Final answer:
The HMS Dreadnought, launched in 1906, is often credited as the first iron-hulled warship, revolutionizing naval warfare with its advanced armament and steam turbine propulsion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first iron-hulled warship is significant in naval history and marked a considerable advancement in warship design. While the USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides," was a significant American-designed oak-hulled frigate, the true title of first iron-hulled warship is often credited to the British ship, the HMS Dreadnought. Launched in 1906, the HMS Dreadnought revolutionized naval architecture with its ten 12-inch guns, steam turbine propulsion, and iron hull. This made it faster and more powerful than any other warship at the time. Earlier ironclads existed, such as the French La Gloire and the British HMS Warrior, but the Dreadnought marked a new era in naval warfare. The era of wooden ships effectively ended with this leap in technology.