German sport aviation as a reserve of military aviation in the inter-war period

Abstract

Aviation as a new weapon emerged at the beginning of the 20th century. The event that influenced its development was the course of the First World War. It was not the decisive factor in determining the fate of the war, however, its dynamic development in the final stage of the war could indicate its great importance in the future. The development of military aviation was the domain of the military authorities. The popularisation campaign and the development of appropriate flight training programs were entrusted to the civilian authorities. The establishment of appropriate organisations was needed to effectively engage the public in cooperation. Sport aviation and gliding excelled in preparing young people for service in airborne combat units and transport aviation. Their development in Europe in the inter-war period proceeded in two ways. The first was the creation of organisations by administrative orders, which took place in Germany, Russia and Italy. The second was the skilful use of social initiatives linked to aviation interests, appropriately coordinated by the state and supported by subsidies, as was the case in England and France. The purpose of the establishment of these organisations and activities was to popularise and train aviation in the widest circles of society and to prepare it for a possible airborne threat.