[Bacteriological war (1916-1933): from anecdote to terror].

Area of Science:

• History of warfare
• Biological and chemical weapons
• International relations

Context:

• Historical use of biological agents as weapons dates back to Antiquity, with contamination of water sources.
• Early 20th-century attempts to weaponize bacteriological suspensions during World War I were largely ineffective.
• Fragile evidence surrounds the use of biological weapons in the Great War, leading to post-war debates on their inhumane nature.

Purpose:

• To examine the historical efficacy and documented use of biological weapons.
• To analyze the international discourse and regulatory efforts concerning bacteriological warfare between the World Wars.
• To investigate specific alleged attempts at biological attacks in civilian areas.

Summary:

• Historical accounts suggest biological weapons were inefficient and their use during World War I is poorly evidenced.
• Post-WWI, international bodies debated the ethics and possibility of bacteriological warfare, with some nations seeking compromises.
• Allegations of German attempts to deploy biological agents in public transport systems in 1933 highlight ongoing concerns.

Impact:

• Understanding the historical limitations and perceived inhumanity of biological weapons.
• Informing contemporary discussions on arms control and the prevention of biological warfare.
• Highlighting the challenges in verifying and attributing the use of unconventional weapons.