Second Battle of Ypres and First Gas Attack
Poet involved
What happened
The Second Battle of Ypres, fought from April 22 to May 25, 1915, was notable for being the first major battle in which poison gas was used on the Western Front. The German forces deployed chlorine gas, causing panic and significant casualties among Allied troops. This event marked a grim turning point in warfare, as it introduced chemical weapons into combat, leading to devastating effects on soldiers and prompting international discussions on the ethics of warfare.
Literary impact
Horrific new weapon inspired visceral poems by Wilfred Owen and others depicting chemical warfare's terror. Owen's poignant imagery and themes of disillusionment became emblematic of the war poetry movement, capturing the profound psychological impact of the war on soldiers and society.
Source: Wikipedia
