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Airplane Warfare During World War I

  During World War One, the role of airplanes and how they
were used changed greatly.   At first planes were only used
for sport, but people started realize that not only could
airplanes be useful but they could even influence an outcome
of the war greatly.   Soon the war was filled with blimps,
planes, and tethered balloons.   By the end of the war,
planes became a symbol of fear, but they were not always
treated with such respect.
In the time leading up to the war, the general
feeling about planes was, they were a sneaky, unfair tactic
that should not be used in warfare.   During The 1899 Hague
Peace Conference it was put on record that the dropping or
shooting of any projectiles or explosives from the air
during a time of war was forbidden and was considered a
crime of war.   It was also decided that airplanes could only
be used for reconnaissance or spying missions. (Villard-227)
The airplane may be all very well for sport, but for the
army it is useless (Quoted in Villard-227) Even by the
beginning of the war in 1912, the use of planes in war was
still prohibited by the War Office.   Shortly thereafter this
changed, people awakened to the possibilities of air
warfare.   The world soon started to realize the
effectiveness of planes in war and how the control of the
skies could influence the outcome.  
Although the French were the first to have a
working, conscripting air force and to license fliers, their
trust in airplanes still was not up to par. Their lack of
trust was justified, for the planes had no armaments, too
many wires, and no reliable motor. (Villard-228)  
Soon all countries in the war effort had their own
little air force, built hangers, and started to train
pilots.   The first bombing occurred in November 1911.  
Although the first bomb was dropped by the Italians, soon
all countries were involved in bombing raids. (Villard-229)
It was followed by the first aerial dogfight in 1912....