Trench warfare became prominent in WWI for many different reasons. Not only were there advances in the types of weapons used, but there were also massive armies. The new weapons were state of the art providing easier ways to wipe out the enemy. Some of the weapons used included: rifles, machine guns, chlorine gas, mustard gas, the Zeppelin, tanks, planes, and torpedoes. The size of the armies often became a hindrance where mobility was concerned. Oftentimes, an army could not move swiftly because there were so many soldiers to contend with.
Both sides dug themselves trenches in hopes of a quick and easy war. Large armies could easily be protected by all staying at the same location. However, the trenches prevented any movements/advances. Instead of the armies constantly moving and changing positions, they were trapped in one area—their trenches. Because of the stagnant locations of both sides, different forms of attacks had to be made. There were limited methods of mobility (walking, airplanes, or tanks) that could be utilized in a trench warfare situation. As a result, fire power and weapons were used to compensate for the stalemate.
Air raids became quite popular in hopes of eradicating the enemy. Mortar bombs and machine guns would also be used so the enemy might be hit. The biggest obstacle became “No Man’s Land.” Soldiers had to risk their lives crossing over the large, unincorporated land in between the two trenches. The soldiers would attempt to reach the other side and attack the enemy. Unfortunately, most of the men were killed while going through “No Man’s Land.”
Not only did trench warfare delay progress in the war, but there were also horrible conditions that accompanied it. Soldiers in the trenches had to contend with rats, lice, animals, fungal infections, poison from gases, shell shock, mental/emotional breakdowns, and rampant disease and illness. The care provided for wounded soldiers was extremely limited, which meant the soldiers would often suffer in the trenches. Civilians who lived in cities close to the trenches were affected by the poisonous gases in the air or bombs that missed the trenches.
Even though trench warfare was not a new method of war, the new weaponry and massive army sizes changed the entire game. Everyone was affected by trench warfare.
Both sides dug themselves trenches in hopes of a quick and easy war. Large armies could easily be protected by all staying at the same location. However, the trenches prevented any movements/advances. Instead of the armies constantly moving and changing positions, they were trapped in one area—their trenches. Because of the stagnant locations of both sides, different forms of attacks had to be made. There were limited methods of mobility (walking, airplanes, or tanks) that could be utilized in a trench warfare situation. As a result, fire power and weapons were used to compensate for the stalemate.
Air raids became quite popular in hopes of eradicating the enemy. Mortar bombs and machine guns would also be used so the enemy might be hit. The biggest obstacle became “No Man’s Land.” Soldiers had to risk their lives crossing over the large, unincorporated land in between the two trenches. The soldiers would attempt to reach the other side and attack the enemy. Unfortunately, most of the men were killed while going through “No Man’s Land.”
Not only did trench warfare delay progress in the war, but there were also horrible conditions that accompanied it. Soldiers in the trenches had to contend with rats, lice, animals, fungal infections, poison from gases, shell shock, mental/emotional breakdowns, and rampant disease and illness. The care provided for wounded soldiers was extremely limited, which meant the soldiers would often suffer in the trenches. Civilians who lived in cities close to the trenches were affected by the poisonous gases in the air or bombs that missed the trenches.
Even though trench warfare was not a new method of war, the new weaponry and massive army sizes changed the entire game. Everyone was affected by trench warfare.
