World War I's Technological Innovations and Its Impact on Modern Warfare - Essay Example

(Full of the World War I's Technological Innovations and its Impact on Modern Warfare Introduction. The technological advances in weaponry during 20th century were the product of industrialization and coming of age of European countries. This century has defined World War I as the most historical event in the record of producing technological innovations and inventions not just of different types of weapons but also in the advancement of human technology such as in telecommunications, electrical power and others. The beginning of World War I emanate during the years of 1914 to 1918 and this mostly involved parts of Europe. The United States, and much of the Middle East were involved later in the war. The beginning of World War I came to being due to the conflicts in Europe during the 1800s. Nationalism among European countries combined with growing tension and rivalries due to industrialization has led military buildups throughout the continent. Nations became aware of their neighboring nations and in response to this tension, England, France, and Russia formed an alliance which they called "Triple Entente". This alliance was aligned in preparation against Germany who allied with Austria-Hungary. Such alliances divided Europe with strict guarded borders thus the onset of an impending World War became virtually impossible to avoid. The beginning of war in Europe started when in 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir of the throne of Austria-Hungary was assassinated. Serbia was suspected to be behind the killing. Austria-Hungary attacked Serbia but it was protected by its ally, Russia. Then Germany came to the rescue for the Austrian because they were the ally of Austrian-Hungary. Militaries from different countries came to the rescue for their respective allies and the conflict grew out of scale. In more than a month, Europe and its neighboring countries were engulfed in war. But the militaries of different nations were not perplexed. This is because each of them has their own weaponries and technology to defend themselves. British Admiral Jacky Fisher wrote in 1915 that, "The war is going to be won by inventions." Weapons never been seen before such as tanks, the zeppelin, poison gas, the airplane, the submarine, and the machine gun has nevertheless fired their way through. World War I suddenly drew upon electrical technologies that had been under development for decades. Radio has become essential for communications and its transmission of voice was developed rather than codes. Electricity also contributed on the advancement of war. Battleships or tanks, for example, did had electric signaling lamps, helm indicator, fire alarms, remote control for bulkhead doors and controlled whistles which all uses electricity. Guns and turrets and raised gun magazine ammunitions also uses electricity. Incandescent and carbon-arc searchlights became usable during nighttime navigation, long-range daytime and nighttime signaling illuminates enemy ships during night engagements. Some of the most technological advances World War I has innovated and created were meant for attack and defense. These were the following: Weapons of War: Submarines. Although they had been around for decades, submarines became powerful weapons and became potential threat to any ship that sailed in deep waters. Their torpedoes can sink any ship that would invade territorial waters and these ships have become every nation's weapons in the waters. But the use of submarines was without restrictions that in May 1915 German submarine torpedoed Lusitania, a non-combatant U.S. ship killing 1,195 people on board. From then on, allied ships and submarines were outfitted with sensitive microphones that could detect engine noise from enemy submarines and ships. They developed sonar, but its development came nearly during the end of war (Museum). Aeroplanes. Ten years before the eruption of World War I, the Wright brothers have just made a second flight of their first airplane, the Kittyhawk. And few years after its invention, there have been advances in its range and reliability that it was presumed to be used for air transport. Unknowingly, the potential of the airplane to be used in war was already pioneered by the military when in 1911, the Italians dropped grenades to Turkey and Libya using a German-built monoplane. When war was on, thousands of planes have been built. The era of 1914 to 1918 became the most tremendous innovation in aircraft technology. An example was the British BE2c, which can gain speed of up to 72 mph powered because it was powered by a 90 hp engine. It can stay in the sky for more than three hours without refueling. SE5a fighter built in 1917 is powered by a 200 hp engine and can cruise at 138 mph. The British' Handley-Page 0/400 can carry bombs of up to 900 kg at a top speed of 97 mph with flights lasting for eight hours and has a 360 hp engines. Further innovations for the aircraft was focused not only stability but on its maneuverability. They became more agile and more powerful because the 'tractor design' (propeller is facing forward) was replaced with the "pusher" layout wherein the propeller is facing backwards thus pushes the aircraft forward. This design made the planes become faster and have more maneuverability. Since then, aircraft was viewed as part of planning strategies in war. The contribution on the experimentation of the aircraft during World War I was further experimented and refined for further development of the aircraft. First use only for observation and reconnaissance, it was now developed for tactical and strategic bombing, ground attack and naval warfare. They came to control the air and so the fighter above was born (Unikoski). Poison Gas. As opposed to popular belief the Germans were not the one to introduce poison gas in war. It was in fact introduced in the battlefield by the French. In August 1914, the French fired tear gas grenades or known as xylyl bromide to the Germans. Although the use of this gas was to flush out the Germans out of their trenches, the German armies were intrigued by the new discovery. Since then, they gave serious study on the development of chemical weapons on a bigger scale. As an initial experiment, the German Army fired on October 1914 shells to the French that contained chemical irritant. This chemical induces violent fits of sneezing. After few months, a more powerful tear gas was used by the Germans against the Russians in their fight in the Eastern Front. But the liquid form in howitzer shells was not effective because the liquid did not vaporize in the icy temperature. This failure did not stop the Germans to innovate the gas concoction and so in April 1915, the first poison gas made of chlorine was used against the allies: British, Canadians and French. Chlorine in gas form created harm to the soldiers. Few seconds after inhalation, the poison makes its way to the victim's respiratory organs. The victim will choke, cough and if unaided he can die in minutes. Although the Germans were condemned by the neutral powers because of this, the use of gas on warfares created a trend. The allies in retaliation also used gas in their operations in the war of Loos. The use for more deadly gas followed after the introduction of chlorine in war. Phosgene, for example has a delayed effect with less coughing but is more potent. The delayed reaction causes soldiers to succumb to respiratory illness after 48 hours of inhalation. Consequently, as these are the only two available poison elements they were combined to produce more deadly effect to the enemies. A combination of these was called the "white star". Two years after the use of poison gas, Germany again introduces another deadly gas in the form of Mustard gas. In September 1917, mustard gas was used against the Russians. The effect of mustard gas is severe because it is almost odorless and its effect on the body were formation of serious and bloody blisters formed internally and externally after several hours of exposure. Ironically, protection against this gas was difficult as compared with chlorine and phosgene gas. The chemical remained potent in soil for weeks thus it can penetrate deep trenches which enabled the Germans to capture Russians hidden underneath. The Allies were alarmed on German's blatant use of toxic gas thus they have no alternative but to copy its composition. By 1918, a widespread use of poison gas was in motion in the Western Front. Other types of gases were produced which include bromine and chloropicrin. The French army obtained nerve gas out of prussic acid. At the end of the war, statistics have been made. The Germans used up 68,000 tons of gases; the French employed 36,000 tons and the British was 25,000 (Purdom). Tanks. The invention of the tank was rather obscured because its design was traced back during the 18th century. Numerous technological developments has made the tank evolved into a huge weapon of war because of the advancement made by the British Army and the navy during World War 1. The evolution of the tank started from basic principle. The caterpillar track which the tank travelled was designed in 1770 by Richard Edgeworth. More than centuries after the invention of the internal combustion engine by Nikolaus August Otto, the 'tractor' enclosed designed were combined with the caterpillar tracks to facilitate transport over muddy terrains and slopes. Frederick Simms designed in 1899 what called the 'motor-war car' which powered by a Daimler engine, a bullet-proof casing. Two revolving machine guns were mounted which was developed by Hiram Maxim. But when it was offered to the British its function was never realized. But Winston Churchill, then the First Lord of the Admiralty was impressed by the tank's capability to cut through barbed wire entanglement and penetrate enemy lines. He and his committee urged the military to develop its further use and power. The tank can have a speed of four miles an hour, can climb a five foot high obstacle and can successfully cross a five foot trench without being harmed by small-arms fire. It also has two powerful machine guns, have a range of twenty miles and can contain a crew of ten men. Many tanks with different shapes, structures and number of crews were further invented for battlefield. The first tanked named 'Little Willie' weighs only 14 tons with a bearing of 12 feet long track frames and manned only by three people. This was followed by 'Big Willie'. The first tank used in combat was introduced in January 1916 which was the heavy Mark I model. The French, aware of British endeavors, came up with their own design. But the first successful of the tank's power was displayed by the German tanks in April 24, 1918. Thirteen German models, the a7V's engaged the infantries of British and Australia driving them back to their trenches. But three British Mark IV came to the rescue driving off the German tanks. However, after the war, the French tanks were proven to be more serviceable that their British counterpart. The French Renault F.T. tank continued to be popular. The U.S. (M1917) and Italy (Fiat 3000) produced their own tank designs but basically they were also based on the principle of the Renault because of its design strengths (Duffy "Weapons of War: Tanks"). Trenches. The first use of trenches was during the first Word War in Europe. The Germans advances through Belgium and France to capture the city of Paris. Without any security, soldiers of the two countries dug their trenches and guarded the territories. The Germans had to make their own trenches as well. Basically, trenches were used on the front line for support. Though trenches were supposed to be protecting the soldiers against advancing enemies, death was a constant companion serving these lines. The constant shellfire can be able to land on trenches killing men inside. Men also died on trenches because of snipers and diseases brought about by pests and unsanitary conditions. The normal strategies in trenches operate wherein a battalion will be guarding the front line followed by the support team and then the reserves. Periods of rest are generally short in duration and then cycle of trench duty would start. The cycle could be affected according to the needs of the situation. Notwithstanding off duty, men might be tasked with duties that would put them in the line of fire. Some front liners may spend longer hours with their duties. A soldier tasked to spend a year in battle could spend 70 percent of his time in front line trenches and 30 percent on support trenches. Men on trenches also are tasked to patrol militarized zones. They repair or add barbed wires or assigned to listening posts. When come face to face with enemy patrols, they run back to secure places or if caught unaware will engage in hand to hand combat. The use of guns is cautioned because this could attract more enemies and put all other patrol in danger. Some men are assigned as sentries for up to two hours. A sentry guarding for more than two hours can fall asleep and this is dangerous to all men sleeping inside. Sleeping on duty is punishable by death or firing squad (Duffy "Life in the Trenches"). After the end of the first World War, there have been different development in countries who played major roles in battle. Britain for example has reassembled their labour parties which portrayed a major role in their political scenario. Most of the British labor movement formed trade unions as well as independent labor and socialist political group. European trade has opened once again and even the Germans who was once the mortal enemy of the allies, also became involved with the inter-nation trade opening their market to many parts of Europe (Dockrill and French). In the U.S., the country has turned its back from the problems in Europe to deal with their own issues. In 1920, presidential election was held and Warren Harding won the election by votes. The Americans are now wanting for more because World War I has made restrictions on railroad use, shipping and industrial production. The end of the war signifies the lifting of this restriction. Industries instead of making war supplies started to make products for the convenience of the people. Technology was upgraded and this has contributed to great changes in the American society. Automobiles and radios became luxuries and then became common. The impact of World War I was almost forgotten and industry is booming again. But three decades later, another war is about to engulfed mankind. This time, the war is again dictated by superpowers with their weaponries and technology. The impact of World War I on the technology and innovations were carried on through the coming of World War II in 1939. Such as the introduction of mobile and fast-moving machines from World War I, the tank has again played a major role in showcasing its firepower. But the Axis power composed of the German and the Japanese overwhelmed countries still indulged with the now obsolete fighting equipment. The battle in Russia, Italy, Normandy and the Pacific was considered unforgettable by the allies. Accordingly, very few of the American divisions designated in Europe were aided with tanks while the Germans were using panzer tankers. The ensuing war and the gaining of power by Germany had forced the allied forces composed of Americans, British and French to back off or surrender. The tanks developed by the Germans are invulnerable. Hitler offered peace with the British but they are distrustful of him. Ready to invade Britain, he first planned on destroying the Royal Air Force. The British have no choice but to strengthen their air force and prepare for the German's fighter pilot to attack. Innovations suddenly took place. The British had put on radar warning system. With the help of the Polish scientists, they have been able to decipher the German coding system that transmitted coded orders. The RAF knew what the Germans were up to. The Germans using fighter bomber were designed for close ground support are at the disadvantage against the RAF's Hurricanes and Spitfire aircraft. In totality, America has produced more than 300 thousand planes, 77 thousand ships, and thousands of different war machines which they provided to their ally and helped in winning the again World War II. Without the inventions and innovations learned from the previous war machines this endeavor was not possible (Adams). But the end of World War II is not the beginning of peace. Countries from time to time are still fighting for democracies and changes. The Korean War (1950-1953) was a war between the communist and the non-communist forces in Korea. Korea was divided and occupied by two different zones. The Republic of Korea was in the South and in the North was the People's Democratic Republic. North Korean forces invaded South Korea and the United Nations quickly came to the rescue. On June 27, U.S. President Truman ordered American land, sea and air forces to launch their attack against North Korea. A week after that was the placement of forces by the UN headed by General Douglas MacArthur. Different weaponries were used by the allies. From sophisticated automatic hand guns, rifles of different models, automatic rifles, machine guns, grenades, Bazookas and mortars were the usual weapons. After few months of fighting, South Korea has been reclaimed and the invasion ended (infoplease). The war in Vietnam in the 1950's also brought up many weaponries that have produced havoc to the country. Aircraft that are now totally upgraded from the old flying machines of World War 1 and World War II showed their might. The C-130 Hercules able to carry battalions and heavy equipment, the A-4 Skyhawk and the AC-119 Shadow are just few of the new aircraft used by the U.S. against the hard fighting Vietnamese. Armored vehicles, the little but agile relative of the tank also made their mark in the jungle battle because it is more agile and reliable in the terrains (Factory). The Persian Gulf War involved the war between Iraq and the U.S. led coalitions in 1991. Iraq invading Kuwait has been condemned by the UN as inhuman has been embarked using the most modern firepower known to mankind. The U.S. led coalition forces employed their supreme firepower using ground system missiles such as M2A1 Abrams and MIM - Patriot. These missiles such as the Tomahawk missile can be controlled by computer and guided through software programs to accurately hit their target hundreds of miles from the stations. Global positioning systems were also used to locate even remote and hidden enemy bases. The Apache helicopter and the Stealth were one of the most used fighting aircraft during this war. At present, there is no clear and standard prohibition on the use of any weapons as dictated by conventional international law. And so on July 8 1996, the International Court of Justice of the UN made an advisory opinion about the legality of the threat or use of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. Accordingly, the use of biological and chemical weapons is strictly prohibited either labeled lethal or non-lethal. The resolution is made as a preventive action to prevent threat or harm to civilian population. Such weapons have their absolute destructive power and even the environment and the future generations could be affected (ICRC). Conclusion. The use of technology is sometimes based on necessities and we as humans are very good at innovations. Even though, these so-called advances must also secure in inventing and innovating machines for war and destruction. World War I has truly made an impact on today's war operation. From simple tanks that can penetrate barbed wire, they can now launch mortars and missiles able to destroy enemy portal and domains. Air warfare where so advanced that even enemy lines hidden from sight are at risk of getting shot at. Then, like an addiction for destruction, man has invented nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. A clear indication that the previous wars are not meant not just to incapacitate enemies but destroy our future as well. It is only fair for us that for every weapon produced to destroy human life a law must be produced. Unfortunately, war always crosses the boundaries of the rights of the people. Other countries do not recognize laws or restrictions especially when it feels it is at war by everyone. Iraq for example has been at war on his neighboring countries not only because it wanted more oil resources but because Saddam knew their capability to destroy and conquer was such powerful he could do it on his own free will. Evidently today, the creation of powerful weapons was not solely for protection or defense but to conquer those who are at peace with the world. Works Cited Read More