Impact of Technology on WWI The New Way to Fight Impact of Technology on WWI

Western Front Germany quickly mobilizes and heads toward Paris Schleiffen Plan fails as the Russians begin their attack on Eastern Germany. Russia wins a few battles, and Germany must now send troops East. September 1914: Britain aids France Germany is stopped at a stalemate (deadlock where neither side is winning) on both fronts

Trench Warfare On the Western front, both sides dig long systems of trenches from one end of Europe to the other. Between opposing trenches was called “no man’s land” Every house and tree had been destroyed Long rows of barbed wire Soldiers would await the next attack peering over the top. Attacks consisted of the order to “Go over the top” of the trench and attack the enemies trench. This struggle continued back and forth over a few hundred yards of territory.

New Technology in Warfare Rapid fire machine guns: made it near impossible to advance across no man’s land. Artillery: allowed bombing from more than 10 miles away. Poison Gas: First used by Germans in 1915 Blinded or choked victims and caused agonizing burns or blisters Allies began to use it later that same year. Often used to draw enemies out of their trenches. Dangerous to both sides; often the wind could blow the gas back to the trench that had launched it.

Technology Continued Armored Tank: Introduced by British in 1916 Designed to move across no man’s land and get through barbed wire. First tanks moved slowly and did not impact the stalemate much Airplanes: First used to observe enemy movement. Later both sides equipped them with machine guns, and initiated the idea of the dogfight. Zeppelins German blimps used to bomb the English coast. Airplanes were often sent to protect/destroy these blimps U Boats: German Submarines Sunk Merchant ships that carried supplies to Great Britain. Convoys (warships sent to protect merchant ships) were sent for protection