Winton Eliott
Submarines are a vital component of modern warfare, but when was the first one built? You’re probably thinking of something from World War II.
Most people believe that submarines were not invented until World War II, with the German U-boat. However, this is only because WWII was the first time when submarines were really relevant to important affairs.
In fact, many would be shocked to learn that the submarine was actually invented far earlier.
Of course, the precise answer depends on your definition of “invented.”
Do you mean the first person to ever conceive an idea? Or do you mean the first individual to turn that concept into a reality? Today, we’ll discuss both of those individuals.
Who invented the first submarine?
The first recorded instance of someone attempting to build a submarine was in 1620. That’s right – almost 400 years ago!
A man by the name of Cornelis Drebbel was employed by King James I of England to construct a vessel that could be used for warfare.
Drebbel’s submarine was actually based on an idea by Leonardo da Vinci.
However, it is important to remember that Drebbel was the one who actually built the vessel. It was a rowboat that was covered in leather skin and could be submerged in water for short periods of time.
While this invention was certainly impressive for its time, it wasn’t exactly what we would today call a submarine.
Nevertheless, Drebbel’s vessel was the first of its kind, and it laid the groundwork for future submarine development.
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Who launched the first submarine?
The first submarine was launched by the French government in 1797. The vessel named the Plongeur was designed by Robert Fulton.
The Plongeur was intended to be used for warfare. However, it was not very successful in this endeavor. In fact, the Plongeur only sank one enemy ship during its entire career.
Despite its lack of success in combat, the Plongeur was an important milestone in submarine development.
It was the first vessel to be powered by steam, and it laid the groundwork for future submarine development.
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Who invented the first practical submarine?
The first practical submarine was invented by an American named Robert Fulton. Fulton’s submarine, named the Nautilus, was much more advanced than Drebbel’s invention.
The Nautilus was powered by a steam engine, and it could stay submerged for extended periods of time. Fulton’s submarine was also equipped with torpedoes, making it a formidable weapon of war.
Fulton’s submarine was first used in combat during the War of 1812. It was employed by the American military to attack British ships.
Although the submarine was not very successful in this endeavor, it did prove to be a valuable asset.
After the War of 1812, Fulton continued to work on his submarine design. He eventually sold the rights to his invention to the French government.
The French were extremely interested in Fulton’s submarine, and they used it extensively during their war with the British. The submarine proved to be a valuable tool, and it was used extensively in combat.
Read also: The History Of Steam Engine Invention
Who invented the first nuclear-powered submarine?
The first nuclear-powered submarine was invented by the United States Navy. The submarine, named the USS Nautilus, was commissioned in 1954.
The Nautilus was the first vessel to ever be powered by nuclear energy. This made it extremely fast and allowed it to stay submerged for extended periods of time.
The Nautilus was also the first submarine to ever cross the North Pole. This event occurred in 1958, and it proved the feasibility of nuclear-powered submarines.
Today, nuclear-powered submarines are a vital part of the United States Navy. They are used extensively for warfare and research purposes.
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The bottom line
Inventors have been dreaming up submarines for centuries. However, it wasn’t until the early 1800s that a practical submarine was finally invented.
Since then, submarines have come a long way. They are now faster, more maneuverable, and more powerful than ever before.
Thanks to the hard work of inventors and engineers, submarines have become a vital part of the military and are used extensively for warfare and research.
Submarines have also proved to be invaluable for civilian purposes such as oceanography and underwater archaeology.
Submarines are an incredible feat of engineering, and their impact on the world is undeniable.
From their humble beginnings as theoretical inventions, submarines have become one of the most important tools of modern times.
