Weapons used in World War 1

World War I is often considered the first true modern war, a conflict fought between industrialized
countries equipped with modern weapons. It saw the rise of powerful weapons such as heavy artillery,
machine guns and airplanes and the decline of 19th century weapons like sabers and bayonets.
(Weapons of World War I)
Bayonets were one of the weapons used in the war. It was a very simple and
commonly used weapon. It was a bracketed dagger attached to the end of a rifle
barrel. Its main function was to turn the rifle into a thrusting weapon, so they could
attack the enemy without drawing too close to them. Small arms and machine guns
made using bayonets almost impossible, but they were effective propaganda and they were used for other
things, like opening cans or digging.
Flamethrowers were not commonly used but were still terrifying weapons. An
individual soldier would usually carry a backpack or tank, flame-throwers used
pressurized gas to spurt burning oil or gasoline up to 40 meters. However, the
downside was short range of flame-throwers had to be within close proximity of
the enemy, where they were easily killed by riflemen.
Grenades were also used and were small bombs, thrown by hand or launched from a rifle attachment,
and detonated on impact or by a timer. Trench mortars were used to launch grenades or small bombs short
distances. They could be fired from the safety of a trench, launching explosives into
enemy trenches. Mortars were mostly used to target machine-gun nests, sniper positions
or smaller defensive positions. Mines were another weapon used in the war. They were
large bombs or explosive charges, planted underground and exploded by remote or by
soldiers stepping on them. Mines could also be used in the water to blow up passing
ships.
Pistols or revolvers were issued mainly to officers. Enlisted soldiers only received pistols if they were
required in specialist duties, such as military police work or in tank crews, where rifles would
be too unwieldy. (Weapons of World War I) Pistols were not usually significant but were
used in close combat in trenches. Another commonly used weapon was a rifle. It was it was
relatively cheap to produce, reliable, accurate and easy to carry and many soldiers, especially
infantrymen, were given one. However cleaning, maintenance and drilling of their rifles
occupied a good deal of an infantry soldiers daily routine.
Poison gas was first used by the Germans. They used chlorine gas which within seconds of inhaling its
vapor it destroyed the victim's respiratory organs, and caused choking attacks.
Another poison used was phosgene. It was more potent than chlorine in that
while the latter was potentially deadly it caused the victim to violently cough
and choke. (Weapons of War - Poison Gas) Another more deadly poison gas
used was Mustard Gas. It was an almost odorless chemical, and distinguished
by the blisters it caused, both internally and externally, several hours after
exposure. The benefit of this gas for whoever used it was it stayed in the soil for several weeks.