The Credibility Of Spies During World War I

Spies are people who secretly watch people and report what they are doing to their superiors. Often times spying involves acting, disguise, and other special talents. An example of this is Baden-Powell. He was a British spy that Britain used to spy on Austria-Hungary. He acted as a drunken to fisherman to gather intel on a new weapon. “In that disguise, he was never questioned as to why he was sailing so close to a key Austria-Hungary fortress. The enemy soldiers even showed Baden-Powell how to operate a new machine gun they were testing.” (Goodman 32). This could have been the beginning of spying which played a big role for the British in both of the World Wars and the Cold War. During these wars, there are several spy agencies that were …show more content…
There are many unique qualities you must possess to become a spy. You cannot just have one outstanding quality to be a spy. You need to have a combination of certain traits. Some of the traits you would need are disguise, quick thinking, physically able, street smarts, loyalty, a good eye for unusual things, and the ability to go through with a mission no matter what. However, the biggest trait would be secrecy. “Then recruits are ready to begin their careers as spies and become immersed in the world of secrecy.” (Goodman 23). When spying, you are constantly being trusted with secrets. If you are not able to keep a secret, you are not able to be a spy. Being a spy does require you to be great at many things, but it does require you to have great looks. “Not surprisingly, the movies exaggerate reality. SIS agents are expected to be smart, resourceful, and self-reliant like agent 007. But they are not required to be as attractive or unconventional.” (Goodman 19). If you display all these unique attributes and the SIS notices you, you may be recruited by them. The SIS has many ways to recruit people. The main way is by advertising positions that are open through the internet or colleges. There are also other ways. Sometimes the SIS personally asked people to join them. “They were literally tapped on the shoulder by someone connected to the agency who …show more content…
These bigger jobs take place during wars. Spying on other countries can both prevent and stop a war. The prevention aspect of this is accomplished by having an agent in the country that the agencies think are going to cause trouble with Britain. Stopping the war usually only happens when there is a victor. Therefore, the spies that help stop wars are helping to win the war by giving their country the edge and putting them a step ahead of their opponent. During World War I, British spies were positioned inside Britain, and also abroad. Placing spies inside Britain was just as important, if not more important, than placing spies in the enemy country. Germany not only had spies in Britain but they also had some Double agents. The British needed to get the German spies out of their agencies before they transmitted anymore of their secret information. “As World War I broke out in 1914, both the SIS and MI5 mobilized to discover any German spies working in England. Most active spies were captured quickly.” (Goodman 39). While engaged in this war, spies were also secretly used in enemy countries. During World War I spies were used to prevent certain countries from becoming either allies or just neutral with each other. This was because if a country could stop defending themselves from another certain country they could focus their military power and all of their