History Channel - WWI The First Modern War (2014) Part 3 Clouds of Death

WWI: The First Modern War

When ancient war tactics like set ground battles with troops bunkered down in massive trenches became overwhelmed by powerful new weapons like tanks, air attacks, weapons of mass destruction and submarines, a pivotal game-changing moment in history occurred. These new weapons would end up defining modern warfare and now through experts, eyewitness testimony, riveting archive and specially- created recreations, History is delving into the background of each weapon explaining the how and why they were developed, the strategy, and their ultimate effectiveness.

Part 3: Clouds of Death

The Germans, ignoring international treaties they signed, were first to weaponize a chemical. In this case it was chlorine–a highly toxic ingredient used in the manufacture of chemical dyes of which they had a huge supply. Their action unleashed an escalation of poison gas weapons as both sides developed different chemicals and more effective counter measures. Their use of culminated in a bold British plan that unfolded beneath the battlefield at Messine Ridge. British mining and explosive experts planted 450 tons of high explosive hidden in a network of tunnels under Messine ridge. When ignited, they created the biggest land mine in history–killing 10,000 German soldiers. The explosion rattled windows at 10 Downing St., 140 miles away and registered as an earthquake in Switzerland.

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