During WWI, which already existing weapon was made significantly more effective with new technology?

Answer 1

During World War I, one of the weapons that was made significantly more effective with new technology was the machine gun.

The machine gun, which already existed prior to the war, was transformed and utilized on a much larger scale during World War I. The introduction of fully automatic, belt-fed machine guns, such as the Maxim, Vickers, and Lewis guns, equipped with water-cooling systems or air-cooling mechanisms, revolutionized infantry warfare.

With the improvements in manufacturing techniques and advancements in technology, these machine guns became more reliable, lightweight, and easier to handle. They had higher rates of fire, ranging from 400 to 600 rounds per minute, as compared to the previous models that had rates of around 100 rounds per minute.

Machine guns played a significant role in trench warfare, providing an immense advantage to defenders due to their ability to deliver large volumes of fire and suppress enemy advances. They allowed a relatively small number of soldiers to maintain a high rate of fire, preventing enemy troops from advancing across open ground.

Furthermore, the invention of new bullet types, such as the full-metal jacketed spitzer bullet, increased the lethality and accuracy of machine gun fire. These bullets had a flatter trajectory, allowing for longer-range engagements and improved penetration capabilities.

Overall, the advancements in technology and the effective utilization of machine guns during World War I resulted in a drastic increase in firepower and casualties, ultimately shaping the nature of warfare and emphasizing the significance of defensive positions.