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Introduction
Photograph showing British soldiers wearing gas protection whilst firing a machine gun. (DUL ref: The Times History of the War Vol XIV, XX+355.9403)
The First World War represented a watershed in many ways. The way in which war was conducted changed fundamentally and permanently. Central to this sea-change was the way in which all the combatants embraced new technology and used it in different ways. Developments in technology led to changes in tactics, strategy and methods of fighting.
In order to consider the impact that technology had on the First World War we’re going to look at four different elements: improved reconnaissance through the use of aerial photography; the development of the concept of the creeping barrage; improvements in signals and other forms of communication; and the use of poison gas as a weapon.
