Vintage Wisconsin: Student Soldiers Demonstrate Gas Masks

In this photo, student soldiers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison demonstrate the use of gas masks.

During World War I, the Germans unleashed chlorine gas, a toxic chemical weapon, that blindsided the Allies who were expecting the advance of troops rather than a deadly cloud. The gas tortured and killed simultaneously, causing asphyxiation, convulsions and a slow, hellish death.

When the wind was right, the yellow-green gas would creep slowly over the battlefields and into the trenches. Just four breaths was enough to kill.

World War I was the first war to involve poison gas. Approximately 90,000 soldiers were likely killed by chemical warfare alone. As poison gas became a widespread threat, gas masks became standard issue for soldiers. Even horses wore gas masks since they frequently transported supplies and ammunition to the front. In the end, more than 100,000 tons of chemical weapons were used during the war.

Discover more about Wisconsin’s involvement in the First World War on WPR’s “Wisconsin Life.”