Impact of modern developments

• What has been ongoing and rapid since about 1900?

  Change in the nature of warfare
• What has caused changes in weaponry since 1900?

  New scientific discoveries and technology
• What are the characteristics of machine gunners?

  • Clumsy and needed teams to cool
  • Very effective in defense
  • Could fire 600 rounds a minute
• What replaced cavalry by 1918?

  Motor vehicles, particularly tanks
• What was the role of tanks in warfare?

  They served as effectively mobile artillery
• How many chemical attacks occurred in WWI?

  146 chemical attacks
• What types of gases were used in chemical attacks during WWI?

  Chlorine, phosgene, and mustard gas
• What agreement do most nations have regarding chemical weapons?

  They have agreed not to use them
• What revolutionized bombing power in 1945?

  The atom bomb
• What was the nuclear arms race between the USA and USSR known for?

  Threatening 'Mutually Assured Destruction'
• How many aircraft did the British Flying Corps have in 1914?

  63 aircraft
• How many aircraft did the British Flying Corps have by 1918?

  22,000 aircraft
• What role did aircraft play in warfare?

  They provided mobility and offense
• When was surveillance from aircraft introduced?

  From 1900
• What year saw the launch of the first artificial satellites?

  1957
• What are the uses of military satellites?

  • Spot enemy forces and identify targets
  • Predict weather conditions
  • Photograph impact of attacks
  • Provide communication systems
• How accurate are 'smart' bombs compared to conventional bombs?

  They are 10 times more accurate
• What technology was vital for Britain's victory in the Battle of Britain?

  RADAR
• What was RADAR used for in the Battle of Britain?

  As part of an early warning system
• How did transport developments change warfare?

  • Made defense less important
  • Allowed for rapid troop movement
  • Enabled surprise attacks
• How did Germans move troops in 1914?

  By train for surprise attacks
• How many men and horses did Germans move in 1914?

  Over two million men and 600,000 horses
• How far did Germans advance in 1914?

  300 km
• What was introduced in 1916 for transport?

  Motorised transport
• How many trucks did the British Army have in 1916?

  Over 55,000 trucks
• How many motorcycles did the British Army have in 1916?

  35,000 motorcycles
• What was the role of aircraft in 1940?

  To parachute troops behind enemy lines
• How did vehicles support infantry in 1940?

  Transported infantry quickly into seized areas
• What tactic did the Germans use in 1940?

  Blitzkrieg
• What was important about air support in 1944?

  Allowed quick air strikes to weaken resistance
• What system did allies create for air support in 1944?

  'Cab rank' system for quick air strikes
• What challenges do powerful states face in 21st-century warfare?

  • Capturing territory is easier than controlling it
  • Weaker forces may use guerrilla tactics
  • Guerrillas blend in with local civilians
• What tactics do guerrillas use against occupying troops?

  Hit-and-run raids instead of open battles
• Why are traditional weapons harder to use against guerrillas?

  Guerrillas blend in with local civilians
• What impact do computerized high-tech weapons have on warfare?

  They allow attacks from thousands of kilometers away
• What support do troops receive in high-tech warfare?

  • Tanks
  • Jets
  • Attack helicopters
  • Mobile artillery
• How are battles coordinated in high-tech warfare?

  Via radio communication and satellite surveillance