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Before Planes
Before the Wright Brothers had their first successful flight, balloons and gliders were what we had. The flight of balloons first happened in the 1780's by the Montgolfier brothers in France. Since then, balloons were tested in the Civil War with mixed results. After the war, the U.S army experimented with "flying machines." https://www.factcite.com/useh/4000057full.html -
Wright Brothers invent first plane
The Wright Brothers first flew their airplane. https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/airplane/272759 -
Sky Lovers
Many daredevils from different countries flew airplanes for cash prizes. France was the leading country in these races. Many were held over short courses or sometimes even over the English Channel. https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/airplane/272759#230878-toc -
Weapons of War
Planes started to be used for reconnaissance, bombing runs, and air duels. https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/airplane/272759 -
Across the World
After WWI planes were being used to fly longer distances across oceans and continents. The trips were very dangerous and many failed. https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/airplane/272759 -
Charles Lindbergh's Flight
In the year 1927, Charles Lindbergh started his flight from Long Island to Paris. Six other pilots had already tried this flight yet had all failed. His plane would be the first one to make it. https://explore.proquest.com/sirsdiscoverer/document/3062739201searchid=1748540586&accountid=3541 -
Germany's Plane Dominance
When WWII started, Germany used planes in their famous blitzkrieg attacks. Germany's air force, the Luftwaffe, dominated the British skies during their skirmish over London. https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/airplane/272759 -
Americas Plane Production
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Americas plane production skyrocketed to 100,000 planes a year until 1944. https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/airplane/272759 -
The World's First Airline Service
After WWII, the British started the world's first jet airline service. Other countries would soon follow after and make their own services and planes. https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/airplane/272759 -
Future Planes
Planes in the future could be able to go very high speeds and carry tons of passengers. If used for purposes of war, they could accommodate more bombs or weapons of mass destruction.