The impact of the invention of the torpedo on the U.S. Navy

In this paper covers only the 50-year period of invention of the torpedo, beginning in 1860s up to the early 1900s. It was during these years, the torpedo was essentially invented, evolved, and proved in battle. From a simple wad of explosive on the end of a stick to a self-propelled weapon, the torpedo influenced the vessels built to deliver this weapon. Vessels have been built to counteract these vessels, and warfare was redefined to include offensive as well as defensive strategies. Now, instead of a coastal defence system, the defence of the ocean as a battlefield became the Navy´s vision.