World War I - The Fourth Story
Prolonged war
<Mitrailleuse Vickers>
During this period, the widespread use of machine guns became a significant factor in the war. Previously, soldiers used single-shot rifles, which limited even the most trained soldiers to firing around 30 rounds per minute. However, machine guns could fire between 100 to 300 rounds per minute.
To effectively utilize this new technology, both the Allies and the Central Powers shifted to ambush tactics. They dug trenches and waited for the enemy to approach, then opened fire with machine guns. This strategy became the norm for both sides, leading to a prolonged stalemate. The war became a waiting game, with reduced movement on the battlefield.
Soldiers who exposed themselves outside the trenches were immediately targeted by enemy machine guns, often falling within minutes. This forced soldiers to remain entrenched for extended periods. As this situation persisted, engineers from various countries began developing new weapons to break through the trench lines.
New Weapon 1: Aircraft
The first new weapon to emerge was the airplane. Initially, aircraft were used to observe enemy trench positions, troop movements, and machine gun placements. Some planes were even equipped with machine guns or bombs to attack from the air. However, early aircraft were slow and lacked the precision needed for effective observation or bombing, limiting their impact on the war.
New Weapon 2: Poison Gas
Next, poison gas was introduced. It was thought that gas, being heavier than air, would be effective against trenches. However, the rapid distribution of gas masks by both sides neutralized this threat, and poison gas failed to significantly alter the course of the war.
New Weapon 3: Tanks
Tanks were developed by the British as a solution to trench warfare. Designed to withstand bullets and break through enemy lines, early tanks were plagued by issues such as getting stuck in mud, mechanical failures, and difficulty in repairs. Like aircraft, they did not immediately change the tide of the war.
New Weapon 4: Submarines
Finally, submarines emerged as a game-changer. Operating underwater, they could attack supply ships without being detected. Germany implemented an "Unrestricted Submarine Warfare" campaign, targeting both military and civilian ships in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This led to significant civilian casualties and drew international condemnation.
Germany's Resource Shortage
Germany's decision to pursue unrestricted submarine warfare was driven by severe resource shortages. While Germany had a strong heavy industry, it struggled with light industry and agriculture. By 1916, potato production had plummeted from 50 million tons in 1915 to 26 million tons, exacerbating food shortages. The lack of sufficient footwear, ammunition, and other essentials further weakened their war effort.
Allied Cooperation and Germany's Crisis
In contrast, Britain and France relied on their colonies and Japan for supplies. Japan provided large quantities of firearms, which were then shipped to Russia to prevent shortages there. Germany, lacking significant colonial resources, found itself at a disadvantage on the seas. In a desperate move, Germany targeted Allied supply ships, but this ultimately led to the United States joining the war on the side of the Allies.