Garret Morgan, born in 1877, became to be a revolutionary inventor who developed the first ever gas mask. His invention was helpful during World War One. Gas masks used in World War One were used in the case of gas attacks that took the Allies in the trenches on the Western Front.
Evolution of Gas Masks
*images from https://io9.gizmodo.com/an-illustrated-history-of-gas-masks-504296785
Why was it important:
Chemical and hazardous gas attacks were very common weapon in WWI. Hence, this invention soon gained popularity and saved many soldier's and innocent civilian's lives. Gas masks were owned by every civilian in Great Britain as air raids were a constant threat. Now gas masks are not unusual to see in a survival kit as their ability to filter out dangerous gases and protect ones eyes and face.