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 were also used in later wars, and they still impact our lives every day. This article will explore some of the new technology that was developed during this war.
Airplane
Early aircraft were used for reconnaissance and bomber missions, dropping munitions on enemy trench lines. Pilots also had the capability of dropping messages in weighted bags to communicate with soldiers on the ground. The first message streamer was dropped on the Battle of the Marne on 9 September 1914.
Sonar
Sonar was first developed during the First World War to detect submarines. Sonar uses electromagnetic waves for object detection and was used to create two-dimensional sonars. Sonar, a new technology in its day, required engineering breakthroughs. Sonar evolved with new developments in electronics and computer science. This improved its ability to display and collect data. Sonar devices were standard equipment on ocean liners by the 1930s.
Communication equipment
In WWI, communication equipment came in many forms. For example, the British Expeditionary Force possessed four wireless receive/transmit units. These sets were used to combat the Imperial German Army in France and Belgium. One set was at General Headquarters while three were transported by cavalry groups.
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 made it easier for soldiers to fight, which led to huge casualties and the destruction of entire towns.
U-boats
The 1917 introduction of U-Boats from Germany was a significant turning point in the war. The new technology was set to deal a devastating blow to the British, American, and Canadian forces. The German U-Boats didn't always perform as expected. Some of them were plagued by serious technological issues, rendering them unreliable.
Aviation
The invention of aviation was a novel technology during WWI. It was vital that the Allies use powered flight to win the war. While it wasn't used as a primary weapon during the war, it was still a crucial tool that was used for reconnaissance and spotting enemy forces. As the aircraft became more sophisticated, they were used to spot enemy troops and provide artillery for ground operations. In fact, during the Battle of Saint-Mihiel in September 1918, over 1,400 Allied air corps aircraft provided cover for the Allied forces. Great Britain also saw the importance of aircraft in their ability to attack from the air. This was a crucial turning point in the Allied victory.