WWI Military Technologies How was World War I different from previous wars?

Do Now Listen to “Over There,” a song written during World War I by George M. Cohan, an American composer and entertainer. Then answer these questions aloud What is the mood of this music? Does the mood match the lyrics? Explain. Based on what you have learned about WWI technologies so far, do you think this song portrays an accurate picture of what fighting is like “over there” in Europe? What do you think Cohan’s purpose was in writing this song?

Do Now Listen to “On Patrol in No- Man’s Land,” a song written by James Reese Europe in 1919 about his experience as a lieutenant in the 369th Regiment of the U.S. Army. Then answer these questions in aloud: What is the mood of this music? Does the mood match the lyrics? Explain. According to this song, what dangers do soldiers have to look out for? What do you think Europe’s purpose was in writing this song?

Background The United States declared war on Germany in 1917. The country mobilized for war, hoping to make the world “safe for democracy.” When American soldiers eventually arrived on the front, they faced the horrible realities of a war that had already cost millions of European lives.

Main Idea World War I was the world's first truly modern war. New inventions and technological advances affected how the war was fought and how it ended.

Activity Today you will learn about nine new or improved military technologies used during World War I. In groups, you must must complete the following the steps: First read one of the primary sources and discuss with your group what type of technology you think the excerpt describes. Write your guess in the column on your graphic organizer. Next locate the station that has a diagram of your technology. Check the primary source excerpt at the station to make sure you have located the correct technology. Finally, examine the diagram and information at the station (in the folder) and complete the questions on the graphic organizer. When you’re finished, return the primary source to the back counter and repeat the process.

The Airplane- PS #9 2)The airplane changed the experience of war by taking war into the sky. Pilots could scout enemy territory and drop bombs from above. The machine gun made in-air combat between pilots possible. 3) It could prevent deaths with scouting Airplane technology was just over a decade old. At beginning of war the top speed of a plane was 72 mph by the end of the war they could reach 140 mph.

Artillery- PS#8 2) Artillery changed the experience of war by allowing troops to knock out enemy machine gun nests and lob poison gas shells at enemy trenches. 3) More than half of all battle casualties in World War I came from artillery.

Video Clip “War Horse”

The Battleship- PS#1 2) The battleship changed the experience of war by making an old form of warfare more destructive to merchants but also safer for combatants. 3) It could sink whole ships.

The Flamethrower – PS #7 2) The flamethrower changed the experience of war by improving an old weapon and making it easier to handle. 3) During World War I, one person could carry a flamethrower and spray burning fuel on victims. Soldiers also risked self injury.

The Machine Gun- PS#6 2) The machine gun changed military strategy. A group of well-placed gunners could stop the advance of a much larger force. Combatant armies could no longer charge across open fields toward enemy lines. 3) Massive deaths in a short amount of time

Clip # 1 “All Quiet on the Western Front”

Poison Gas- PS #3 “All Quiet on the Western Front” 2) Poison gas changed the experience of war by making it possible to kill or injure many people at once. 3) Chemicals like mustard gas caused lifelong injuries for many combatants. Eventually, the gas mask was developed to help protect combatants from attacks. Poison gas was eventually outlawed in warfare at the Geneva Convention in 1925.

The Submarine- PS#5 2) The submarine changed the experience of war by supporting land attacks at sea and by stopping resources from reaching their locations. 3) U-boats did not have a major effect on casualties but did effect resources from being supplied The central powers had more u-boats than the Allies.

The Tank –PS #2 2) The tank changed the experience of war by helping end the stalemate in the trenches. 3) Tanks could crush barbed wire, climb embankments, and cross ditches to attack enemy trenches, while protecting combatants from fire so they saved lives.

The Trench- PS #4 2)The trench system changed the experience of war by providing protection from heavy artillery and machine guns. 3)But it also led to disease and infections because of the horrible conditions like trench foot

The Trench- PS #4 Trying to cross “No man’s land”  barren expanse of mud with shell craters and barbed wire led to massive casualties caused by other technologies. Led to stalemate on the Western Front!

Clip “Lost Battalion” “Lawrence of Arabia” “Downtown Abbey”

In WWI, typical frontline trenches were 6 to 8 feet deep and wide enough for two people to stand side by side. Short trenches connected the front lines to the others. Each trench system had kitchens, bathrooms, supply rooms, and more. However, living in and doing combat from the trenches was not pleasant!

The Daily Grind 1. Clean Rifle 2. Eat Breakfast (unofficial truce) 3. Complete Daily Chores -refilling of sandbags, repair the duckboards, and the draining of trenches. 4. Sleep, write letters, etc. 5. Wait for nightfall (most action happened then)

Image of soldiers “going over the top” – meaning to climb over the trenches and charge across “no man’s land

BBC Trenches

Life in the trenches Disease runs rampant through the trenches Rats infest the trenches in thousands Lice cause Trench fever  severe pain followed by deadly fever Trench foot  Fungal infection of the feet Caused by cold, wet and unsanitary trenches Could cause gangrenous conditions and result in amputation.

Physical Problems Trench mouth- A painful infection of the gums and throat, was also common among the soldiers.

Hazards They suffered from lack of sleep. Constant bombardment and other experiences often led to battle fatigue and “shell shock” (a complete emotional collapse in which most many never recovered.)

Human Bar Graphs Technology you think was the most feared by combatants Technology you think most changed how the war was fought Technology that you think left the most lasting impact on future warfare