Trench Warfare and Weapons of World War I

Review: Militarism Military begins to influence the public policy With the military in power, many more resources are devoted to weapons of war Mobile warfare begins to develop

Increase in Military Spending Between 1910 and 1914 European powers increased the $ they spent on military France 10% Britain 13% Russia 39% Germany 73%

Trench Warfare Where were trenches most popular? What do you think life was like in the trenches? What protection did soldiers have from machine gun and artillery fire? Was trench warfare successful?

Machine gunner from the 115th Machine Gun Battalion. Machine Guns Pro: Guns can now fire 600 rounds per minute! Con: Troops constantly need to be supplied with ammunition.

Poison Gas Germans were first to use Eventually used by Allies Soldier hit by mustard gas. Captain Solbert with gas mask and grenade. Poison Gas Germans were first to use Eventually used by Allies 2 kinds: Chlorine Mustard

French soldies in trench covered by barbed wire. Metal wire with sharp spikes (barbs) Used to defend trenches

Tanks Drive through/over trenches Cut through barbed wire Psychological fear

Sopwith Camel plane with two machine guns. Airplanes Spying Bombing trenches Destroying enemy aircraft

Dreadnoughts and U-boats Propaganda suggesting the Kaiser was friends with the devil. Dreadnoughts: modern battleship complete with heavy artillery (Britain) U-boats: first submarines (Germany) Used to sink merchant ships