Warfare and Technology in World War I

First Move of the War Germany invaded Belgium, a neutral country, to attack France. The German advance was stopped about 30 miles from Paris. The war bogged down as both sides dug a long series of trenches, creating the Western Front.

Trench Warfare

Trench Warfare Over 400 miles of trenches built across Europe Machine guns pointed at each other’s trenches Barbed wire in middle- called No Man’s Land Caused many stalemates

Trench Warfare Battles lasted a long time- ex) Battle of Somme lasted 4 months Extremely high causalities- Battle of Somme 630,000 Both sides looked to find new ways to defeat trenches

Life in the Trenches Extremely Dirty Diseases http://www.history.com/photos/world-war-i-trench-warfare/photo11#

Why Trench Warfare? What would be the purpose of using trenches? Do you think trenches would be possible in today’s world?

“Say Hello to my Little Friend” The era’s deadly defensive weapons made attacks difficult and dangerous. Neither side could overcome the other’s defenses, and a stalemate quickly developed. 8

Machine Guns

Artillery Field Guns

Poisonous Gas

Submarines

Tanks and Armored Cars

Airplanes