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Since WWI warfare turned into a series of entrenched emplacements, each position had to be taken one-by-one by foot soldiers or cavalry (there not being much in the way of mechanized weapons such as tanks, etc.). The easiest, cheapest way to slow the attacking down in their assault and expose them to your defending fire was to lay out barbed wire which they had to stop and cut, or crawl through, all the while under fire. The 'Bangalore Torpedo' was devised to blow up sections of the wire to allow fast passage for the attacking troops. It was, basically, a series of long tubes which screwed together and were filled with high explosive. It was then slid in under the wire detonated. Even then, the attacking force would then have to 'funnel' through the narrow opening created, which again slowed down progress and allowed the defenders to 'focus' their fire to maximize enemy casualties.

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Q: In World War 1 why was barbed wire used?
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Related questions

What would be the barbed wire entanglements main defensive function?

Greatly used in front of the trenches during World War I, the barbed wire had a defensive function to prevent or hinder an enemy frontal attack. Lines of coiled barbed wire were also used for defence in World War II, and in other theatres of war.


What were the disadvantages with barbed wire during World War 1?

Barbed wire was used to keep the trench enemies away from the soldiers in case they come for attack.


Why was barbed wire used it delay the enemy in world war 1?

The target will be more stable.


What was barbed wire's first use in warfare?

Barbed wire was first used as a war defense system during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905.


What are cutters needed to get though the defence in world war 1?

I think it is the barbed wire, which was used extensively during Worl.d War I


What were the effects of barbed wire in World War 1?

bared wire was used mostly to just slow people down and keep people and animals out. that's about it


Name 3 weapons that were used during world war 1?

Mustard Gas Mines Barbed Wire Machine Guns


How has barbed wire played a role in war?

Barbed wire is used as a defensive obstacle that prevents enemy soldiers from attacking an army's position. Barbed wire injures soldiers and entangles their clothes in order to slow their advance. During World War I, armies created several bands of barbed wire defenses that prevented their enemies from launching successful infantry attacks. Because armies at the time were composed primarily of infantry, the use of barbed wire helped create a military stalemate between the Allies and the Central Powers. Its importance as a military defense declined when armies began using airplanes and tanks, which are not affected by barbed wire.


What was an important factor in range war?

Farmers used the invention of barbed wire to claim land.


Did Great Britain put fences up in no man's land in World War 1?

Barbed wire was used extensively in WW1. It was one of it's trademarks.


What effect do barbed wire have on American history?

Barbed wire caused many problems with the cattle industry in the late 1800's. Before barbed wire, ranchers could take their cattle to watering places freely without conflict. When ranchers decided to put up barbed wire and take away others' rights to the water, their were range wars.


What metal things were used in World War 1?

Machine gun, airplane, rifles, swords/knives, submarines, bullets, chains, barbed wire, tanks