Poison Gas in WWIPoison Gas in WWI

By: Nick Coates, Elliott Hannah, By: Nick Coates, Elliott Hannah, and Brenna Banksand Brenna Banks

• Prior to WWI the use of poison gas was not used by any nation during warfare.

• As a result of trench warfare poison gas was quickly used to break stalemates between opposing sides.

• Contrary to popular belief the Germans were not the first to use poison gas

• The French used it in the first month of the war.

• Civilians were also affected, since wind could carry the poison gas around.

• At first, gas was experimental and was little more than tear gas.

• First use, came on April 22, 1915 in the form of chlorine.

• Phosgene- More potent than chlorine, caused chlorine

• Chlorine- First Form, general irritation• Mustard Gas- odorless, caused blisters

internally and externally.

• Everyone thought gas was just a cover for German advancement.

• As a result of the use of poison gas, Germany quickly lost alliance with neutral countries and received retaliation from enemies.