What was one of the most destructive new weapons used in World War 1 was?

One of the most destructive new weapons used in World War I was the machine gun. Capable of firing hundreds of rounds per minute, it significantly increased the lethality of warfare, contributing to the high death toll in trench battles. Its effectiveness rendered traditional infantry charges nearly obsolete and led to a stalemate on the Western Front, as armies struggled to advance against entrenched positions. The machine gun exemplified the industrialized nature of warfare during the conflict, resulting in devastating consequences for soldiers on both sides.