Final answer:
The USS Constitution was nicknamed 'Old Ironsides' because its wooden hull was reinforced with live oak, making it strong enough to withstand cannonball strikes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The USS Constitution was a wooden warship in the United States Navy. It was nicknamed 'Old Ironsides' because although it was made of wood, it had thick hull planks that were able to withstand cannonball strikes, making it seem like it had iron sides. The ship's oak planks were reinforced with diagonal layers of live oak, which made it incredibly durable. This nickname helped to boost morale among the sailors and became synonymous with the ship's invincibility on the high seas.
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