Which two examples of modern military technology had the greatest impact on the course of World War I? How did each technology have the greatest impact on the course of the war? Explain.(6 points)

Answer 1

1) Artillery: The development and widespread use of artillery had a significant impact on the course of World War I. It provided an unprecedented level of firepower and allowed armies to soften up enemy defenses before launching assaults. This technology had the ability to shell enemy trenches and fortifications from a distance, causing extensive casualties and destruction. The destructive power of artillery made it difficult for troops to withstand the bombardment and forced them to seek cover in the trenches. It also led to the escalation of trench warfare as a defensive strategy, which prolonged the stalemate on the Western Front.

2) Machine Guns: The introduction of machine guns changed the nature of infantry warfare in World War I. These weapons had a high rate of fire and were capable of mowing down large numbers of soldiers within seconds. Machine guns provided a significant advantage to defenders, as they could be set up in strong defensive positions and effectively hold off enemy attacks. This led to the entrenchment of armies in elaborate trench systems, as the risk of frontal assaults became too costly due to the lethality of machine guns. The dominance of machine guns further contributed to the stagnation of the war on the Western Front, as neither side could effectively break through the enemy's fortified positions without suffering heavy losses.

Overall, both artillery and machine guns had a profound impact on World War I by transforming the way battles were fought. They led to a shift towards defensive and entrenched warfare, causing the war to become a stalemate with few decisive victories. The destructive power of artillery and the lethality of machine guns forced armies to adapt new strategies and tactics, leading to a protracted conflict with high casualties.