Question

Which of the following were reasons for the high death toll caused by World War I? Select all that apply.
(1 point)
Responses

Trench warfare made battles long and nearly impossible to win.
Trench warfare made battles long and nearly impossible to win.

Influenza spread across Europe and killed civilians and soldiers.
Influenza spread across Europe and killed civilians and soldiers.

Soldiers began using poisonous gas during battles.
Soldiers began using poisonous gas during battles.

Troops did not have enough food supplies and often starved.

Answer 1

Correct choices:
- Trench warfare made battles long and nearly impossible to win.
- Influenza spread across Europe and killed civilians and soldiers.
- Soldiers began using poisonous gas during battles.

Explanation: Trench stalemate and industrial weapons produced massive casualties; the 1918 influenza pandemic killed millions including soldiers; chemical weapons added to battlefield deaths and suffering. Widespread starvation of troops was not a central cause of the high WWI death toll (although blockades and shortages caused civilian hardship and some deaths).