French ship Magnanime
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French ship Magnanime

ship of the line of the French Navy


Country of Registry
France
Inception
1779
Vessel Type
ship

* This information from Wikidata is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License

The French ship Magnanime was a 74-gun ship of the line, serving as the lead vessel of her class in the French Navy. Built during the late 18th century, she was designed as a third-rate ship of the line, balancing firepower and maneuverability to be a versatile component of fleet battles. While specific construction details such as tonnage, dimensions, or shipyard are not provided, her armament of 74 guns indicates she was equipped with a broadside typical of ships designed for major naval engagements. Magnanime played a prominent role in the American Revolutionary War, serving within De Grasse's squadron. Under the command of Captain Jean Antoine Le Bègue de Germiny, she participated in several significant battles, including the Battle of the Chesapeake, the Battle of St. Lucia, and the Battle of the Saintes. These engagements underscored her importance in France's naval efforts against British forces, contributing to the eventual French and American victories that were pivotal in the wider conflict. In 1782 or 1783, she was under the command of Antoine-Stanislas de Curières de Curières de Castelnau Saint-Cosme Sainte-Eulalie, indicating a change in command during her active service period. Her operational history reflects her role as a key asset during a critical era of naval warfare, participating in major fleet actions that helped shape the outcome of the American Revolutionary War. Magnanime was decommissioned and broken up in Brest in 1793, marking the end of her service. Her career highlights the typical lifecycle of a ship of the line from the late 18th century—constructed for naval dominance, actively engaged in significant battles, and ultimately dismantled as maritime technology and strategic needs evolved. While detailed specifications and broader historical context are limited in the available source, Magnanime remains a notable example of French naval power during this era.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.

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2 ship citations (0 free) in 2 resources

Magnanime, French ship-of-the-line: built 1778 Subscribe to view
Magnanime, French third rate ship of the line (1779) Subscribe to view