Who Really Invented The Submarine?

Discover the Hidden Story Behind the Invention of Submarine and Its Real Creator

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Who Invented Submarine

Submarines have come a long way since their inception. From being simple underwater vessels used for exploration to being powerful naval weapons, submarines have revolutionized the way we navigate the underwater world. In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of submarines and the people who contributed to their invention.

The Early History of Submarine

Submarines have been around for centuries, with evidence of their existence dating back to ancient civilizations. The Greeks and Romans were the first to use them for underwater exploration and warfare. Greek philosopher Aristotle recorded the use of an underwater vessel called the "dolphins" in the fourth century BCE. This was a primitive submarine that was designed to be steered with oars and used to sneak up on enemy ships.The Romans also used a type of submarine called the "nautillus," which was designed to sink enemy ships by attaching hooks to their hulls and pulling them down. Although these early designs were primitive, they laid the groundwork for the submarines we know today.

The First Practical Submarine

It wasn't until the 17th century that the first practical submarine was built by Cornelis Drebbel, a Dutch inventor who served as an engineer in the court of King James I. Drebbel's submarine was designed to be powered by oars and was used for underwater exploration and scientific research.Drebbel's submarine featured a system of leather tubes that extended above the waterline to provide fresh air for the crew. The submarine could carry up to twelve passengers at a time and was able to dive to a depth of fifteen feet. Although it was considered a marvel of engineering at the time, Drebbel's submarine had its limitations. It was slow, difficult to maneuver, and had a limited range.

The Modern Submarine

The modern submarine as we know it today was the brainchild of Simon Lake, an American engineer who is credited with designing the first underwater vessel that was powered by an engine. Lake's early designs relied on steam power, but he later transitioned to electric motors in the late 19th century.Lake's submarine design also featured a periscope, which allowed the crew to see above the waterline and navigate the waters safely. Additionally, Lake's submarine had a longer range than earlier models, allowing it to travel longer distances than its predecessors.Over time, submarines continued to evolve, with new advances in technology and engineering. Today, submarines are used by navies around the world for a variety of purposes, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat operations.In conclusion, the history of submarines is a fascinating one, full of adventure and innovation. From the early Greeks and Romans to Cornelis Drebbel and Simon Lake, each of these inventors played a crucial role in the development of the submarine we know today. As we continue to explore the underwater world, it's exciting to think about what the future holds for this fascinating technology.

The Evolution of Submarines

Submarines have undergone a long history of development since the very first submersible was built in the early seventeenth century. The history of submarines is an incredible story of human ingenuity, perseverance, and courage. In this article, we will discuss the evolution of submarines and their impact on naval warfare.

The Early Years of Submarines

In 1620, a Dutchman named Cornelis Drebbel built the world's first operational submarine. It was made of wood, around 12 feet long, and was powered by oarsmen who rowed the submarine through the water. It had a capacity of 12 people, including rowers, and could stay underwater for a few hours at a time.Subsequent efforts to perfect the submarine were met with significant challenges including their inadequate ability to submerge or resurface, and their vulnerability to being submerged. In 1775, while the American Revolution was underways, a man named David Bushnell invented the "Turtle," which was the first real submarine capable of carrying explosives. However, the Turtle did not fare well in actual combat and the early submarines were ill-equipped to keep the people inside alive and were only capable of traveling a few miles at a time.

The World War Years

During World War I and II, submarines were used extensively for military purposes. They were equipped with torpedoes and other weapons and could launch sneak attacks on enemy ships and bases. The German U-boats, in particular, were incredibly effective in sinking American and British ships during World War I. Submarines became an essential part of naval warfare during these years.

The Nuclear Submarine

The first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, was developed by the United States and was launched in 1954. These submarines could travel faster and could remain submerged for extended periods. They were used primarily for reconnaissance and espionage missions. The development of nuclear submarines marked a crucial turning point in submarine technology, and they were instrumental in shaping modern naval warfare.

The Future of Submarines

As we look to the future, the submarine technology continues to advance, with new technologies emerging that will make submarines faster, more efficient, and stealthier. The development of acoustic cloaking, for instance, allows submarines to become virtually invisible to sonar. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are also emerging as a promising area of development. These vehicles are self-propelled, unmanned, and can accomplish a broad range of tasks from oceanographic surveys to modern warfare.In conclusion, the evolution of submarines has been fascinating, from the early prototypes built in the seventeenth century to today's nuclear submarines and other emerging technologies. Submarines, as a form of naval transportation have revolutionized naval warfare, leading to the rise of nations, the collapse of empires and influencing the course of modern world history.

The Impact of Submarines on Society

Military Significance

Submarines have been a significant part of many military conflicts throughout history. They were initially designed to engage in surprise attacks, gather intelligence on enemy movement and defend coastlines. The first wartime use of submarines was in the American Civil War in 1864 when the Confederate states utilized a submarine called the H.L. Hunley to sink a Union warship. This event marked the first sinking of a ship by a submarine in world history.

Over time, submarines became increasingly sophisticated and effective in their military capabilities. During World War I and II, they were used extensively for naval warfare. The German U-boats were particularly infamous during this period, sinking countless Allied ships and taking a heavy toll on the naval forces. Submarines were also utilized in the Cold War by both the Soviet Union and the United States, where they played a critical role in the strategic military defense.

The adoption of submarine technology has significantly influenced military tactics and strategies around the world. The ability to stay hidden underwater and evade detection has drastically changed the way naval warfare is conducted.

Commercial Applications

Beyond their military capabilities, submarines have also been used for various commercial applications. One of the most significant is undersea exploration and research. Scientists have learned a great deal about the ocean depths by using manned submarines to explore the depths of the ocean floor. Additionally, submarines are used in the oil and gas drilling industry to install and inspect pipelines, identify potential drilling sites, and support underwater construction projects.

One of the few drawbacks of using submarines for commercial purposes is their cost and maintenance. The complexities of submarines require significant investment, and underwater maintenance can be challenging and high-risk.

Environmental Concerns

While submarines have beneficial uses, they can also have a negative impact on the oceans and its inhabitants. Submarines utilized for military purposes can disrupt undersea habitats and pose a threat to marine life. Additionally, the possibility of oil spills and other environmental hazards can significantly impact the health of the ocean and its ecosystem.

However, many submarines used in commercial applications bypass the negatives associated with military submarines. Submarines designed primarily for underwater exploration, research, and scientific discoveries take extra precautions to protect the environment and marine life. Additionally, the benefits of using submarines for undersea exploration and scientific discoveries far outweigh any negative environmental impact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, submarines have had a significant impact on society. They have enabled countries to engage in naval warfare, explore and research the depths of the ocean, and construct and maintain underwater pipelines. Although they pose risks in terms of environmental impact, the advancements in submarine technology provide promising solutions to mitigate such hazards. The development of submarines is an ever-growing and advancing field, and with their continued evolution, we can expect to see even more benefits and positive changes to our society and the ocean ecosystem.

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