What new military technology was used in World War 1 how did it contribute to the war being so brutal?

World War I saw the introduction of new military technologies such as machine guns, tanks, poison gas, and aircraft. The machine gun, in particular, led to devastating casualties and prolonged trench warfare, as it allowed for rapid, sustained fire that could decimate advancing troops. Poison gas introduced a new level of terror and suffering, causing painful injuries and psychological trauma. These technologies combined to create a brutal and stagnant battlefield environment, where traditional tactics became deadly in the face of modern weaponry.