During the late 18th century, battleships were classified as what type?

During the late 18th century, battleships were classified as ships-of-the-line. This term referred to the large warships that were part of naval fleets and were designed for line-of-battle tactics, where ships would engage in coordinated broadsides against opposing fleets. Ships-of-the-line were typically equipped with a large number of cannons on multiple decks, allowing them to deliver heavy firepower in naval engagements.

This classification was significant because it represented the dominant naval warfare strategy of the time, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a line formation during battles. The design and capabilities of ships-of-the-line made them the primary capital ships of their era, forming the backbone of naval power for many nations. In contrast, frigates and corvettes served different roles, such as reconnaissance and escort duties, while destroyers did not emerge until much later, in the 20th century, specifically designed for anti-submarine and anti-aircraft warfare.