04/9/25 Submarines

Submarines

Do you know how a submarine is different from a submersible? A submarine is a special kind of boat that can travel underwater by itself. It doesn't need help from other ships because it can make its air and power on its own. On the other hand, a submersible is a small vehicle that can also go underwater, but it needs a bigger ship to help it get air and power, so it can't stay underwater as long as a submarine can.

The first known submersible was built in 1620 by Cornelius Drebbel. It was moved by oars that rowed underwater. Even though this vehicle was first made for exploring under the sea, people soon realized it could be used in war. In 1648, Bishop John Wilkins said that this kind of boat could be useful in fighting against enemy ships because you could sneak up on them underwater.

The first military submarine was made over 100 years later. David Bushnell designed The Turtle in 1775. The Continental Army used it during the American Revolutionary War. Even though The Turtle had help from a support ship, it could still make its own air and power, which makes it a real submarine. It was powered by hand-cranked propellers and looked like a turtle. The Turtle could hold one person, travel at about three miles per hour in calm water, and stay underwater for about thirty minutes. It was used to try and attack a British ship in New York Harbor, but the mission did not succeed, and later The Turtle was destroyed. However, it is still remembered as the first submarine used in a war.

Another important submarine was the Sub Marine Explorer, made by Julius H. Kroehl between 1863 and 1866. It was built for the North during the American Civil War but was not used because the war ended. Later, it was used to collect pearls in Panama, but people didn't understand the health risks back then. Kroehl died from a condition called decompression sickness, which happens when divers come up to the surface too quickly. In 1869, after more crew members died, people stopped using the submarine.

During World War I, submarines were used a lot more. New engineering advances like using diesel and electric power made them better for warfare. The Germans had a submarine called the U-Boat, which was quite effective. Some people think U-Boats were more like submersibles because they mostly stayed on the surface and only went underwater to attack. During World War I, U-Boats sank more than 5,000 Allied ships, including the Lusitania, which is one reason America joined the war.

In World War II, Germans used U-Boats again. Even though they caused problems for British ships, improvements in technology, like radar and sonar, made them less effective. The U.S. also had submarines that they used with great success. Even after the attack on Pearl Harbor damaged many U.S. ships, the submarines survived and went on to cause a lot of damage to Japanese ships. U.S. submarines were only about 2 percent of the Navy, but they destroyed over 30 percent of the Japanese Navy, becoming one of the most powerful weapons.

Today, modern submarines are powered by nuclear reactors. This type of reactor gives them a lot of power, so they don’t need to come up to the surface for a long time. They can travel fast and stay underwater for long periods because the nuclear reactor provides energy for their entire life, often over 25 years. The only reason they need to come up is to get more food and water for the crew. Even back in 1648, Bishop John Wilkins couldn't have imagined submarines would become this powerful.

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How does the passage's discussion of the "Sub Marine Explorer" and its creator, Julius H. Kroehl, contribute to the overall understanding of the development of submarines?

• It highlights the early challenges and dangers associated with submarine technology, emphasizing the importance of safety measures and the need for further advancements.
• It showcases the potential of submarines for commercial purposes, demonstrating their versatility beyond military applications.
• It emphasizes the role of individual inventors in driving technological progress, highlighting Kroehl's significant contribution to submarine design.

What does the author's statement, "Even back in 1648, Bishop John Wilkins couldn't have imagined submarines would become this powerful," suggest about the author's perspective on the evolution of submarine technology?

• The author expresses a sense of wonder and awe at the advancements in submarine technology, acknowledging the significant strides made over centuries.
• The author implies that the potential of submarines was underestimated in the past, suggesting that their true capabilities were not fully realized until later.
• The author suggests that the development of submarines was driven by a desire for military dominance, highlighting the impact of warfare on technological innovation.

What is the main purpose of the author in writing this passage about submarines?

• To provide a comprehensive history of submarine development, from its earliest origins to modern times.
• To highlight the importance of submarines in warfare, particularly during World War I and World War II.
• To explore the ethical implications of submarine technology, particularly in relation to its use in warfare.

Based on the passage, how does the author's description of the U-Boat in World War I contribute to the overall argument?

• It emphasizes the effectiveness of German submarines in disrupting Allied shipping, highlighting the strategic importance of submarine warfare.
• It provides a contrasting example to the more advanced submarines of the United States, showcasing the technological gap between nations.
• It highlights the limitations of early submarine technology, demonstrating the need for further advancements in design and capabilities.

How does the author's use of the phrase "Even though" in the passage contribute to the overall understanding of the development of submarines?

• It emphasizes the challenges and setbacks faced by inventors and engineers in their pursuit of submarine technology.
• It emphasizes the importance of perseverance and innovation in overcoming obstacles in the development of submarines.
• It showcases the evolving nature of submarine technology, highlighting the constant need for improvements and adaptations.

Analyze the effect of the repeated use of the phrase "a lot more" in the passage on the tone and message of the text.

• It emphasizes the growing importance and widespread use of submarines in warfare, particularly during World War I.
• It highlights the rapid advancements in submarine technology, showcasing the increasing capabilities and effectiveness of these vessels.
• It emphasizes the impact of submarines on global conflicts, highlighting their role in shaping the course of history.

How does the author's description of the "Sub Marine Explorer" and its creator, Julius H. Kroehl, contribute to the overall understanding of the development of submarines?

• It highlights the early challenges and dangers associated with submarine technology, emphasizing the importance of safety measures and the need for further advancements.
• It showcases the potential of submarines for commercial purposes, demonstrating their versatility beyond military applications.
• It emphasizes the role of individual inventors in driving technological progress, highlighting Kroehl's significant contribution to submarine design.

What does the author's statement, "Even back in 1648, Bishop John Wilkins couldn't have imagined submarines would become this powerful," suggest about the author's perspective on the evolution of submarine technology?

• The author emphasizes the remarkable progress made in submarine technology, highlighting the vast difference between early prototypes and modern nuclear submarines.
• The author expresses a sense of wonder and awe at the advancements in submarine technology, acknowledging the significant strides made over centuries.
• The author implies that the potential of submarines was underestimated in the past, suggesting that their true capabilities were not fully realized until later.

How does the author's use of examples of specific submarines throughout the passage contribute to the overall argument about the evolution of submarine technology?

• The author uses specific examples to illustrate the advancements in submarine technology, highlighting the key milestones in their development.
• The author uses specific examples to demonstrate the diverse applications of submarines, highlighting their versatility beyond military use.
• The author uses specific examples to explore the ethical implications of submarine technology, raising questions about their use in warfare.