When Were Submarines Invented? A Comprehensive History

Introduction

Submarines are vessels that can dive underwater for extended periods of time. They are equipped with special technologies that allow them to remain submerged for long durations and travel far distances. Submarines are an important part of naval warfare and have been used in various conflicts throughout history. This article will explore when submarines were invented, the progress of their development, and how they have changed naval warfare.

History of Submarines

The first primitive submarines can be traced back to ancient times. The first recorded instance was by Alexander the Great in the fourth century BC. He is said to have built a wooden submersible vessel that he used to spy on enemy ships. However, these early submarines were not very advanced and did not become widely adopted until much later.

The first modern submarines were created in the 16th century. In 1578, William Bourne, an Englishman, designed a submersible vessel that could be propelled by oars. This design was further refined by Dutch inventor Cornelius Drebbel in 1620. He created a submarine that used air-filled bladders to stay afloat and had a hand-operated screw propeller for propulsion. This invention was tested in the River Thames and was able to travel four miles underwater.

In the 18th century, John Philip Holland, an Irish engineer, developed the first practical submarine. His design was based on Drebbel’s invention and included an electric motor for propulsion. This submarine was successfully tested in 1898 and was purchased by the United States Navy in 1900. The US Navy then went on to commission a series of submarines which were used in World War I.

Rise of Modern Submarines

In the 19th and 20th centuries, submarines became increasingly sophisticated. The development of new technologies such as the diesel engine and the electric motor allowed submarines to travel further and faster than before. Submarines also began to incorporate other features such as sonar, periscopes, and communication systems.

The development of nuclear power in the 1950s enabled submarines to remain submerged for extended periods of time without needing to resurface. Nuclear submarines were also faster and more powerful than their conventional counterparts. This allowed them to patrol vast areas of ocean and provided a major advantage in naval warfare.

“Nuclear submarines represent a quantum leap in military power,” said Rear Admiral Eugene Carroll, former director of the Center for Defense Information. “They are silent, virtually undetectable, capable of traveling long distances and carrying devastatingly powerful weapons.”

How Submarines Changed Naval Warfare

Submarines have had a major impact on naval warfare. They are able to operate undetected and launch surprise attacks on enemy vessels. Submarines can also be used to conduct reconnaissance missions and gather intelligence. During World War I, submarines played a major role in the Allied victory and were responsible for sinking many enemy ships.

Submarines were also instrumental during World War II. They were used to disrupt enemy supply lines and launch surprise attacks on naval fleets. Submarine tactics such as wolfpacks and midget submarines were also employed to great effect. By the end of the war, submarines had sunk thousands of ships and caused considerable disruption to enemy forces.

The Future of Submarines

Today, submarines are still an integral part of naval warfare. Technological advances in submarine design have enabled them to remain submerged for longer periods of time and travel greater distances. New materials and construction techniques have also made submarines quieter and harder to detect.

Submarines have also taken on new roles in the 21st century. They are being used for research and exploration missions as well as for providing humanitarian aid in remote locations. They are also being used to monitor illegal activities such as drug smuggling and illegal fishing.

However, there are still challenges facing the development of submarines. The cost of building and maintaining submarines is high, and there are concerns over noise pollution and environmental damage. Despite these challenges, submarines continue to play a vital role in naval warfare and will remain an important part of the military for years to come.

Conclusion

Submarines have been around since ancient times, but it wasn’t until the 16th century that modern submarines were invented. Since then, submarines have undergone dramatic changes in technology and design, and have transformed the way naval warfare is conducted. Today, submarines are an important part of the military and will continue to play a vital role in the future.