Why did so many civilians die during World War 1?

Answer 1

Most civilian deaths in WWI took place just atthe end the war when a flu epidemic swept across Europe and attacked a population weak from hunger and sickness. Worldwide 50-70 million people died of the virus, more than were killed in the war itself.

Answer 2

There was a catastrophic outbreak of influenza during WW I which was the largest single cause of civilian death. In addition, the war was tremendously destructive, and it disrupted the usual process of farming and food production and distribution, so that there were food shortages, which also served to undermine the health of the general public and make them more susceptible to disease. Civilian deaths during WW I were quite different in nature than the civilian deaths in WW II, when civilians were deliberately killed by psychotic and genocidal regimes. In WW I, they were mostly accidental.

Answer 3

Civilians are targeted in every war or conflict; it's a diversion for the military and also a tactic to force the other side into submission.