A smoothbore cannon is a type of artillery that has a barrel without any rifling, meaning it is smooth on the inside. This design allows for the firing of round projectiles, such as cannonballs or shells, which can travel at high speeds. Smoothbore cannons were widely used from the 15th century until the 19th century, particularly in naval warfare and siege operations. These cannons are known for their simplicity and ease of use. While they lack the accuracy of rifled cannons, they can fire larger projectiles and are effective at short ranges. Notable examples include the Napoleonic Wars and the American Civil War, where smoothbore cannons played a significant role in battles.