What year did the first air war begin?

The first air war began in 1914, coinciding with the outbreak of World War I. This period marked a significant evolution in military aviation, as aircraft were first employed for reconnaissance missions and later for direct combat roles. The use of airplanes for military purposes expanded rapidly during the war, leading to the development of various aircraft types suited for different missions, such as bombers and fighters. Prior to this time, aviation was still in its infancy, and while there were a few instances of military use of aircraft in earlier years, such as balloons in the 19th century, it was not until World War I that air warfare became a structured and organized component of military strategy. Thus, the year 1914 is significant as the beginning of the use of aircraft in combat scenarios, evolving the nature of warfare forever.