The technological advancement that significantly changed warfare during World War I was the introduction of tanks. First deployed by the British in 1916, tanks revolutionized ground combat, providing mobility and protection against enemy fire. Their ability to cross trenches and difficult terrain allowed for breakthrough strategies that infantry could not achieve alone. Other technological advancements like machine guns, poison gas, and aircraft also transformed military strategies, yet tanks marked a pivotal development in armored warfare. Ultimately, the introduction of tanks indicated a shift toward mechanized warfare, a concept that would dominate in future conflicts.