Captain Rimailho's goal was to produce a medium artillery piece capable of a rate of fire equal to the modèle (Mle) 1897, which was no small feat for a gun of that size.

The French had neglected large calibre guns in favor of smaller and lighter artillery such as the Mle 1897.

This doctrine placed a great deal of emphasis on conducting battles in the open with room for cavalry and infantry to manoeuver and supported largely with direct-fire weapons.

When the Western Front stagnated and both sides became entrenched in 1915 the French Army was at a disadvantage due to their lack of long range, large calibre artillery capable of high-angle fire.

The 1904 TR's carriage was also dated at the time of its introduction being patterned on older siege howitzers.