Colorized Photos Of What WWI Looked Like At The Time

January 19, 2021

Cities Across First-World Countries Were In Ruins 

World War I changed the world in ways we still feel today. It also ended the lives of more than 16 million people across all of Europe. Unlike WWII, which finds itself on the silver screen as often as Marvel characters, WWI receives comparatively little attention.

Obviously there were wars before World War I, but this was the first time that photography played a major part in spreading the story of the men who gave their lives at the turn of the century. Unlike the Civil War, which saw photographers snapping well framed shots of the military during downtime, the photography of World War I brings the viewer inside of the destruction of battle. Now in color, these photos feel like they could be taken today.

The devastation of World War I. (toxicremnantsofwar)

Many people probably don’t even know who Franz Ferdinand was or why his assassination set off a chain of events that ultimately embroiled over 30 nations in bloody conflict, since most people didn't really pay attention in history class. These are the snapshots of the first modern world war and the stories behind them. 

Balloon observation became the norm

A balloon apron that is suspended in order to defend London from air attacks.

Long before satellites or drones gave us eyes in the sky, hot air balloons served as crucial purveyors of the enemy landscape. All major combatants of WWI utilized observation balloons to monitor enemy trench lines and troop movement. Yes, airplane flybys could also examine enemy soldiers from above but to effectively coordinate long-range artillery, real-time reports were required.

Therefore, spotters, suspended high above, typically 3,000 feet, by steel cable shouted any and all observations via wired telephone. Of course, information is power so these observation balloons became high-value targets for steely pilots and consequently, well guarded by anti-aircraft guns.

It’s worth noting that these weren’t fun, comfortable hot air balloons you see today. They were called “kite balloons,” much smaller and aerodynamic, capable of handling adverse weather conditions. Can you imagine being suspended 3,000 feet in the air, buffeted by high winds, and the target of enemy fighters while attempting to report vital information? And you thought your job sucked.