The advancements in warfare technology led to more deaths and destruction during WWI. A soldier from the United States explains in one letter how more devastating warfare had affected his life. These technologies had an effect on later wars as well and still have an impact in our daily lives. This article will focus on some of these new technologies that were developed during World War II.
Airplane
Early aircraft were used to perform reconnaissance missions and to drop munitions behind enemy lines. To communicate with soldiers at the ground, pilots could also drop messages in weighted bags. The Battle of the Marne, 9 September 1914 was the location where the first message streamer was sent.
Sonar
Sonar was created to detect submarines in the First World War. Sonar uses electromagnetic waves to detect objects. It was also used in the development two-dimensional sonars as well as the medical field. Sonar was an innovative technology and engineering innovations were required. Sonar evolved with new developments in electronics and computer science. This improved its ability to display and collect data. By the 1930s, most ocean liners had sonar devices.
Communication equipment
Communication equipment in WWI came in many different forms. For example, four wireless transmitter/receiver sets were carried by the British Expeditionary Force. These were used to fight the Imperial German Army in France, Belgium, and France. One set was at General Headquarters while three were transported by cavalry groups.
Machine guns
Machine guns were invented in WWI and can kill many soldiers at once. These new weapons made wars much more complex. These weapons also changed the way soldiers fought, resulting in massive casualties as well as destruction at the town level.
U-boats
In 1917, Germany introduced U-Boats. This was a major milestone in the war. This new technology was intended to strike a blow at the British, American and Canadian forces. The German U-Boats didn't always perform as expected. Some U-Boats were unreliable because of serious technical problems.
Aviation
Aviation is a relatively new technology in WWI. The Allies used powered flight to win the war. Though it didn't become a primary weapon in the war, it was a vital tool, and it was also used for reconnaissance. As the aircraft became more sophisticated, they were used to spot enemy troops and provide artillery for ground operations. During September 1918's Battle of Saint-Mihiel over 1400 Allied air corps aircraft provided support for the Allied forces. Aircraft also proved to Great Britain that they could be attacked from the air, which was a major turning point for the Allied victory.