World War I was the first major war which showed how defensive technology developed during the course of the industrial revolution - such as the machine gun and barbed wire - could cause mass destruction and loss of life. This book covers the major technological breakthroughs and the new and adapted technology used throughout World War I, from the production of high-grade iron for warships to the lethal products of the chemical industry. It considers the revolutionary developments in transport and communications, which allowed vast armies to be moved and equipped all year round. This book is a clear, well-written, authoritative text packed with useful information, fascinating, thought-provoking photographs, paintings, posters, cartoons and maps. It has a wealth of panels that give biographical details of the major personalities, statistical information, eye-witness accounts and poetic responses to the war. The book ends with a comprehensive date list, glossary and a list of further resources.