Pirate Ships > Warships
Warships
Background
A warship is a type of ship that was constructed for the principle purpose of naval warfare. Most often these ships belong to the navy of a colonial empire but they were also in the employ of chartered companies as well. In addition to being much more heavily armed than other ships they were also more armored and could withstand a greater amount of impact and damage. In addition to all of this they were usually faster and more agile than merchant ships.
Also much different from a merchant ship was the fact that warships often only carried cannons, ammunition and supplies for the crew.In wartime, the distinction between warships and merchant ships is often blurred. In war, merchant ships are often armed and used as auxiliary warships. Until the 17th century it was common for merchant ships to be pressed into naval service and not unusual for more than half a fleet to be composed of merchant ships. Until the threat of piracy subsided in the 19th century, it was normal practice to arm larger merchant ships such as galleons. Warships have also often been used as troop carriers or supply ships, such as by the French Navy in the 18th century.
Spanish Galleon
See Spanish Galleon
British Man-o-War
French Warship
See French Warship
