The First World War

Technology played a major role in WW1, so much in fact, that tactics were way behind it. This led to 19th century fighting using 20th century weapons. This would explain the large numbers of KIAs on all sides of the war.

For example, the first belt-fed machine gun was introduced in combat during WW1. The Maxium machine gun fired close to 300 rounds a minute. Generals and military strategist of the time had no idea how to use a weapon of this magnitute. The result was, large human wave attacks were launched at these new weapons the same way they would charge a cannon in previous wars. The only difference is, a cannon fires one shot and requires typically 3 men to operate and aim it. This was a very time consuming process and if one side were to charge it with enough troops, there was a good chance of taking ...