During WWI, the new technology in warfare meant that more lives and property were destroyed. One letter from an American soldier describes how more destructive warfare has affected his life. These technologies also affected later wars and continue to have an impact on our everyday lives. This article will look at some of the latest technology that was created during World War II.
Airplane
Early aircraft were used for reconnaissance missions as well as to bomb enemy trench lines, dropping munitions. Pilots had the ability to drop messages in weighted bag, which allowed them to communicate with soldiers below. On 9 September 1914, the Battle of the Marne saw the first message streamer drop.
Sonar
Sonar was initially developed in the First World War for the detection of submarines. Sonar uses electromagnetic waves for object detection and was used to create two-dimensional sonars. Sonar was a novel technology that required engineering advances. New discoveries in electronics, computer science and mathematics improved sonar's ability to collect and display data. Sonar devices were standard equipment on ocean liners by the 1930s.
Communication equipment
Different types of communication equipment existed in WWI. For example, four wireless transmitter/receiver sets were carried by the British Expeditionary Force. These were deployed to battle areas against the Imperial German Army in Belgium and France. One set was based at General Headquarters and three others were carried on cavalry units.
Machine guns
Machine guns were a new technology that was developed during WWI. They can be used to kill multiple soldiers simultaneously. These new weapons made wars much more complex. These new weapons also changed how soldiers fought, leading to massive casualties and town-level destruction.
U-boats
The introduction of U-Boats by Germany in 1917 was a significant milestone in the war. This new technology was intended to strike a blow at the British, American and Canadian forces. However, German U-Boats did not always perform as planned. 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 aircraft improved in sophistication, they could be used to detect enemy forces and deliver artillery to them. During the Battle of Saint-Mihiel on September 1918, 1,400 Allied plane corps aircraft provided cover to the Allied force. Great Britain also learned that aircraft could be attacked by the air, which was a pivotal turning point in the Allied victory.