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CSS Virginia

Definition

The CSS Virginia was an ironclad warship built by the Confederate States during America's Civil War. It is known for its part in destroying two Union frigates at Hampton Roads before engaging with USS Monitor.

Analogy

If you think of this scenario as a video game battle, then CSS Virginia would be that powerful boss character that seems unbeatable until you find its weakness or meet it with equal power - just like when it met with USS Monitor!

Related terms

Confederate Navy: This refers to all naval forces of Confederacy during American Civil War which included both sailing vessels and newly invented ironclads like CSS Virginia.

Merrimack (or Merrimac): This was originally a frigate belonging to the United States Navy, which was scuttled and later raised by the Confederacy to be rebuilt as the ironclad CSS Virginia.

Battle of Hampton Roads: This was a naval battle during American Civil War in 1862. It is significant because it was the first meeting in combat of ironclad warships, with USS Monitor representing Union and CSS Virginia representing Confederacy.