War at Sea

Question 1

how had ships improved by the end of the Middle Ages?

Answer 1

• faster
• more maneuverable
• could carry more cargo
• required a smaller crew

Question 2

what are galleys & where are they common?

Answer 2

• a type of ship that was fast & maneuverable w/ a shallow draught & low freeboard
• they had a ram, beak, & tiers of oars
• operated by rowers not slaves
• some galleys in Northern waters, but most in Mediterranean

Question 3

what is a cog?

Answer 3

• type of ship that was primarily used for trade and transport, but also for warfare
• used in Northern Europe during the 10th to 15th centuries
• features are a round hull, high freeboard, stable, cargo capacity, sail, & small crew

Question 4

what is a carrack?

Answer 4

a large merchant ship that operated in European waters in the 14th-17th c.

Question 5

what is a caravel?

Answer 5

a small ship with a broad bow, high stern, & usually 3 masts (15th-16th c.)

Question 6

what are the different types of sails & steering mechanisms?

Answer 6

sails:

• square
• lanteen (triangular)

steering;

• steering oars
• side & stern rudders
• resulted in the general improvement of ships, trade, & commerce

Question 7

what is navigation & the tools used to navigate?

Answer 7

the process or activity of accurately ascertaining one’s position and planning and following a route

tools:

• magnetic compass
• astrolabe
• quadrant
• astronomical tables
• tables of declination
• ports
• maps

Question 8

what is the significance of guns on war at sea?

Answer 8

• used in Coastal defenses
• initially on deck or castles
• gun ports & gun decks (Mary Rose)
• goal was not necessarily to sink ships
• guns placed in a fixed position or placed on wheels, swivel mounts & were rear loading

Question 9

what are the logistics surrounding ships & war at sea?

Answer 9

• ships used largely for supply transport
• required personnel & training but standing navies were not practical
• the expense of ships varied depending on size & often expensive
• required infrastructure like ports for docking & supplying
• ships must be properly victualled (stocked)

Question 10

what was a pitched battle?

Answer 10

• a planned military encounter on a prearranged battleground
• oftentimes rare & usually unplanned
• usually occurred close to shore and was amphibious (land & water)
• similar techniques to land warfare (i.e. gain advantageous position & bombardment)