In the Age of Sail, naval warships dominated the waters. These cannon were used from 1571 to 1863. Because they could weigh over two tons, much manual labor was necessary. Their propellant was gunpowder, and they had to be kept in special storage below deck for safety and had to be brought up by "Powder Boys." They were inefficient, hard to be loaded, and short-ranged.
Preparation
1. The interior barrel was cleaned out with a wet swab to extinguish embers from previous firings and keep it from going off prematurely.
2. The gunpowder, followed by a wet cloth were inserted into the barrel and then rammed home.
3. Another shot was rammed in, then another cloth to prevent the shot from falling out.
4. It was then "run-out"; the gun tackles were heaved on, the carriage was pushed up against the ship's bulwark, and the barrel protruded out of the gun port.
5. The "breech", which was the touch-hole in the rear, was filled with fine, priming gun powder, then ignited.
Ignition
1. Linstock was applied with a wooden staff, holding the length of a burning match at the end to the touch hole; this was very dangerous and accuracy from a moving ship was extremely difficult.
2. Gunlocks, which were flintlock mechanisms fitted to the cannon, a cord or lanyard was pulled, and the cannon was fired when the movement of the ship was aligned properly with the enemy.
3. They could be fired around two to three times in approximately five minutes.
Battles
These were used in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
This type of cannon was adopted by the British faster than by the French, so the French were at a horrible disadvantage. 
Economic Impacts
The type of cannon described above was mainly used by the British Royal Navy at first. This gave them a good advantage over their enemies, such as the French, who were still not utilizing this sort of weaponry.
Social Impacts
Because the British made great usage of these weapons, their navy dominated the high seas during this time period.
The type of cannon described above was mainly used by the British Royal Navy at first. This gave them a good advantage over their enemies, such as the French, who were still not utilizing this sort of weaponry.
Social Impacts
Because the British made great usage of these weapons, their navy dominated the high seas during this time period.
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