Student Independent Projects Historical Studies 2017: Long Range Fighter Escorts:The Essential Defenders of Allied Bombers

Abstract

Aerial warfare existed in some form long before the First World War, but it was during the First World War that aerial warfare really became common. The First World War saw the use of bi- planes, tri-planes, and zeppelins as weapons to instill fear, inflict damage, and control the skies. After the First World War had ended it became clear that in future conflicts it would be essential to obtain air superiority. During the interwar period between World War I and World War II, nations including Britain, the United States, and Germany (though later in time due to the restrictions placed upon them in the treaty of Versailles) began to assemble formidable air forces as well as develop air doctrine to prepare themselves for future conflict.