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Shipbuilding Industry

Definition

The shipbuilding industry involves constructing ships and other floating vessels. In European history, it played an essential role in exploration, trade, and military power.

Analogy

Imagine shipbuilding as being similar to building your own custom car. You need resources (materials), skills (craftsmanship), and technology (designs) to build something that can compete on the race track (or high seas).

Related terms

Industrial Revolution: This was a period of major industrialization that took place during the late 1700s and early 1800s. Like upgrading from hand tools to power tools in car building, this revolution brought about significant advancements in manufacturing processes including shipbuilding.

East India Company: This was an English company formed for the exploitation of trade with East and Southeast Asia and India. Consider it as one of those luxury car brands which not only built impressive vehicles (ships) but also dominated certain markets (trade routes).

Ironclads: These were steam-propelled warships protected by iron or steel armor plates used from the mid-19th century onwards. They're like armored tanks on water - tougher, stronger versions of traditional wooden ships.