World War I accelerated the evolution of aviation technology, which continued throughout World War II. These developments revolutionized military strategy and contributed greatly to the final results. The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, are considered the fathers of modern aviation. They were not the first to build and fly experimental aircraft, but they were the first to invent controls to control flight. Before flying was revolutionized, many other methods had been tried, such as people jumping from buildings or other high places with makeshift wings attached to their arms, or machines bouncing up and down with something that looked like an umbrella above them. None of these experiments were very successful, although some managed to glide very short distances. The Wright brothers started with small kites by testing various principles, such as when the wings on one side of the kite were folded, the other side received more lift. They then used gliders. The gliders initially flew like a kite, held by tethers. They began to fly the gliders, often without leaving the ground, but they managed to fly without engines. It was not until 1903 and with the Wright Flyer I that the Wright brothers attempted powered flight. (Kent 562) There was, however, the development of airships and hot air balloons that were somewhat controllable but still largely dependent on where the wind would take them. The Wright brothers were the first to successfully develop controllable, heavier-than-air aircraft. Most of these planes had previously experienced disasters, crashing after being thrown from cliffs or other high points. The first successful aircraft were of biplane design. From 1914...... middle of paper ...... be led from the sky. Battle plans now had to include a way to protect soldiers from air attack and to harass the enemy using this means. At first, powered flight had little effect on the war, but in the end it became a major aspect. Air power became a major factor in determining who would win a war. Sources: Kent, Rosemarie, ed. The new book of knowledge. Danbury, CT: Grolier Incorporated, 2001. Print. Mosley, Leonard. Battle of Britain. Alexandria, VA: Time-Life, 1977. PrintStewart, Gail B. World War I. San Diego: Lucent, 1991. Print. Williams, John. “Chapter 8.” World Atlas of Arms and War. London: Aldus, 1976. 96-111. Print.History Wing Introduction. "Wright Brothers Airplane Company Home Page and Wright-brothers.org. 1999. Web. April 10. 2011. .