A style of naval combat pioneered by the British and used primarily in the 17th through 19th centuries. A fleet would form a columnar formation parallel to the opposing fleet and exchange broadsides. This tactic of naval warfare brought about the development of the ship of the line. Due to the devestating nature of the broadside, the winner of a battle was usually the side possesing the most ships with the most guns, though there are notable exceptions, such as the Battle of Trafalgar.