The widespread employment of torpedo boats by the end of the 19th century?

By the end of the 19th century, the widespread employment of torpedo boats revolutionized naval warfare, as these small, fast vessels were designed to launch torpedoes against larger ships. Their ability to operate in shallow waters and evade detection made them effective for coastal defense and surprise attacks. The introduction of torpedo technology shifted naval strategies, emphasizing speed and stealth over traditional battleship engagements. As a result, navies around the world began to incorporate torpedo boats into their fleets, signaling a significant evolution in maritime combat tactics.