World War 1 was a war of many firsts.It was also the beginnig of the United States becoming a world superpower. Defence influenced the war greatly. To defend it was obvious that they needed weapons. They also needed to communicate with each other, to contact family, and to get information on the enemy. The weapons used in World War 1 are still known today.Some weapons are deemed dangerous now.
Weapons were the main resource for defence.Some cannot be used today.For example, the German army used chlorine and mustard gas.This causes the throat to have a burning sensation and chest pains. It had an aroma of peppermint and pineapple. If the victims came in contact with the mustard gas,they would have eyesores and skin blisters. They would also vomit,and if excessively,would become dehydrated. The gases could travel through the air so it was decided to ban the usage of gas in the war. The Germans also created U-Boats.U-Boats are submarines. They fired torpedoes to other ships. If there were any ships carrying cargo for their enemy,that ship will instantly be destroyed. Any ship will be decimated, including a passenger ship. Planes was another first in the war. The planes were equipped with weapons such as machines guns, bombs,and cannons(Source#1).
There were many warfares that were used in World War 1. One of the main warfares used was the trench warfare.It was basicly like a community that was connected.They were dug below surface level. It turns and curves like a railway. So if an enemy enters a trench, he cannot just shoot straight because the trenches are not a straight line. He needs to maneuver through the trench. It helps with defence. The soldiers in the trenches had many infections and diseases. The conditions they were in was unhealthy. Their clothing were not appropriate for the environment. For example, the shoes they had were not waterproof. When it rained, water filled up the trenches to the point where the water was up to their knees. This caused Trench Foot. Trench Foot is a fungal infection which is caused by wet and cold trench conditions. Rats also caused diseases. They eat human remains and are not afraid to walk past or on top of you(Source#6).
Communications was very important in World War 1. Letters, radios, and telegrams were used to communicate. Letters were written to and from the soldier of WW1. The soldiers would write about what has happened to them or how they feel.Letters were sent to the family of a dead soldier aswell about their death. Radios were used to give out commands to the soldiers. Telegrams were used to send out messages through morse code. The person receiving the message will write down waht they heard, which sounds like tapping.
In conclusion, entering World War 1 mad the United States a force to be reckon with. Many weapons were created and banned. Battle strategies were formed to defend and attack efficiently. Communication was needed.There had to be a way to send out commands. It is also a way to tell a family that their family member had fought honorable in the war.
