WWI Technology
NEW TECHNOLOGY Steel Helmets Earth-tone Uniforms Camouflage
NEW TECHNOLOGY Machine Gun- In theory could fire 400-600 rounds per minute Machine Gun- Caused a radical increase in deaths compared to other wars Main cause for such a radical increase in deaths compared to other wars. In theory could fire 400-600 rounds per minute, but in reality they would rapidly overheat. Large supplies of water were needed to cool. They were extremely heavy, so more of a defensive tool. Eventually, they were adapted for use on tanks and in 1915 on aircraft.
NEW TECHNOLOGY Poison Gases Chlorine (1915) Mustard gas- blisters internally/externally Completely damaged German relations with the Allies Gas Masks- (filter respirators) Gases were used to try and break the stalemate on the western front. Germany- 1914: fit of sneezing; worked on the development of a poison gas. The first poison gas, chlorine came in April 1915. Within seconds of inhaling its vapour it destroyed the victim's respiratory organs, bringing on choking attacks. Used in the Second Battle of Ypres. Surprised both sides. Completely damaged relations with the allies- used in propaganda. British gas companies. Wind shifts. Send in artillery shells. Phosgene- more potent caused victim to cough and choke to death. Mustard gas-caused blisters internally and externally. It remained in the soil for weeks. Protection: cotton pads with a particular solution, or in emergency urine drenched cloth. By 1918- Filter respirators. Outlawed 1925.
NEW TECHNOLOGY Aircraft -exotic -from stability to maneuverability -Observation & reconnaissance Exotic means of transport. Moved from stability to maneuverability. In the beginning they were tools for observation and reconnaissance. Found it to be an important tool and a key part of planned strategies. Strategic bombings, ground attacks, naval warfare… increased need to control the air.-Fighter. Would wave at each other. Pistols and rifles proved to be ineffective, as did some of the more bizarre attempts such as throwing bricks, and trailing bombs or grappling irons behind the plane. The Allies, with the French taking the lead, learned the value of flying in defensive formations of four to five aircraft, matching the three to four plane offensive patrols of the Germans. Bombers, Zeppelins; ground attacks-grenades accurate. Ship-borne aircraft. Strategic bombing, ground attacks, Naval warfare
NEW TECHNOLOGY Armored Cars Ambulances Trucks Tanks Ambulances before WWI were pulled by horse. First extensive use of motor vehicles for military supply and transportation. Tanks- new-needed a way to break the stalemate on the western front. Machines couldn’t cope on the harsh landscape. Many broke down or got bogged down. Unreliable, the heat it generated inside was tremendous and the fumes often nearly choked the men inside.
SHOOTING HOMING PIGEONS Reliable way of sending messages (95% success rate) DEFENCE OF THE REALM Regulation 21A ------------------------------------ SHOOTING HOMING PIGEONS Killing, wounding or molesting homing pigeons is punishable un the Defence of the Realm Regulations by Six Months Imprisonment or £100 Fine The public are reminded that homing pigeons are doing valuable work for the government, and are requested to assist in the suppression of the shooting of these birds. £5 Reward will be paid by the National Homing Union for information leading to the conviction of any person SHOOTING HOMING PIGEONS the property of its members. Information should be given to the Police, Military Post or to the Secretary of the Union, C C Plackett, 14, East Parade, Leeds