After Japan was unified in a series of wars, Hideyoshi decided to invade China. It was decided to conquer Korea along the way. At first the Japanese were successful, but the invasion eventually bogged down. Increased Korean resistance, Chinese intervention, and the famous turtle ships all conspired to defeat the Japanese. Koreans are justly proud of the turtle ship, the first ironclad warship in world history, first used in 1592 and mounting several cannon and a flame thrower.
When western sailing ships first reached the Pacific, they were able to dominate the trade routes. Closer to shore, Asian rowed galleys, even without armor, were capable of defeating western warships. In 1886, a turtle ship was used against the American ship General Sherman but was ineffective.
Adm. Lee |
Adm. Lee |
Turtle Ship |
Explanation of Turtle Ship Model |
View From Above |
Warship |
Ship |
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Naval Battles |
Hansan Island Map |
Hansan Island |
Hansan Island... |
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Kids Love the Turtle Ship |