The Mechanization of War WWI Weapons The Mechanization of War

Bellwork Question In your table groups, discuss: What does the word mechanization mean? Have a quick discussion and if you need to, use a resource like a dictionary or a cell phone.

Definition of Mechanization - to make mechanical. - to operate or perform by or as if by machinery. - to introduce machinery into (an industry,enterprise, etc.), especially in order to replace manual labor. - military – to equip with tanks and other armored vehicles.

One of WWI’s Greatest Legacies is its impact on modern warfare 1) Mechanization of War 2) Trench Warfare

Bolt Action Rifle Used by British soldiers in the trenches Had a long range

Machine Guns Took several men to operate 1 machine gun = 100 guns

Artillery (Large field Guns) 12 men to operate Fired large shells that would explode on impact

Chlorine Gas Used by Germans used it first Very painful death

Mustard Gas Most deadly weapon Fired into enemy trenches Takes time to take effect and kill

Zeppelin Blimp that dropped bombs/machine gun fire Abandoned because they were easy to shoot out of the sky

Tanks First developed by the British The original tanks were very slow

Planes Initially used for reconnaissance, soon became bombers/dogfights

Torpedoes/UBoats Used to target ships carrying supplies to the enemy

In your Notebooks… Tape or glue the “First World War Weapons” notes in. Next to the entry, write: WWI = Mechanization of War (using more machines in place of people). Highlight this! This will be a test question!

Finally If you were a soldier during WWI, and this was the height of weapon technology, which weapon would you choose and why? Provide examples of why you chose your weapon – think strategy. Your response should 3-5 sentences in length.