Launch of the French Battleship ‘La Redoutable’ on September 15, 1879

On September 15, 1879, the French battleship La Redoutable was launched, marking a significant advancement in naval engineering and shipbuilding. It holds the distinction of being the world’s first warship constructed entirely of steel. This development foreshadowed a new era in naval architecture that led to the obsolescence of ironclad warships.

Historical Context

The late 19th century was a period of rapid technological advancement and industrialization, leading to significant innovations in military hardware. Before the introduction of steel, ironclads—warships with iron plating—were considered state-of-the-art in naval warfare. However, the limitations of iron, such as susceptibility to corrosion and weight, propelled shipbuilders to explore steel as a more durable and stronger alternative.

Construction and Features

La Redoutable was designed as an ironclad battleship but incorporated groundbreaking features for its time. Her construction began in 1873 at the Arsenal de Lorient in France, and she underwent several design modifications before her launch:

• Material: Made entirely of steel, unlike her contemporaries that used a combination of iron and wood, enhancing her robustness and reducing weight.
• Displacement: The ship had a displacement of approximately 9,560 tons.
• Armament: Equipped with heavy artillery, including 12-inch (305 mm) guns, making her a formidable force on the seas.
• Propulsion: She utilized powerful steam engines, granting her enhanced speed and maneuverability compared to previous ironclads.

Impact and Aftermath

The launch of La Redoutable represented a paradigm shift in naval warfare. Her all-steel construction set a precedent that nations worldwide quickly followed, drastically altering ship design and naval strategy. The advantages of steel—such as higher tensile strength, resistance to fatigue, and greater longevity—made it the material of choice for future warships.

France’s pursuit of advanced naval capabilities with ships like La Redoutable underscored the global arms race during this period. This was a time when nations sought supremacy on the seas as part of their broader imperial and military ambitions.

Legacy

The revolution in shipbuilding initiated by La Redoutable accelerated the pace of naval industrialization. Within two decades of her launch, major world navies began the transition to all-steel fleets, paving the way for the dreadnoughts of the early 20th century. As such, La Redoutable holds a pivotal place in naval history, representing the dawn of modern warship construction.