Terrific combat between the 'Monitor' 2 guns & 'Merrimac' 11 guns in Hampton Roads March 9th., 1862 1862

This chromolithograph, created by Currier and Ives, depicts the naval battle at Hampton Roads during the American Civil War. Made during a time of intense national division and conflict, it captures a pivotal moment in military and technological history. The print highlights the clash between the Union's Monitor and the Confederate's Merrimac, symbolizing the broader struggle over identity, power, and the future of the nation. It shows not just a battle, but also the deep-seated racial and economic tensions fueling the war. The battle was about the preservation of the Union, but it was also fundamentally about the inhumane institution of slavery and the fight for human rights. Currier and Ives aimed to capture the emotional intensity of the war, turning complex political and social issues into a dramatic, visual story. The artwork serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact of the Civil War on American identity. It highlights the war’s lasting legacy on race relations, and the ongoing quest for justice and equality.