Ships have been a crucial mode of transport for centuries, carrying everything from goods to soldiers across oceans, lakes, and rivers. As a result, they have also been subject to attacks from pirates, privateers, and enemy ships. To protect themselves, naval vessels have been equipped with an array of weapons, including cannons. However, have you ever wondered why these cannons are mounted on the sides of the ship rather than the front?
The answer to this question lies in the nature of naval warfare. Early naval battles were fought at close range, where ships would come alongside one another, and soldiers would board the enemy ship to engage in hand-to-hand combat. During these battles, the side of the ship was the primary target, as it offered the greatest area for enemy soldiers to board the ship. Additionally, during the age of sail, ships were powered by the wind and had limited maneuverability, making it difficult to position themselves to fire broadside at their enemy.
Over time, naval warfare evolved, and ships became faster and more maneuverable, making it possible to position the ship to face the enemy head-on. However, cannons mounted on the bow of the ship had several disadvantages. Firstly, the recoil from firing a cannon would cause the ship to pitch, making it difficult to maintain accuracy. Secondly, the muzzle blast from the cannons could cause damage to the ship’s structure and rigging. Finally, firing the cannons from the bow would expose the ship’s most valuable asset, its crew, to enemy fire.
Therefore, mounting the cannons on the sides of the ship provided several advantages. Firstly, it allowed for a greater number of cannons to be carried, which meant a higher firing rate and greater damage to the enemy ship. Secondly, firing broadside at the enemy allowed for a greater area of the enemy ship to be targeted, making it more difficult for them to avoid damage. Finally, it provided protection for the ship’s crew during battle, as they were shielded by the ship’s hull.
The reason why ships have cannons mounted on the side rather than the front is due to the nature of naval warfare, where the side of the ship was the primary target in close-range battles. Over time, this strategy evolved to take advantage of the greater maneuverability of ships, resulting in the broadside being the preferred method of attacking the enemy. Therefore, the next time you see a naval vessel with cannons mounted on the side, you will know the reason why.