General InformationWhat is the weapon and how does it work?A grenade is a small bomb that is thrown by hand or can be launched mechanically. The grenade is designed to launch dozens of small metal fragments in every direction when it explodes. There’s a safety pin in each grenade and when you pull it out you throw it in the direction you want it to go and then it explodes in a matter of seconds.
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When and where was this weapon invented?
The first hand grenade was first invented and was used during the reign of the Song Dynasty in China, around the year 1000. The Chinese continued to create and experiment with gunpowder during the 15th century. The British had also helped create the modern grenades. They used them in WW1.
Who invented the weapon?
Sir William Mills invented grenades. It was developed and manufactured at his factory in Birmingham, England. Used by most British and Imperial forces in WW1.
Why was the weapon invented?
There was four main types of hand grenades in WW1; defensive, offensive, gas, and phosphorous. Defensive grenade was used to blow something up that was far from where they would throw the hand grenade. The Offensive grenade caused casualties by the blast effect but only in a short distance. The Gas grenades were used for clearing tight twisting confines for the trenches where an explosive grenade was ineffective. The Phosphorous grenades were used in offensive barrages to create walls of thick white smoke. The function of a modern grenade is to kill any nearby objects, troops, or enemies.
Impact and Consequences
What was the overall impact of this weapon in WW1?
In WW1 the impact of grenades was huge because it knocked out the front lines of most of the armies front lines. It took care of the front part of an army making it easier to get closer and killing the rest of the other armies.
Was this weapon a major or minor influence on the war?
The grenade was a major influence in the war because it created another weapon that could destroy other armies and help others defend themselves. It made a difference in how armies could blow up big parts of other armies without hurting themselves.
How did this weapon affect soldiers and civilians near the front line?
There were several cases of soldiers and civilians being killed when the grenade hit the front of the trench. The grenades were very dangerous when being used in the front-line trench.
Are there positive and negative consequences using this weapon?
When making the newer grenades they were made so they had a bigger explosion. There are some bad problems with grenades for example, it had a high explosion that made the pieces that came out even smaller which weren’t effective. The only bad thing with the older grenades is if they were dropped or jostled it would go off and kill the person holding it.
Connections to Today
What is the modern day example of this weapon?The newly formed grenade is made to inflict massive damage against soft-medium targets within its blast radius. The fuse is activated by removing the pull ring and safety and then its thrown at the target. The newer grenade can throw its shrapnel 100 yards. It has a smooth body or it could have a ribbed outer body so the person can have a grip on the grenade.
How has this weapon improved from the version used in WW1? |
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In 1908 they were used by the British and they exploded when the hit the ground. The only bad thing was if dropped or jostled the grenade would go off and kill the person that was holding it. Later the British added a pin at the end of the handle so they weren’t so easy to set off. In 1915 the British created the no 15 grenade. These were ignited by taking off the covering that protects the fuse.
How is this weapon used today?
This weapon is used in the army by soldiers. They use them in the wars against their enemies and have to practice with them. They use them in close combat so they can explode right on their target.
By: Sydney Sorrell