Trench Warfare WORLD WAR I Hook Video

Europeans Head for WAR Many Europeans were excited about war Thought war would be over in a few weeks Belief that because of industrial changes & modernization, war could not be conducted for more than a few months Glorious adventure

The Schlieffen Plan Germans race to Western front 1st Goals: after defeating France, concentrate on the Eastern front w/ Russia Avoid fighting a two front war Germany made vast encircling movement through Belgium (brought Great Britain into war) to enter France

The Schlieffen Plan’s Destructive Nature

Trench Warfare - WWI Basic Info New weapons were used more for defense; so trenches were made for soldiers protection. There are two sides Middle = No Man’s Land.

Trench Warfare Basic Info Western Front 1914  France v. Germany

Trench Warfare: System Trench Warfare in Action Video  Example of a Battle Scene (Violent)

TRENCH WARFARE What did it look like? Elaborate systems of defense barbed wire Concrete machine gun nests Mortar batteries Troops lived in holes underground

When a soldier went ‘over the top’ across No Man’s Land to attack the enemy he had to carry all of this equipment through the mud, barbed wires and crater holes made by mines. They had to make sure that they did not get shot at the same time. Video 

SO WHAT DID THEY EAT IN THE TRENCHES?  VIDEO

Trench Warfare: Conditions Lice Rats Cramped up Flooded trenches Diseases – trench foot Decaying flesh

Officers walking through a flooded communication trench.

The trenches were wet and cold. The battalion lived in mud and water The trenches were wet and cold. The battalion lived in mud and water. Gum boots were provided for the troops in the most exposed positions. Trench foot was still a new ailment and the provision of dry socks was vitally important. Part of the trench was reserved for men to go two at a time, at least once a day, and rub each other's feet with grease.

Trench Warfare: Technology Tanks: Slow and clumsy Machine guns: Rapid fire, made advancement difficult, caused stalemates Airplanes: used to drop bombs and for air conflict Poison Gas: caused blindness, blisters, some caused victims to choke to death

Soldiers digging trenches while protected against gas attacks

Christmas Truce 1914 British and German troops stand together during the Christmas Truce of 1914-15.

Trench Warfare: Analysis This was the new tactic in war. After the war, it had left horrific scars- both physical and mental Video 