how did battleships develop?

Answer 1

pre 1800's
wind power-ships designed to catch wind, not necessiraly for fighting, cannons added for obvious reasons.
1800's
Iron clad ships and cannon platforms- first ships designed for combat, the steam engine made their design possible.
1900's
battleships-the internal combustion engine played a key role in ship design, higher sides on the hull were seen as more of an advantage than a target, Ships grew larger as guns gained more range, and became more effective.
1900's
because of radio/observation towers ships became taller, and while you can be spotted from a distance because of your tower, you might as well build more space for more men and more guns.
1900's
modern battleships are designed around three key inventions: internal combustion engines, long range cannons, and cruise missles/torpeidos. Tall towers to keep large missles from harming the ship at takeoff. Deck surface area for smaller missles and torpedo launches. Notice how the newest navy vessel is very tall and slender, because the more area you have above the water the less drag and the more speed.

there are many factors in the evloution of military ship design, these are just the quick and dirty.

and carriers are a much different story

Answer 2

In 1862 they became iron-clad, thanks to the Monitor and the Merrimack. That famous battle forever changed naval warfare. Before that, they were wooden. Bigger and better and faster.

Answer 3

Slowly, over time.