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About the Canon de 75 modèle 1897 – WWI French Field Gun:
Often regarded as the first modern artillery piece, the Canon de 75 Modele 1897 revolutionized artillery weaponry. The Modele (mle) 1897, or French 75, was France’s primarily field gun in the First World War, capable of firing timed-fuse shrapnel, impact-detonated high explosives, and toxic gas. An extremely advanced weapon, the French 75 continued service after the war and provided the basis for many Second World War artillery pieces.
The French 75 boasted unequaled recoil, breech-loading, and rapid fire technologies that eliminated the need to re-position the gun between shots. Crews could fire at least 15 aimed shots per minute, making the French 75 the most effective field artillery of the First World War. Accordingly, the mle 1897 even gave its name to a gin and champagne cocktail after a barman quipped that taking a sip gave such a kick that it felt like getting shelled by a French 75.