The late 19th century saw significant advancements in military technology. The invention of the machine gun, breech-loading rifles, and artillery resulted in increased rates of fire and improved accuracy. These weapons could inflict devastating damage on dense troop formations, leading to immense casualties.
2. Lack of medical advancements
Medical science during the late 19th century was limited compared to today's standards. Antiseptics and antibiotics were not yet available, and surgical procedures were often rudimentary. This resulted in high infection rates and a lack of effective treatment for wounds, contributing to high mortality rates among soldiers.
3. Poor sanitary conditions
Military camps and hospitals were often overcrowded and lacked adequate sanitation. This created ideal conditions for the spread of diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery, causing widespread illness and death among soldiers.
4. Limited transportation and logistics
Transportation during this era was slow and arduous, making it challenging to evacuate wounded soldiers quickly for proper medical treatment. This delay often resulted in soldiers dying before reaching medical facilities or succumbing to their injuries en route.
5. Strategic failures and tactical blunders
Several military leaders made tactical errors and strategic miscalculations that led to high casualty rates. Frontal assaults, poor use of terrain, and inadequate intelligence led to battles where overwhelming numbers of soldiers were sacrificed unnecessarily.
6. Absence of international laws
At the time, there were no international laws or conventions governing the conduct of warfare. This resulted in a lack of restrictions on the use of tactics and weapons, leading to more brutal and destructive battles.
7. Prolonged sieges and trench warfare
The late 19th century saw the rise of trench warfare, characterized by prolonged battles fought in fortified positions. These battles resulted in high casualties due to intense artillery barrages and close-range combat.
Ultimately, the combination of improved firepower, limited medical capabilities, poor sanitary conditions, strategic failures, and prolonged battles led to extraordinarily high casualty rates during the late 19th century. These wars were a turning point in military history, prompting later efforts to establish international laws and regulations aimed at reducing casualties and minimizing human suffering in future conflicts.