The new technology used in warfare led to more destruction of property and lives during WWI. 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 explore some of the new technology that was developed during this war.
Airplane
Early aircraft were used to perform reconnaissance missions and to drop munitions behind enemy lines. Pilots had the ability to drop messages in weighted bag, which allowed them to communicate with soldiers below. The Battle of the Marne, 9 September 1914 was the location where the first message streamer was sent.
Sonar
Sonar was originally developed in the First World War to detect submarines. Sonar uses electromagnetic radiation to detect objects. The technology was used in developing two-dimensional sonars. Sonar was a novel technology that required engineering advances. It developed and was improved by new advances in electronics and computer sciences. The majority of ocean liners used sonar devices in the 1930s.
Communication equipment
In WWI, communication equipment came in many forms. The British Expeditionary Force, for instance, carried four wireless receive/transmit sets. These were used to fight the Imperial German Army in France, Belgium, and France. One set was based in General Headquarters, and the other three were carried by 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 weapons made wars even more complicated. These new weapons changed the way soldiers fought and led to large casualties and destruction of entire towns.
U-boats
The 1917 introduction of U-Boats from Germany was a significant turning point 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 had serious technological problems, making them unreliable.
Aviation
Aviation is a relatively new technology in WWI. The Allies used powered flight to win the war. Although it wasn't a primary weapon, it was an essential tool and was used for reconnaissance. As the aircraft became more sophisticated, they were used to spot enemy troops and provide artillery for ground operations. During the Battle of Saint-Mihiel, September 1918, more than 1,400 Allied aircraft corps provided cover for the Allied troops. Great Britain also discovered that aircraft could be attacked from above, which was a significant turning point in the Allied victory.