War and Technology GalleryBy Matthew BennettWarfare and technology are intimately related. From the earliest times, the development of industrial and architectural techniques combined to create both improved weapon systems and fortifications designed to frustrate them. Then came the development of gunpowder weapons in the West, just prior to 1500. This advance, combined with improved shipbuilding, paved the way for the galleon - a machine for world conquest.
But it was the technological developments that took place from 1750 onwards, increasing on an exponential curve, that really transformed modern warfare and spread across much of the globe. The result was seen in the use of a whole range of high explosives, aircraft and submarines in the early 20th century. Then within 50 years the nuclear bomb was created - a weapon too dangerous to use.
Despite these sophisticated advances, 'conventional' warfare continues to
proliferate, and the 'low-tech' AK47 assault rifle is probably responsible for more deaths than high-grade technology.
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