Stalemate

• What is the term used to describe a situation where neither side can gain an advantage in battle?

  Stalemate
• What were the characteristics of French warfare during WWI?

  • Use of aids to dig tunnels and move soldiers
  • Development from simple trenches to complex defense systems
• How did German trenches differ from British trenches?

  German Trenches:

  • Deeper and better built
  • Underground living areas with electricity and beds

  
  

  British Trenches:

  • Simpler and hastily made
  • Heavy fighting outlines
• What was a common technique of attack in trench warfare?

  Large guns would bomb the enemy before soldiers attempted to breach the walls.
• Why did attacks in trench warfare often fail?

  Shells primarily destroyed trenches, making it easy for defenders to shoot advancing soldiers.
• What was the purpose of the Schlieffen Plan?

  To avoid fighting on two fronts by defeating countries one at a time.
• What were the key steps in the Schlieffen Plan?

  1. Invade France and return to the Eastern front
  2. Attack French troops in Belgium
  3. Capture towns quickly for resources
• What was the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) size at Mons?

  80,000 soldiers
• What was the goal of the attrition strategy in WWI?

  To win the war by gradually depleting the enemy's resources.
• What were the daily and monthly routines of soldiers in the trenches?

  Daily Routine:

  • Guard duty
  • Repairing and collecting supplies
  • Leisure activities

  
  

  Monthly Routine:

  • 7 days on the front line
  • 3 days in support line
  • Rotation to local towns
• What health issues did soldiers face in the trenches?

  Diseases like trench foot and shell shock.
• How did soldiers cope with stress in the trenches?

  Through humor, songs, jokes, and drawings.
• What were the failures of the wartime strategy in the Schlieffen Plan?

  • Underestimated Russian mobilization
  • Misjudged British involvement
  • Overestimated the ease of capturing Belgium
• What was the significance of the Battle of Verdun?

  It aimed to crush the French Army and was the longest battle of WWI.
• What were the results of the Battle of Verdun?

  • 23 million shells fired
  • 315,000 French and 280,000 Germans killed
  • No significant military gain for either side
• What was the aim of the Battle of the Somme?

  To relieve pressure on the French at Verdun and weaken the German army.
• What was the outcome of the first day of the Battle of the Somme?

  20,000 British soldiers were killed.
• Why did the Battle of the Somme fail?

  • Germans anticipated the attack
  • Barbed wire remained intact
  • Poor quality shells failed to explode
• What were the aims of the Battle of Passchendaele?

  • Force a breakthrough to capture Belgian ports
  • Gain strategic advantage over the Germans
• What were the results of the Battle of Passchendaele?

  Only 5 km of land gained with 400,000 British Empire casualties.
• How did the weather affect the Battle of Passchendaele?

  • Heavy rain turned the ground into thick mud
  • Many soldiers drowned in the mud
• What was the role of aircraft in WWI?

  • Used for reconnaissance
  • Engaged in dogfights
  • Bombed enemy positions
• What was the purpose of the Gallipoli campaign?

  To open a new front and support Russia by attacking Turkey.
• What were the phases of the Gallipoli campaign?

  1. Bombardment of Turkish forts
  2. Naval attack on Turkish defenses
  3. Land invasion by Allied troops
• What was the outcome of the Gallipoli campaign?

  Allied forces were evacuated after heavy losses.