Germany’s ally, Austria-Hungary, had declared war on Serbia after Serbia assassinated Austria’s leader, Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Russia rushed to Serbia’s defense, mobilizing troops to both Germany's and Austria-Hungary’s borders. Germany declared war on Russia and France simultaneously because they knew that if they could get a jump on France they might not have to fight their two-front war.
At first the powers in WWI didn’t dare to use gasses, as the world prohibited gas being used against infantry alone. France was the first to use tear gas against the Germans, but they soon picked it up. German chemist Fritz Haber developed weaponized versions of tear, phosgene, chlorine, and later mustard gas. Such gasses would cause panic in the ranks of their enemies, even painfully kill them. It made the enemy soldiers need special gear which hindered their fighting capabilities.
At first the powers in WWI didn’t dare to use gasses, as the world prohibited gas being used against infantry alone. France was the first to use tear gas against the Germans, but they soon picked it up. German chemist Fritz Haber developed weaponized versions of tear, phosgene, chlorine, and later mustard gas. Such gasses would cause panic in the ranks of their enemies, even painfully kill them. It made the enemy soldiers need special gear which hindered their fighting capabilities.
Country Austria-Hungary British Empire France Germany Italy Russia USA Others |
Total Casualties 100,000 188,706 190,000 200,000 60,000 419,340 72,807 10,000 |
Deaths 3,000 8,109 8,000 9,000 4,627 56,000 1,462 1,000 |