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Weapons and Technology of WWI Facts & Worksheets

When World War I erupted, weapons developed by countries were tested to their maximum capacity.

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When World War I erupted, weapons developed by countries were tested to their maximum capacity.

See the fact file below for more information on the weapons and technology of WWI or alternatively, you can download our 20-page Weapons and Technology of WWI worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

WORLD WAR I

  • To secure political stronghold on their respective territories, countries formed factions in the early 1900’s – the Allies with the British Empire, France, Belgium, Russia and later, the USA; and the Central Powers of Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria and Turkey.
  • However, war eventually sparked after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbian nationalists. Tensions rose and on August 4, 1914, Germany invaded Belgium. As an ally to Belgium, Britain then declared war on Germany.
  • For the first time, more powerful new weapons and vehicles were used – at sea, on land and in the air to maximize damage against the enemies.
  • Animals were heavily used during this war. Horses pulled weapon, ambulances, and supply wagons. Soldiers on horseback were known as the cavalry.
  • Dogs were used to deliver messages, detect bombs and zeppelins, and save lives.
  • Pet pigeons were drafted to carry messages over long distances, carrying news from the Front Line back to Britain.
  • While they are not allowed to join the frontlines, the women went to work in offices, factories, shops, transport, and on farms while the men went to war.
  • The war lasted for four years and resulted in a total number of 40 million military and civilian casualties.
  • Through a decisive military defeat and Germany’s surrender, the first world war ended through an armistice.

WEAPONS AND TECHNOLOGY

  • The basic strategy of the first world war was the amount of fire power amassed to create the maximum destruction of the enemy.
  • All battle tactics, maneuverability, mobility, supply, manpower, and surprise were subjected to that principle.
  • Germany – The main belligerent country of the Central Powers during the war boasted a decent amount of weaponry and lost only due to allied countries combining forces.
  • Infantry weapons, artillery and machine guns:
    • The combined allied powers boasted their powers during the first world war. Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Romania, Japan, and the United States developed weapons with greater kill power and new methods for delivering victory.
  • The cavalry – during world war I, horses were heavily used. By the end of war, over eight million horses and countless mules and donkeys died.
  • The British began the war in 1914 with a larger submarine fleet than Germany. The French began the war with 60 submarines and the U.S. (1917) had built a few submarines known as the K class and probably based on British design.
  • Tanks and machine guns – machine guns were lethal weapons because heavy guns such as the Maxim and Hotchkiss, made “no man’s land” a killing zone. Tanks, as we see now, did not have the firepower. They were primarily used for cover and support during the war.
  • Unconventional weapons also appeared such as poison gas, flamethrowers, and grenades. Later in 1928, the Geneva Convention forbid the use of poison in any warfare.

Weapons and Technology of WWI Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the Weapons and Technology of WWI across 20 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Weapons and Technology of WWI worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the weapons and technology of WWI. When World War I erupted, weapons developed by countries were tested to their maximum capacity.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • In the Warzone
  • Sky Masters
  • Land Rovers
  • Waterworld Weapons
  • Most Effective Weapons
  • Tragedy of War
  • Not There Yet!
  • Medical Technology
  • Weapons Banned
  • The Greatest Weapon

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the primary firearms used by infantry during World War I?

Infantry during World War I primarily used bolt-action rifles, such as the British Lee-Enfield, the German Mauser Gewehr 98, and the French Lebel. These rifles were known for their accuracy and reliability.

What was trench warfare, and how did technology influence it during World War I?

Trench warfare was a prominent feature of World War I, where soldiers on both sides dug elaborate systems of trenches for protection. Technology played a significant role in this strategy, as it led to the development of weapons like machine guns, barbed wire, and artillery, which made it difficult to advance on the battlefield.

What role did tanks play in World War I, and who developed the first tanks?

Tanks were first introduced in World War I by the British. The Mark I tank was the world’s first tank used in combat. Tanks played a role in breaking the stalemate of trench warfare by providing mobility and protection for troops. They were initially slow and unreliable but marked the beginning of armored warfare.

How did chemical warfare technology evolve during World War I?

Chemical warfare, such as the use of poison gas, was a grim feature of World War I. Initially, chlorine and phosgene gases were used, but more lethal agents like mustard gas were later developed. The use of gas masks and protective gear became essential for soldiers to survive gas attacks.

What role did aircraft technology play in World War I?

Aircraft technology advanced significantly during World War I. Initially, airplanes were used for reconnaissance, but they later became armed with machine guns and played a role in dogfights. The development of bombers and the use of zeppelins for reconnaissance and bombing missions also marked the aviation advancements during the war.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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