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German battleship SMS Grosser Kurfürst sinks, 284 killed

SMS Grosser Kurfürst (or Großer ) was an ironclad turret ship built for the German Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy).

SMS Grosser Kurfürst (or Großer ) was an ironclad turret ship built for the German Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy). She was laid down at the Imperial Dockyard in Wilhelmshaven in 1870 and completed in 1878; her long construction time was in part due to a redesign that was completed after work on the ship had begun. Her main battery of four 26 cm (10 in) guns was initially to be placed in a central armored battery, but during the redesign, this was altered to a pair of twin gun turrets amidships.

Grosser Kurfürst was sunk on her maiden voyage when she was accidentally rammed by the ironclad SMS König Wilhelm. The two ships, along with SMS Preussen, were steaming in the English Channel on 31 May 1878.

Historical Significance

SMS Grosser Kurfürst (or Großer ) was an ironclad turret ship built for the German Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy).

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Events After

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  5. Chile declares war on Bolivia and Peru, starting the War of the Pacific

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More from the 1870s

Belgium disbands its salt tax

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New York City annexes the West Bronx

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on May 31, 1878?
SMS Grosser Kurfürst (or Großer ) was an ironclad turret ship built for the German Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy). She was laid down at the Imperial Dockyard in Wilhelmshaven in 1870 and completed in 1878; her long construction time was in part due to a redesign that was completed after work on the ship had begun. Her main battery of four 26 cm (10 in) guns was initially to be placed in a central armored battery, but during the redesign, this was altered to a pair of twin gun turrets amidships.
Why is German battleship SMS Grosser Kurfürst sinks, 284 killed significant?
SMS Grosser Kurfürst (or Großer ) was an ironclad turret ship built for the German Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy).

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May 31 in HistoryYear 1878