World War 1 Technology

Massive development throughout the war

Had only recently been invented (1903)

Different types developed like the monoplane, biplane, and triplane, with different success and number of wings

Originally made for recon/observation however they evolved into more tactile weapons

Machine guns were mounted on top and bombs were thrown from them

Start of dogfights

Not all aircraft was airplanes there were less common zeppelins and bombers

Less effective and not developed

Air fighting was not a major player in winning the war

However there are recognized important flying aces like Billy Bishop for the Allies and the Red Baron for the Central Powers

Multiple different types of submarines

Coastal subs

Patrol subs

Most commonly used by Germany

Used to take out ally or neutral cargo/supply ships

Seen as unfair since they were not attacking just carrying supplies, Germany considered it fine since they were holding supplies used to hurt them

German U-boats were created to combat Britain's powerful navy

Most commonly used their deck guns but also had torpedoes

Germany sinking the Lusitania (with submarines) was a short term cause for the USA to join the war

USA joining the war brought fresh troops and resources ultimately helping the Allies win the war

New methods were developed like wireless radios and telephones

Much of the world was using electricity which brought new communication availability

Communication brought swift new advantages

Easier command and control

Good for artillery spotting

Not everything was electric, some classic methods were still being used

Letters were commonly used by soldiers to communicate with home and family

Carrier pigeons were still used for sending info back and forth between trenches and generals

Rapid fire weapon

(400-800 rounds per minute)

Sat on swiveling stands

Ability to take out mass troops

Most influential weapon of the war

Fastest shooting and reloading of the time

Accounted for approximately 85% of the wars deaths

Works best when paired with other attacks

Developed better later in the war by the french

Used for tactile assault

Going over trenches, destroying barbed wire, and machine gun nests

Tracked armoured vehicles

Machine guns or cannons mounted on top

Very difficult to be inside due to the sweltering heat, internal engine, and flying shrapnel

Used to incapacitate or kill an enemy

Was seen as unfair and was banned from use

Germany did not follow the ban

Different types with different uses

Mustard gas

Lingered on the skin and caused blistering wounds

Chlorine gas

Filled the lungs and could drown you

Tear gas

Blinded and watered the eyes

Hard to control based on the wind

When effective gas masks and safety gear were needed