Aviation in Wwi - 4096 Words

To what extent did the aerial forces of the First World War impact the course of the war and its outcome? â€Å"The day has passed when armies on the ground or navies on the sea can be the arbiter of a nations destiny in war. The main power of defense and the power of initiative against an enemy has passed to the air.† -Brigadier General Billy Mitchell. November, 1918. The Italo-Turkish war, which lasted from 1911-12 and was predominantly fought in Libya, was the first recorded event of a bomb dropped from an aeroplane onto the enemy. The 1912-13 Balkans also witnessed elementary aerial bombing executed against the opponent from aeroplanes and airships. However, World War One was the first major conflict to implement forces on a large†¦show more content†¦The impact that aviation had on the bombing campaigns of the Great War was rather miniscule. For example, C. G. Grey, an aviation historian, wrote: â€Å"During 1914-18 the damage done in England by [aerial] bombing was practically negligible. A few houses were damaged in a few English towns. About 1,500 people altogether were killed. No armament factory of any importance was destroyed.† Germany –considering her geographic location was closer to the war epicenter- was slightly more prone to bombings than Great Britain was but it was still a minute threat when factored into t he whole grand scheme of war-induced devastation. Nevertheless, aerial forces did play an ample role as support units during land and sea battles. For example, during the Battle of the Somme in 1916, the RFC played a substantial part in providing support for the British and French troops on the ground. The Luftstreitkrà ¤fte was also present at the battle, but the British, with the assistance of the French Armà ©e de lAir (Army of the air), had the strength in numbers. Tactics would comprise of bombing and gunning the enemy trenches as a means of cover for advancing infantry and patrolling the skies for enemy aircraft. However, reconnaissance and observation was undoubtedly the most useful role conducted by the aerial forces of WWI and probably the way in which it made the greatest strategic impact. Artillery was arguably theShow MoreRelatedThe Impact of Aviation1073 Words   |  5 PagesThe Impact of Aviation on American Culture 1 The Impact of Aviation on American Culture History of Aviation in America 04D4 Professor J. Hines September 21, 2009 The Impact of Aviation on American Culture 2 From the Wright Brothers historical takeoff on Kitty Hawk beach in 1903 to the Modern day F-22 Raptor aviation has inï ¬â€šuenced and helped shape the American Culture. Modern day military is centered around, and greatly relies upon the strengths and mobility that aviation ensures. 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