 While often purchased by the French army and used as cavalry and artillery horses, there was controversy over whether the Anglo-Norman was the best choice for the military.The late 19th century saw significant improvements in breeding programs, although there remained a dispute between the goals of breeders and the needs of the military.Mechanization in the early 20th century significantly reduced demand for the breed, and fighting during World War II and the German occupation of France resulted in major damage to breeding centers and the deaths of many horses.