Why were machine guns placed near the front line in world war 1?

Answer 1

So the machine gunners could see the enemy better because they were closer to the enemy lines. This would increase the accuracy of the machine gunners.

The soldiers in the front line trenches could duck in the event of an attack, while the machine guns mowed down as many of the advancing enemy soldiers as they could before they reached the defending trenches. When the remaining soldiers were near enough the soldiers in the defending trenches would kill them off with their bayonets while the friendly fire from behind would cease so as not kill any comrades.

Answer 2

Macine guns were the most effective weapon and what better place to put them than right in front of the action.

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In addition, this increased the depth that the guns could reach into enemy llines.

Answer 3

To provide a barrier in the event that the front trench was overrun.

Answer 4

Barbed wire was strung before the trenches and machine gun emplacements to hamper any attacking enemy forces.