Ironclads were warships covered with iron or steel armor plates, designed to withstand enemy fire. They emerged during the American Civil War, marking a significant shift in naval warfare. The first notable battle between ironclads was the Battle of Hampton Roads in 1862, featuring the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. These ships combined steam power with heavy artillery, making them more effective than traditional wooden ships. Their introduction led to the decline of wooden warships and influenced naval design for years to come, paving the way for modern battleships and changing the nature of maritime conflict.