1. Chapter 1: Weaponry
WWI witnessed the use of some traditional weapons, but was also the first modern war involving new technology and chemical warfare.
Activity:
Choose two weapons to create Top Trump cards, using the information below.
Choose two weapons from the following list to research and create Top Trump cards: cavalry, flamethrowers, trench mortars, grenades, torpedoes or barbed wire.
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Artillery
Larger and more powerful guns were developed during the war. The main use of artillery was to bombard the enemy trenches for prolonged periods of time prior to an attack. The aim was to subdue the machine guns and cut the barbed wire to allow the attackers to get through. However this tactic required huge number of shells and this caused a problem in 1915 when there was a shortage.
Later, the creeping barrage was developed. This tactic gave the advancing infantry covering fire allowing the infantry to advance without facing enemy machine guns.
Gas
Poison gas was first used by the Germans on the Western Front to break the stalemate of trench warfare. Soon both sides were using chlorine and mustard gas. The gas suffocated and blinded soldiers. It caused hideous blisters on their skin and ate away slowly at men’s lungs. Gas was used to disable the enemy to give the attackers more time to cross ‘no-man’s land’ and gain control of the enemy trench.
Gas caused panic and terror among the soldiers and therefore one of the main points of importance about gas was the psychological impact it had on soldiers.
Worksheet to be given to each student
Infantry
Trench warfare changed the role of the foot soldier dramatically. Before the soldiers would leave their trench to ‘go over the top’, the artillery would shell the enemy trench. As soon as the shelling stopped, the attacking troops would climb out of their trenches and race across ‘no man’s land’ in an attempt to reach the enemy trench before the defenders set up their machine guns.
The main reason the attackers would gain control of the enemy trench was through sheer force of numbers. If there were too many attackers for the defenders to deal with then the trench would be taken. This approach became known as a ‘war of attrition’.
Tanks
Tanks were invented by the British and were used by 1916, two years into the war. Tanks were used to advance in front of the advancing infantry offering protection to the troops as well as covering fire. The early tanks were bullet proof and were fitted with machine guns which were used to keep the defenders’ heads down in the trenches.
The other main advantage of the tank was that it was able to crush and drive over barbed-wire defences which made it much easier for the attackers to capture the enemy trench.

2. Bayonets Explanation of Weapon Explanation of Weapon
Example:
Explanation of Weapon
The bayonet was developed in France, in the early 17th century. It was used by all sides in the First World War.
A bayonet is simply a blade that is attached to the barrel of a rifle for use in close combat fighting. When soldiers were interviewed it was remarked (mostly in jest) that the bayonet was used primarily as a means of toasting bread, and to scrape mud off their uniform.
Bayonets
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3. Explanation of Weapon Explanation of Weapon Danger to health /20
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Explanation of Weapon
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Extension:
Explain which weapon was the most effective during the First World War.
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