The United States has been developing its espionage tactics since the beginning of its history. The Founding Fathers recognized the importance of competitive intelligence when it came to times of war. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, the United States government began setting aside significant funds for surveillance and spying and called it the "secret service fund." The idea of knowing your enemy inside and out is an ancient and fundamental military tactic.

How did the early colonialists practice espionage? Obviously, they didn't have access to the state-of-the-art spy equipment we have today. They didn't have fiber optic miniature cameras or button cameras. They certainly didn't have digital recorders. During the Civil War, soldiers would intercept telegrams and mail to find out more about the enemy. They would question prisoners and deserters.

The Evolution of Spy Equipment and Espionage

Following World War II, spy equipment rapidly evolved. Cameras were getting smaller and smaller and companies were developing devices that would help government spies more accurately record their findings. On October 4, 1957, the former Soviet Union launched Sputnik I into space. This not only market the beginning of the space age, it forever changed the way modern governments collect intelligence.

The people, the actual spies, have always been the most important piece of intelligence gathering. However, with newer and better technology emerging every year, these so-called spies now have a world of wonderful gadgets and spy equipment at their disposal. This makes them more effective and safer. It's still one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet, but at least these heroes have better tools to use.