1. TECHNOLOGY OF WORLD WAR 1

2. Technology of World War One
In no other war has technology played such a critical role in impacting how the war would be fought.
The First World War began as a clash of 20th century technology and 19th century tactics, with inevitably large casualties.
Think of these weapons/technologies as solutions to problems

3. Technology of WWI Machine Guns
Artillery
Grenades
Communications
Transportation
Tanks & Armor
Aircraft
Chemical Warfare
U-Boats
Convoy system
Barbed Wire
All of these technologies had an impact on the strategy and tactics of the war.
War of Attrition- Wearing your opponent down until they surrender
Some were used in a new way. Others were used in response to other technologies or new tactics and strategies.

4. TRENCH WARFARE
Description/Use: Trenches were large underground bunkers dug in to the ground for more protection
Series of progressively more improved trenches with interconnecting trenches so soldiers were not above ground
Impact: Many weapons and strategies were created to overcome the defensive nature of trenches
Led to Stalemates in the war
Stalemate: Limited or no movement by either side

6. MACHINE GUN

7. MACHINE GUN
Description: Rapid fire weapon ( rounds/minute) typically crewed by several men Belt-fed, .30 cal (typical)
Impact: Possibly the most significant weapon of the war Contributed to stalemate and affected tactics
Killed many people in a short amount of time

8. ARTILLERY

9. Artillery
Paris Gun
Typical German Artillery piece

10. ARTILLERY
Description/Use: Large caliber weapon capable of destroying big targets
Impact: artillery barrage to destroy or heavily damage targets
Huge guns to destroy fortresses in Belgium – railway guns
Extreme long range attacks

11. GRENADES
Description/Use: small, explosive device thrown or projected to cause burst and shrapnel damage to enemy
Old weapon found new use in trench warfare – often referred to as “bombs”
Impact: well-suited for trench warfare (indirect throw) – response to trench warfare

12. Bombers and Zeppelins

13. AIRCRAFT Description/Use: Impact:
Typically armed with machine guns
Initially used for observation, later fighters and bombers
Impact:
Most in air combat techniques used today are derived from WW1 dog fighting (planes fighting in air)
Eventually, bombs would be attached and launched from planes on to enemny targets

14. SUBMARINES

15. SUBMARINES
Description: underwater ship used to fire on or torpedo ships to sink them
Use: attack allied shipping, primarily through use of deck guns NOT torpedoes
Impact: Very effective against trade shipping, but sinking of passenger ships was negative public opinion

16. CONVOY SYSTEM Description/Use: Impact:
Using armed ships such as destroyers and armed merchant vessels to protect unarmed transport ships from submarines
Impact:
A tactic that was fairly effective once employed (late 1917).

17. TANKS & ARMOR

18. German Tank

19. Armored Car

20. TANKS & ARMOR
Description/Use: tracked, armored vehicle armed with machine guns and/or cannons.
Used to assault trenches, destroy barbed wire obstacles, machine gun nests
Impact: effective when placed in front of advancing troops to pave the way, not always reliable

21. BARBED WIRE

22. Barbed Wire
Description/Use: sharp twisted strands of wire – not designed to kill, but to slow down advance
Often used along with machine guns and trenches
Control where enemy can enter the trench
Impact: critical to trench defense when placed in front of the trenches

23. COMMUNICATIONS

24. Communications
Description/Use: New methods include telephones and wireless (radio) to pass information
Impact: Would allow for swift communications for better control by command elements
Key for Command and Control
Used for Artillery Spotting
Need for codes and ciphers

25. TRANSPORTATION

26. Transportation
Description/Use : Use of motorized vehicles and railroads to transport supplies and men.
Impact: Railroads were a critical element for mobilization and transport of ultra-heavy artillery

27. CHEMICAL WARFARE

28. Chemical Warfare
Description/Use: Chemical gas used to disable or kill enemy. An attempt to find a breakthrough weapon to end stalemate
Mustard, chlorine, and “tear gas”
Horrible wounds and death
Initially just “sprayed”
Hard to control
Impact: Troops had to wear masks making fighting difficult
Masks often ineffective