When was the First Submarine Invented?
The concept of a submarine, a vessel that can operate underwater, has been around for centuries. The first recorded attempts at building a submarine date back to the 13th century. However, the modern submarine, as we know it today, has a more recent history. In this article, we will explore the early beginnings of submarine development and highlight the key milestones in the evolution of the submarine.
Early Attempts
The first recorded attempt at building a submarine was made by the Chinese in the 13th century. A Chinese inventor named Zheng He built a wooden boat that could be propelled underwater by a crew of oarsmen. This was essentially a primitive form of a submarine, but it laid the foundation for future innovations.
The 17th and 18th Centuries
During the 17th and 18th centuries, various inventors and engineers made attempts to build functional submarines. One of the most notable attempts was made by the Dutch inventor Cornelis Drebbel, who built a wooden submarine in 1620. Drebbel’s submarine was powered by a hand-cranked screw and could stay underwater for up to an hour.
Another significant attempt was made by the American inventor David Bushnell, who built the Turtle, a hand-powered submarine, in 1775. The Turtle was designed to attach explosives to British warships during the American Revolutionary War. Although the Turtle was not successful in its mission, it marked an important milestone in the development of submarines.
The First Modern Submarine
The first modern submarine was built by the American inventor Robert Fulton in 1800. Fulton’s submarine, called the Nautilus, was powered by a hand-cranked propeller and could stay underwater for up to 17 hours. The Nautilus was used by the French Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, but it was not very successful due to its slow speed and limited range.
The Development of the Modern Submarine
The development of the modern submarine was slow and gradual. It wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that submarines became more advanced and widely used. Some key milestones in the development of the modern submarine include:
- 1863: The French inventor Napoleon Morret builds the first electric submarine, the Gymnote.
- 1880s: The German inventor Johann Cesar Cuntze develops the first diesel-electric submarine.
- 1900s: The United States Navy begins to develop submarines with diesel-electric propulsion.
- 1914: The German U-boat ( Unterseeboot) becomes a major threat during World War I.
World War I and the Modern Submarine
World War I marked a significant turning point in the development of the submarine. The German U-boat campaign against Allied shipping led to the development of more advanced submarines with diesel-electric propulsion and sophisticated communication systems.
The American submarine, the USS Turtle, was the first to sink an enemy ship, the Japanese passenger liner Hōzan Maru, in 1945.
Conclusion
The first submarine was invented in the 17th century, but it wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that submarines became more advanced and widely used. The development of the modern submarine was a gradual process, marked by significant milestones and innovations. Today, submarines play a crucial role in naval warfare and are used for a variety of purposes, including reconnaissance, communication, and attack.
Table: Key Milestones in the Development of the Submarine
| Year | Inventor/Builder | Submarine Name | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1620 | Cornelis Drebbel | (wooden submarine) | Hand-cranked screw, wooden hull |
| 1775 | David Bushnell | Turtle | Hand-powered, explosives-laden |
| 1800 | Robert Fulton | Nautilus | Hand-cranked propeller, 17-hour endurance |
| 1863 | Napoleon Morret | Gymnote | Electric propulsion |
| 1880s | Johann Cesar Cuntze | (diesel-electric submarine) | Diesel-electric propulsion |
| 1900s | United States Navy | (diesel-electric submarine) | Diesel-electric propulsion, improved design |
| 1914 | German Navy | U-boat | Diesel-electric propulsion, advanced communication systems |
Key Points:
- The first recorded attempt at building a submarine was made by the Chinese in the 13th century.
- The first modern submarine was built by Robert Fulton in 1800.
- The development of the modern submarine was slow and gradual, with significant milestones in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- World War I marked a significant turning point in the development of the submarine, with the German U-boat campaign leading to the development of more advanced submarines.
- Today, submarines play a crucial role in naval warfare and are used for a variety of purposes, including reconnaissance, communication, and attack.
