During World War I, the French Army underwent significant changes in terms of equipment, tactics, and organization. At the outbreak of the war in 1914, French infantry still carried the legacy of 19th-century military thinking, with a reliance on traditional tactics and uniforms. Here are some key aspects of early French infantry during World War I:

1. Uniforms and Appearance:

   • The early French infantry wore the iconic Horizon Blue uniform. This uniform included a distinctive blue-gray coat, red trousers, and a distinctive kepi (cap) with a red band.
   • The uniform, although visually striking, was conspicuous on the battlefield and made soldiers easily recognizable targets.

2. Tactics and Organization:

   • The French army at the outset of World War I retained many of the tactical doctrines from the 19th century.
   • Infantry formations often marched in close order, and frontal assaults were still considered a viable tactic.
   • The emphasis was on offensive tactics, reflecting the French military philosophy that placed importance on élan (offensive spirit).

3. Weaponry:

   • The primary firearm of the French infantry was the Lebel Model 1886 rifle. It was a bolt-action rifle, and its ammunition was stored in a unique tube magazine.
   • Bayonets were standard issue, and hand grenades were also used, especially as trench warfare became more prevalent.

4. Artillery Support:

   • Artillery played a crucial role in World War I, and French infantry received support from various types of artillery, including field guns and howitzers.

5. Trench Warfare:

   • As the war progressed, the static nature of trench warfare led to changes in infantry tactics and equipment.
   • Soldiers started using more practical and camouflaged uniforms, and new equipment like gas masks became essential.

6. Challenges and Adjustments:

   • The early years of World War I brought immense challenges for the French infantry, including the heavy casualties suffered in battles like the Battle of the Frontiers and the First Battle of the Marne.
   • As the war evolved into a stalemate on the Western Front, both sides had to adapt their tactics and equipment to the realities of trench warfare.

7. Changes Over Time:

   • Over the course of the war, the French Army underwent significant changes in organization, tactics, and equipment.
   • New weapons, such as light machine guns and improved artillery, were introduced, and infantry tactics evolved to incorporate more cautious and defensive strategies.

By the later stages of World War I, the French Army had adapted to the challenges of modern warfare, and the early war tactics that emphasized offensive spirit at any cost had given way to more pragmatic and defensive approaches. The experience of World War I had a profound impact on military thinking and shaped the development of infantry tactics in subsequent conflicts.