Trench Warfare & New Technologies Mrs. Wilson World Civilizations WWI

Bell Work Name three of the four key causes of WWI.

Objectives for Today I can trace the impact of new technologies on the First World War.

Trench Warfare https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G4ZY66BG38

New Technology Poison gas – New weapon; different types of gas could blind, choke, or burn the victims. Down side, wind could change direction and blow back on the troops that launched it. Gas masks were developed because of this. Machine guns – rapid fire, all you had to do was point and shoot.

New Technology Tanks – pioneered by the British, could cross rough battlefield terrain. Were not used until late in the war. Aircraft – Used early on in the war, were used mainly to observe enemy positions. Later attached machine guns and pilots would drop bombs from the air.

Trench Warfare This was not a new idea, but no one had ever experienced trench warfare on the scale seen in Europe in 1914. Life in the trenches was miserable. Lice, rats, and other creatures were always present. Rainstorms would cause deep puddles and thick mud to walk through. Sanitation was a constant problem, and removing dead bodies was impossible.

Trench Warfare Occasionally soldiers would be ordered “over the top” of their trench to attack the enemy. They would jump out of trenches and sprint across “No-Man’s-Land”, many were gunned down before reaching the other side. Thousands of soldiers died in “No-Man’s-Land”, their bodies left where they fell.

Class Activity 10 volunteers: two teams, 5 on each. When you get into teams, designate a general for your company and set up your trench. Come up with a plan of attack for your company, take about two or three minutes. REMEMBER: stay in your trench while planning your attack!

Exit Slip In 2-3 sentences reflect on life in the trenches. What was it like? What did soldiers think and feel while in the trenches?