World War I Military Technology and Tactics

What made phosgene gas particularly dangerous during World War I?

• It caused immediate, visible burns on exposed skin.

• It was easily detectable by its strong, pungent odor.

• It prevented the blood from carrying oxygen, leading to internal organ failure.

• It exploded on impact, causing widespread shrapnel injuries.

Why were soldiers often unaware they had been exposed to phosgene gas until it was too late?

• It was a highly visible, brightly colored gas that blended with the environment.

• Its effects were immediate, but soldiers were often in shock.

• It was colorless and almost odorless, with delayed symptoms appearing up to 48 hours later.

• Gas masks were ineffective against it, making detection irrelevant.

Why was phosgene gas not frequently used for direct attacks to gain ground during World War I?

• It was too expensive to produce in large quantities for widespread use.

• Its effects were too slow to be tactically useful in an assault.

• Troops refused to advance into areas recently exposed to the gas, and wind shifts could endanger friendly forces.

• It was primarily used as a psychological weapon, not for direct combat.

What was the primary cause of casualties during World War I?

• Chemical weapons like mustard gas and phosgene gas.

• Close-quarters combat with bayonets and rifles.

• Artillery fire, accounting for over half of all reported casualties.

• Disease and unsanitary conditions in the trenches.

What innovative feature of the French Model 1897 75mm Field Gun significantly improved its effectiveness compared to earlier artillery?

• It was designed to be easily disassembled and transported by infantry.

• It used a recoil system that allowed the barrel to recoil while the gun remained in place, maintaining accuracy.

• It fired shells that could change direction mid-flight to hit moving targets.

• It was equipped with an early form of radar for targeting in low visibility.

Which type of U-boat was responsible for sinking approximately 1,800 ships during World War I?

• Type UC I

• Type UC II

• Type UB III

• Type U-9

What innovative design feature of the Type UC II U-boat significantly improved crew survivability?

• Enhanced torpedo tubes

• A double hull

• Advanced navigation systems

• Increased engine power

What was the approximate maximum range of the Type UC II U-boat while surfaced?

• 54 nautical miles

• 1,000 nautical miles

• 5,000 nautical miles

• 10,000 nautical miles

Who invented the iconic machine gun design that became a reliable weapon of war in 1883?

• John Browning

• Richard Gatling

• Hiram Maxim

• Samuel Colt

By 1917, what percentage of Germany's small arms ammunition production was dedicated to machine guns?

• 40%

• 60%

• 75%

• 90%