The battle you are referring to is actually called the Battle of the Ironclads. In this battle, it was the Merrimac (from the Confederacy) versus the USS Monitor (from the Union). This was the first battle between iron-fortified vessels in the Civil War. This battle ended up in a draw but represented a new form of fighting that both the Union and Confederacy had to be ready for.
The Articles became very weak and were unable to do lots of things. Like for example draft army members and tax the states.
What is your question ? it is not in depth so what is it asking ?