John Coski talked about the “arms race” between the Union and Confederate navies within the larger international context of revolutions in naval technology at that time. Technological advances during the Civil War besides the use of ironclads included gains in mine, torpedo, and artillery design, as well as the first-time use of a submarine to sink an enemy ship. Mr. Coski showed items and reproductions from the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack), the Hunley and other ironclads and warship used by the Confederates. Mr. Coski used slides throughout his presentation and responded to questions from members of the audience.
“Naval Innovations” was the start of a lecture series exploring science and technology during the Civil War held at the Museum of the Confederacy.