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When compared to the brutal reality of the first modern war with
its trenches, poisonous gas and mountain fortifications, the 1809 battle appears
relatively harmless. That was certainly part of the strategy behind displaying
the Innsbruck cyclorama at the huge 1917 war exhibition on the Vienna Prater
grounds, where it served to inspire feelings of patriotism. Writer Alfred Polgar's
laconic comment:
"It's quiet and cool there. The guns and cannons shoot but make
no noise. The wounded raise their hands to their hearts, but we find comfort in
knowing that they feel no pain. Enemy soldiers charge frantically up the hill but
never leave their positions."
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