As an expert in military history, I have a deep understanding of the various factors that contributed to the high mortality rates during World War I (WWI). The conflict, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, was one of the deadliest in human history, with millions of casualties on both sides. When examining the primary causes of death during WWI, it is crucial to consider the multifaceted nature of the conflict, which included direct combat, accidents, disease, and the conditions of war, such as being taken as a prisoner of war (POW). **Step 1: The Most Common Cause of Death in WWI - English Answer** The most common cause of death during WWI was a complex issue, with various factors contributing to the high mortality rates. However, it is widely acknowledged that combat was the leading cause of death for soldiers. The nature of trench warfare, which characterized much of WWI, led to numerous casualties as soldiers faced machine gun fire, artillery bombardments, and poison gas attacks. The static nature of the front lines meant that soldiers were often in close proximity to the enemy, leading to high casualty rates during offensives and defensive actions. Combat-Related Deaths: - Killed in Action (KIA): Soldiers who were killed outright during combat or who died shortly after being wounded. - Died of Wounds (DOW): Those who succumbed to injuries sustained in battle, often due to the lack of immediate and effective medical care. It is estimated that there were around 7 to 8 million combat-related deaths during WWI, which includes both KIA and DOW. Non-Combat Causes: - Accidents: Many soldiers died in training accidents or due to accidents in the trenches, such as being hit by friendly fire or falling into trenches. - Disease: The unsanitary conditions in the trenches and the close quarters in which soldiers lived led to the rapid spread of diseases like the Spanish flu, dysentery, and tuberculosis. The 1918 influenza pandemic, in particular, had a devastating impact on both military and civilian populations worldwide. - Prisoner of War (POW) Deaths: POWs faced harsh conditions, including malnutrition, disease, and exposure to the elements, which led to a significant number of deaths. Official sources suggest that there were an additional two to three million military deaths caused by non-combat factors such as accidents, disease, and conditions while in captivity. Medical Challenges: The medical challenges of WWI were immense. The scale of the conflict and the nature of the injuries sustained meant that medical facilities were often overwhelmed. The development of new weapons, such as tanks and machine guns, resulted in types of injuries that were difficult to treat with the medical knowledge and technology available at the time. The Impact of Technology: The introduction of new technologies, while sometimes reducing the number of direct combat deaths by making warfare more efficient, also led to new forms of casualties. For example, the use of chemical weapons caused a significant number of deaths and long-term health issues due to the lack of effective countermeasures and protective gear. Conclusion: In conclusion, while combat was the most common cause of death during WWI, it is important to recognize the significant number of deaths that occurred due to non-combat factors. The combination of trench warfare, technological advancements, and the challenges of providing medical care in a war zone contributed to the high mortality rates experienced during this devastating conflict. **read more >>

Military casualties reported in official sources list deaths due to all causes, including an estimated 7 to 8 million combat related deaths (killed or died of wounds) and another two to three million military deaths caused by accidents, disease and deaths while prisoners of war.read more >>