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THE TRENCHES. The Origin of Trench Warfare. After their defeat at the Marne (in France), the Germans retreated to a more fortified position They built a small network of trenches (long, thin holes in the ground that would protect soldiers from gun fire) so that they rest after months of attack
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The Origin of Trench Warfare • After their defeat at the Marne (in France), the Germans retreated to a more fortified position • They built a small network of trenches (long, thin holes in the ground that would protect soldiers from gun fire) so that they rest after months of attack • These trenches were lined with barbed wire and machine guns nests & were supported by heavy cannons
Origin of Trench Warfare 2 • These trenches were easily defended and were almost impenetrable • The Germans were able to beat back combined British and French Attacks • The British and French soon built their own trenches out of necessity
The Race to the Sea • After discovering that neither side could successfully attack the trenches, both sides tried to “outflank” (go around) their enemy • Both sides raced North believing that the first to reach the coastline would have a great advantage • Both sides reached the coast at the same time! • The end result was that the small trench system was stretched out and cut a line though all of France (approx 1000 km)
The Trenches • As time passed, the trenches became more complex • They were lined with sandbags, tunnels were dug and underground dugouts were built • In some cases, concrete was poured in and drainage systems installed • The trenches were several levels deep and were connected by small communications trenches
No Man’s Land • Between enemy trenches was a space called “No Man’s Land” • Entering No Man’s Land was almost certain death • Most men who were killed in here were left unburied and the smell of death spread for miles in each direction
Over the Top • Soldiers were expected to dig and rebuild trenches each night • Soldiers also dug “Saps” into no man’s land and violently defended their trench in case of attack • However, generals on both side were not happy being defensive and constantly ordered there armies to attack • The order “Over the Top” forced men to get out of their trenches, travel in the open across no man’s land and attempt to capture an enemies trench • Millions on both sides died in attacks that accomplished nothing
The Dangers of Trench Warfare • The trenches were very dangerous and horrible places for many reasons • You faced the threat of death constantly • You were outside all the time • You were constantly wet • You were surrounded by dead people and human waste • Some examples of these dangers are . . .
