What is armored cruiser?

An armored cruiser was a type of warship that was developed in the late 19th century and was designed to be more versatile than battleships. It was the preeminent type of cruiser until the development of the battlecruiser in the early 20th century. The armor of an armored cruiser was intended to protect it from cruisers and destroyers, which were deemed insufficiently armed to cause serious damage to a battleship. Armored cruisers were typically equipped with powerful guns, armor plating, and advanced steam engines that gave them a speed advantage over battleships, allowing them to intercept enemy ships. They were also designed to have a long cruising range and be able to operate independently for extended periods. Armored cruisers saw action in several significant naval battles, including the Battle of Tsushima in 1905, and World War I. However, technological advances in the early 20th century rendered the armored cruiser obsolete, and most were retired or scrapped by the end of World War II.