Question

Why were land gains so small?

The sides were closely matched and used outdated tactics.
There was little land to be fought over.
All military forces were defensive.

Answer 1

the second one

Answer 2

I assume you're referring to the Western front of WWI. All three are more or less correct, although I've rarely seen the second one cited. It was a large war over a large area, after all. That being said, the first and third are definitely correct. Depending on who you ask, the second one is right as well, as the major conflicts tended to be focused around a much narrower area than the war as a whole covered.

Answer 3

Thank you!