Changes

   |publisher=The Murray County Museum, [[Georgia]]

   |publisher=The Murray County Museum, [[Georgia]]

   |accessdate=2014-12-05

   |accessdate=2014-12-05

}}</ref> is a type of twisted fencing wire with short projecting barbs that are designed to snag on hair, flesh or clothing. The original patent for barbed wire was awarded to Joseph F. Glidden of DeKalb, IL in 1874 and it became invaluable in restricting the movement of livestock, as it required only wooden stakes, staples and a hammer for unskilled labor to erect a stock-proof fence. This invention enabled the development of large-scale [[cattle]]-ranching.  

}}</ref>) is a type of twisted fencing wire with short projecting barbs that are designed to snag on hair, flesh or clothing. The original patent for barbed wire was awarded to Joseph F. Glidden of DeKalb, IL in 1874 and it became invaluable in restricting the movement of livestock, as it required only wooden stakes, staples and a hammer for unskilled labor to erect a stock-proof fence. This invention enabled the development of large-scale [[cattle]]-ranching.  

During the [[World War I|Great War]], loose coils of barbed wire were widely used in [[trench warfare]] as they ensnared the heavy serge fabric of soldier's [[uniform]]s and thus prevented them freely advancing on [[enemy]] lines.

During the [[World War I|Great War]], loose coils of barbed wire were widely used in [[trench warfare]] as they ensnared the heavy serge fabric of soldier's [[uniform]]s and thus prevented them freely advancing on [[enemy]] lines.