The degree of change in conditions on the Western Front was minor compared to the degree of continuity. The Industrial Revolution along with mass production may have led to these changes in warfare technology. Throughout the war, it had been incredibly difficult to attack the enemy without suffering a significant number of casualties on your side. This was not made easier by the cutting-edge inventions introduced later in the war. These modifications were made to bolt-action infantry rifles, machine guns, rifled artillery, as well as zigzag trenches as opposed to straight line trenches. With these technological advances, new tactics have been put into practice. Tactics of using explosives underground as an attack or as a distraction to allow men to pass through enemy lines were used and sensitive listening devices were therefore crucial. The development of offensive mechanisms meant that defensive mechanisms also had to progress; it was a continuous cycle. The short-term effects of improved tactics were that fighting and living conditions became worse than ever. Soldiers constantly feared death, as new and unexpected tactics were implemented. With improving technology came the introduction of planes, tanks and gas; each of which underwent extensive renovations throughout the duration of the war. The planes started out unarmed, but were soon equipped with machine guns, allowing them to wreak havoc on the enemy line. Airplanes had more than one use; they were also used for reconnaissance and bombardment behind trench lines. A short-term effect of the use of aircraft was that it gave both sides an observational advantage as well as a disadvantage, as no progress could be made with...... middle of paper ...well, there might not have been major short-term effects of changes like the introduction of new technologies, the long-term effects are still happening today. Technologies such as tanks, aircraft and weapons have had the greatest impact on living and fighting conditions. However, this was only one significant change, and many others remained the same throughout the war. This included mental illness, disease, hygiene, and the appalling weather and surface conditions in which soldiers fought. These are all small things that had a substantial impact on the war; Most short-term effects were physical and included injuries to soldiers, while long-term effects included mental and psychological trauma. Even though the changes were important, they were very few and I therefore think that there was more continuity between 1914 and 1918.