoenician tribes who lived on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and conducted many of their industries with its help. The history of shipbuilding here is very rich and full of discoveries, daring feats and long journeys to distant countries.
As for the main characters of the biblical stories, the Jews, they were afraid to travel by sea, considered this business very dangerous and avoided it. Only in extreme necessity did people go by sea. Small fishing boats and barges were used for their own tasks. The largest and first largest ship in the Bible is the one that Noah built to save him from the flood.
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt was a developed center of shipbuilding, for which you can find a lot of evidence in the form of drawings of that time with images of ships. Modern researchers have a lot of evidence that in those days in Egypt were made trade, military and other travel by water.
Historical records indicate the following main types of ships in Ancient Egypt:
- Merchant ships. They had sails and the ability to control the oars. For oars, stops were not provided and they simply rowed from the side, like in a canoe.
- Sea-going ships. The larger structure, capable of withstanding a severe storm, held about 80 tons of luggage.
- Military. It had an elongated hull, high strength, and a steering paddle was placed in front of it. Special platforms for archers and warriors were equipped here.
In general, during this period, shipbuilding was already quite developed, since there were not only combat, but also merchant and even sea vessels.
Ancient Phenicia
The Phoenicians are famous conquerors of the sea who were skilled at making excellent ships. This people built the best boats in the ancient world, thanks to which they colonized almost the entire Mediterranean coast. Even in the Middle Ages, their ships were remembered with great interest and respect.
Merchant, military and combat ships were created here. Moreover, there were many varieties of them, differing in their characteristics and capabilities.
The Phoenicians attached to them a ram, places for warriors and rowers, strong sails and other important elements.
Ancient Greece
In this mighty country of the past, the construction of all kinds of ships and boats was also developed. With their help, food was brought, wars of conquest were fought, trade exchanges with other states took place.
In the literature of that time, if you take summary, I recall the following types of ships:
- trade, which transported a little olive, wine, grain;
- military - triremes, triacons and pentekontors, which differed in design and number of rowers;
- biremes, on which two floors were created for rowers, which made it possible to increase movement speed and maneuverability.
In general, at this time there were a lot of different types of structures, so it is rather difficult to list them all.
Ancient Rome and Byzantium
Rome and Byzantium are powerful powers that were famous for their luxurious ships. They went on long journeys and successfully covered long distances.
The main innovations of this time were the so-called Roman galleys and Byzantine dromons. In their construction, not only wood was used, but also metal and fabrics, copper elements that do not corrode from interaction with water.
The ships had several floors and a whole army of oarsmen, who had to wield huge oars of hundreds of kilograms. Their construction was carried out not intuitively, but using many sciences and specific applied knowledge.
Vikings
The warlike Vikings were very good sailors, according to real-world legends, they were the first to reach the shores of America.
Here the fleet was represented by the following vessels:
- Merchants, which were called knorrs. It accommodated about 40 people.
- Combat drakkars, which housed 30-70 soldiers. They reached up to 30 meters in length, were fast and had a high cross-country ability;
Pictures on the Internet accurately convey the look of Viking boats: strict, large and durable.
History of sailing ships of our era
The history of sail and more sophisticated technologies was significantly enriched in our era. Invention followed invention, and new versions of robust structures conquered the seas and even the oceans. Let's consider the general features of this time in shipbuilding.
15th century
At this time, there were such popular boats:
- Galleon is a sailing ship, which was also distinguished by the presence of rowers, large size and good maneuverability.
- Linear, which gradually supplanted many other types. They were distinguished by a strong frame and well-thought-out cladding, the parameters of which could be calculated in advance.
With the development of science, more accurate calculations and planning have already begun in construction.
16th century
The European experience is enriched, and powerful, well-thought-out ships appear, which, in many respects, have bypassed even antiquity.
Here, the designers came to the conclusion that the strength of the wind and the ability to use it are much more important than the physical strength of the rowers. Therefore, the main changes were made to the sails and steering systems.
17th century
The beginning of a rapid scientific and technical prosperity made it possible to significantly increase the carrying capacity, maneuverability, and stability of ships. The period of wars of conquest was leaving and it was necessary to keep their possessions from enemies.
This forced the installation of powder cannons on the sides of ships, which fired cannonballs. For example, the French Soleil Royal had 112 cannons.
18 century
At this time, the Russian fleet appeared - one of the most powerful in its time. In Russia, due to the lack of access to big water, mainly river transport, boats and kayaks, seagulls developed, but the emergence of the formidable Russian Empire set other tasks - to defend itself from all sides and in the ocean, including.
The history of the Russian fleet begins in the 18th century and includes many worthy ships. True, at this time the sea was still dominated by England, suffice it to recall her "Hms Royal Sovereign" of the late 18th century.
Of the new technologies at this time, one can note a more thorough preparation of the tree, changes in the design of the steering wheel, the introduction of a steering wheel, the installation of even more guns.
19th century
This time became a breakthrough - steam engines appeared, which became more important factor rather than the direction and speed of the wind and the number of rowers. The hull plating began to be made of metal, which increased their strength.
It was at this time, in 1807, that the first steamer appeared. Robert Fulton is the "father of steamboats" after the creation of the Claremont, which was propelled by a paddle wheel.
In England, the most powerful for that time completely iron HEIC Nemesis was created. The coal reserves on board were enough for 12 days of movement.
Russian engineer Aleksandrovsky invented a torpedo in 1865 - a new type of weapon that became indispensable on most of the ships of that time.
Modern ships
Today the variety and complexity of ships is simply amazing.
It is impossible even to list all their varieties:
- nuclear submarines;
- aircraft carriers;
- cruisers;
- frigates, corvettes;
- destroyers;
- special landing boats and many others.
Of course, all the achievements of past years are fully used now, since their origin lies in those ancient times that are mentioned at the beginning of the article.
For children and adults, there are a few interesting facts to learn:
- Some military personnel used amazing military tricks - they disguised the ship as a floating island and thus escaped from the enemy.
- During World War I, a German ship called Cap Trafalgar was disguised as the English cruiser Carmania to destroy British ships. But immediately after sailing on the mission, "Cap Trafalgar" met the original "Karmania", which instantly sank him.
- The largest modern ship is the Knock Nevis tanker. It reaches a length of 460 meters.
Tanker Knock Nevis
As a conclusion, it is worth noting that ships are a very broad topic of interest. They are very different and very interesting to study.
Whether an old drakkar or a modern ocean liner, these are amazing products of the human mind, about which you always want to know more.