Machine guns

What did machine guns do?

They fired large numbers of bullets at a rapid rate

Why were machine guns significant in WWI?

They changed the nature of warfare, making defensive positions much more powerful.

How did machine guns make warfare more defensive?

They made it extremely dangerous for infantry to advance across open ground

What was the effect of machine guns on infantry attacks?

They could cause large numbers of casualties among advancing troops.

How did machine guns affect cavalry?

They made cavalry charges much less effective.

Why did machine guns reduce the usefulness of cavalry?

Horses and riders were highly vulnerable to rapid machine-gun fire.

What was the British machine gun called?

The Vickers machine gun.

How many rounds per minute could the Vickers fire?

Approximately 450 rounds per minute.

What machine gun did the Germans commonly use?

The Maxim machine gun.

What was a major problem with early machine guns?

They were very heavy and difficult to move.

How many men were required to operate many early machine guns?

Two men

Why did machine guns overheat?

Their rapid rate of fire generated large amounts of heat

How did overheating affect machine guns?

They often had to be fired in short bursts to prevent overheating.

What was the main role of machine guns in trench warfare?

They were primarily an excellent defensive weapon

How were machine guns used defensively?

They were positioned to stop or slow advancing infantry

Why were machine guns particularly effective from trenches?

Soldiers could fire from protected defensive positions while attacking troops were exposed.

How did machine guns contribute to stalemate?

They made attacking enemy trenches extremely difficult, helping create static trench warfare.

How did machine guns contribute to a war of attrition?

Their ability to inflict heavy casualties meant armies could wear each other down through repeated attacks

Did machine guns remain unchanged throughout WWI?

No. They became lighter and more mobile.

How did cooling systems improve machine guns?

Better water and air-cooling systems reduced overheating.

What did improved cooling allow machine guns to do?

They could be fired for longer periods.