How Submarines Worked
The submarines in World War One were mainly powered by Diesel engines. German U-boats maxed out at a speed of 17 km per hour. Late in the war they were developed further to have working torpedoes and a gyro compass that would allow them to navigate more accurately, these developments led to submarines being an important weapon in the war.
Invention of the Submarine
It is believed that Leonardo da Vinci drew up sketches of an underwater vessel that he called "a ship to sink ships", but the first submarine came 101 years after his death. Underwater warfare was always dreamed of before it's time, but it's invention came in 1620. The submarines inventor was Cornelius Jacobszoon Drebbel. Drebbels model of the submarine has been modified so many times by people from all over the world and the first military submarine was built in 1720 by a Russian carpenter named Yefim Nikonov. The first submarine that was used as a weapon was given the name the Whitehead Torpedo, this submarine was developed by Robert Whitehead, and was used in the Russo-Turkish war.
Impact and Consequences of Submarines
lIn World War One, several countries had well developed navies, there was the Royal Navy, the French Navy, United States Navy, Japanese Navy and many more. During World War One, Germany began a U-Boat campaign, in which they sent out Submarines to attack their enemies allies merchant or, sometimes, passenger ships. The sinking of a American passenger ship called the Lusitania, was the last straw for Woodrow Wilson, this led the country to decide to fight with the Allied Powers in this world war, which was a major blow to Germany.
How did Submarines Affect Soldiers on the Front Line, Civilians, and Political Leaders?
Submarines affected troops on the front line by cutting off their sources. They would attack Allie ships that were delivering medical supplies, weapons, and other necessities, causing them to sink and never get to enemy troops.
Civilians were affected by submarines because passenger ships and merchant ships were sunk often by U-Boats. The sinking of merchant ships also prevented civilians from getting goods.
Political leaders desicions were also affected by the U-Boat, Americas involvement in the war was based on the sinking of a passenger ship containing 128 American civilians.
Civilians were affected by submarines because passenger ships and merchant ships were sunk often by U-Boats. The sinking of merchant ships also prevented civilians from getting goods.
Political leaders desicions were also affected by the U-Boat, Americas involvement in the war was based on the sinking of a passenger ship containing 128 American civilians.
Positive Effects of Submarines |
Negative Effects of Submarines |
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Connections To Today
Although submarines can still be used for war, some wealthy Americans have found a way to take their luxury life's underwater, at least for a few hours. Triton Submarines are expensive, luxury submarines that people rent and drive underwater in. They are see through and shaped like bubbles. There are many different models such as the Triton 6600/2, the Triton 3300/1 MD and more. Some of the Triton submarines fit one person, and some fit up to seven people.
Submarines are also commonly used by marine biologists, the window on the front helps them observe underwater creatures, and marine plant life.