Final answer:
During the First World War, doctors played an increased role in determining the cause and manner of death due to medical advances and unprecedented numbers of injuries. The subsequent influenza epidemic also highlighted the importance of medical professionals in handling large-scale public health crises following major conflicts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Doctors took a larger role in determining cause and manner of death during the First World War, often referred to as the Great War. Advances in medical science and new technologies, such as the x-ray, increased the understanding of infection and improved care for wounded soldiers significantly. The unprecedented scale of injuries and the advent of new combat technologies like poison gas and industrial weaponry meant that military doctors faced new challenges in caring for soldiers and diagnosing causes of death. Additionally, the aftermath of World War I saw an enormous impact of disease with the influenza epidemic immediately following the war, killing many more than the soldiers lost in the actual combat. This showcased the crucial role of medical professionals not only on the battlefield but also in the subsequent public health crises. The importance of doctors in this capacity has grown over subsequent conflicts such as World War II, where non-combat illnesses like malaria posed significant challenges. Medical logistical chains were strained due to wartime demands, leading to a shift in how military medicine was approached, with greater emphasis on preventative care and treatment of endemic diseases. These medical advancements represent a milestone in the historical development of military medicine.