French ship Annibal – Knowipedia – The Next Generation of Global Knowledge

**French ship Annibal**

**Definition:**
The French ship *Annibal* was a name given to several notable warships of the French Navy, most famously a 74-gun ship of the line launched in the 18th century. These vessels played significant roles in naval warfare during their respective periods, reflecting the evolution of French naval power.

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## French Ship Annibal

The name *Annibal* has been borne by multiple ships in the French Navy, with the most renowned being the 74-gun ship of the line launched in 1778. Named after the Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca, these ships were integral to France’s maritime military history, participating in key naval battles and campaigns. The *Annibal* ships exemplify the development of French naval architecture and strategy from the 18th century through the age of sail.

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### Historical Context and Naming

The tradition of naming French warships after historical and mythological figures was common in the 17th and 18th centuries. The name *Annibal* honors Hannibal Barca, the famed Carthaginian commander known for his tactical genius during the Second Punic War against Rome. This name symbolized strength, strategic acumen, and resilience, qualities the French Navy sought to embody in its vessels.

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### The 74-Gun Ship of the Line *Annibal* (1778)

#### Design and Construction

The most famous *Annibal* was a 74-gun ship of the line, launched in 1778 at the Brest shipyard. This class of ship was a mainstay of European navies during the 18th century, balancing firepower, speed, and maneuverability. The *Annibal* was designed according to the French naval architectural principles of the time, which emphasized a sleek hull and efficient rigging to maximize sailing performance.

The ship measured approximately 56 meters in length with a beam of around 15 meters. It carried a complement of about 700 officers and men, including sailors, marines, and officers. Its armament consisted of 28 36-pounder guns on the lower gun deck, 30 18-pounders on the upper gun deck, and 16 8-pounders on the forecastle and quarterdeck.

#### Service History

The *Annibal* saw active service during the American War of Independence, where France allied with the American colonies against Britain. It participated in several naval engagements, including the Battle of Grenada in 1779 and the Battle of the Chesapeake in 1781, which was crucial in securing American independence.

In 1782, the *Annibal* was renamed *Achille* to avoid confusion with a British ship of the same name captured earlier. Under this new name, the ship continued to serve in the French Navy until it was wrecked in 1783.

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### Other Ships Named *Annibal*

While the 1778 *Annibal* is the most documented, the French Navy used the name for other vessels as well:

– **Annibal (1747):** An earlier 74-gun ship of the line, which served during the War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years’ War. This ship was part of France’s efforts to maintain naval parity with Britain and Spain.

– **Annibal (1866):** A later vessel bearing the name was an ironclad warship, reflecting the transition from wooden sailing ships to steam-powered armored vessels in the 19th century. This *Annibal* was part of the French Navy’s modernization during the era of industrial naval warfare.

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### Role and Impact in Naval Warfare

The *Annibal* ships, particularly the 74-gun ship of the line, were central to France’s naval strategy during the 18th century. Ships of this class formed the backbone of the battle fleet, capable of engaging enemy ships in line-of-battle tactics that dominated naval warfare of the period.

The 74-gun *Annibal*’s participation in the American War of Independence demonstrated the strategic importance of naval power in global conflicts. By helping to secure French and American control of the seas, the ship contributed to the eventual defeat of British forces.

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### Technical Characteristics of the 74-Gun *Annibal*

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### Legacy

The *Annibal* ships represent an important chapter in French naval history, illustrating the evolution of warship design and the strategic role of the French Navy in the 18th and 19th centuries. The 1778 *Annibal* in particular is remembered for its service during a pivotal era of naval warfare and international conflict.

The name *Annibal* has since been retired from active use but remains a symbol of French naval heritage, commemorated in naval records and maritime history.

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## See Also

– French Navy ships of the line
– Naval warfare in the 18th century
– American War of Independence naval battles
– Evolution of naval ship design

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**Meta Description:**
The French ship *Annibal* was a name used for several French Navy warships, most notably a 74-gun ship of the line launched in 1778 that played a key role in 18th-century naval warfare. These ships reflect the development of French naval power during the age of sail.