What are ironclads Describe the new weapons used in the Civil War?

Ironclads were warships protected by iron or steel armor plates, representing a significant advancement in naval technology during the Civil War. Notable examples include the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia, which engaged in the famous Battle of Hampton Roads in 1862. The Civil War also saw the introduction of rifled cannons, which had improved accuracy and range, and the Gatling gun, an early form of machine gun that allowed for rapid-fire capabilities, greatly changing the dynamics of land warfare. These innovations marked a shift towards modern military tactics and technology.