by William G Littleton. 1933. 19p

The text discusses the historic naval battles between the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia during the American Civil War. The invention of General Paixhans in 1824 revolutionized naval warfare with the introduction of explosive shells fired from cannon. The CSS Virginia, formerly known as the Merrimac, was a Confederate ironclad vessel constructed from the salvaged USS Merrimac. The battle between the CSS Virginia and the USS Cumberland resulted in the Cumberland’s sinking. The following day, the USS Monitor, a Union ironclad vessel, engaged the CSS Virginia in battle. Despite attempts to ram the Monitor, the CSS Virginia was unable to defeat the smaller, more maneuverable Union vessel. Controversies arose regarding the outcomes and strategies employed during these naval battles.