What was the significance of the Battle of Hampton Roads?

Answer 1

Ironclad ships were used for the first time.

Answer 2

Because the Confederate ironclad "Virginia" attempted to annihilate the Union fleet which was blockading Hampton Roads and go out to the open sea, from where she would probably have menaced the Union naval traffic in the Chesapeake Bay or attempted to bombard Baltimore, Annapolis and even Washington.

But the providential intervention of Union ironclad "Monitor" changed the course of the events.

Answer 3

Because the Confederate attempted to destroy the Union fleet which blockaded Hampton Roads by means of the ironclad "Virginia", which ultimate goals was to go in the open sea and attack the Union ports of the Chesapeake Bay.