In what way did technology alter warfare during World War I?

The introduction of tanks, airplanes, and machine guns into combat fundamentally changed the nature of warfare during World War I. This technological advancement allowed for more mobile and dynamic battle strategies, contrasting sharply with the traditional static trench warfare that characterized much of the conflict. Tanks provided the ability to break through entrenched positions, airplanes offered aerial reconnaissance and bombing capabilities, and machine guns significantly increased the lethality of infantry units. As a result, these innovations contributed to both the scale of warfare and the level of destruction, illustrating a marked departure from previous military tactics and the overall conduct of war.

The other options do not accurately capture the influence of technology on warfare during this time. While casualties increased, the claim that destruction was reduced misrepresents the extensive devastation caused by modern weaponry. Traditional tactics became less effective as the war progressed, counterintuitive to the assertion that technology made them more efficient. Additionally, while strategic planning continued to play a crucial role, technology did not eliminate the need for it; rather, it complicated and required new forms of planning to adapt to the rapidly evolving battlefield.