The western front and the somme 1916

• What was the main objective of the Battle of the Somme in 1916?

  To break the stalemate on the Western Front
• What does the term 'total' wars of attrition refer to?

  Warfare focused on wearing down the enemy
• How long were the trench networks by 1915?

  600 km
• What was the nature of the war by 1915 on the Western Front?

  A static war of attrition
• What are the components of the trench networks in the First World War?

  • Communications trench
  • Reserve trench
  • Zigzag patterns
  • Artillery emplacements
  • Dugout
  • Support trench
  • Frontline trench
• Why was surprise lost during the Battle of the Somme?

  The artillery barrage signaled an attack
• What was a significant feature of the German trench system?

  It had 12 lines of parallel trenches
• What weapons contributed to the power of defense during the Battle of the Somme?

  Rifles, machine guns, and artillery
• What were common daily routines for soldiers in the trenches?

  Sentry duty and cleaning weapons
• What health issue was caused by constant wet feet in the trenches?

  Trench foot
• What were the conditions like for frontline soldiers during the war?

  Harsh winters and little sleep
• What factors contributed to the spread of disease in the trenches?

  Dirty water and rats
• What caused trench fever among soldiers?

  Lice
• What were the symptoms of "shell shock"?

  Crying, shaking, muteness, and paralysis
• What were the key steps in the Somme Offensive?

  1. Royal Flying Corps shot down balloons
  2. Gas attacks at 40 locations
  3. Heavy artillery bombardment for a week
  4. "Creeping" barrage led infantry advance
  5. 120,000 infantry attacked German trenches
  6. First day: 20,000 killed, 40,000 injured/captured
• What was the outcome of the first day of the Somme Offensive?

  20,000 British Infantry were killed
• How long did the Somme Offensive last?

  Five months
• What was the effectiveness of the British artillery barrage?

  It failed to destroy defenses
• Why were tanks used with limited effect during the Somme Offensive?

  They were poorly managed and spread out
• What was a significant issue with the British infantry during the offensive?

  They were new volunteers lacking experience
• What was General Haig's main goal during the Somme Offensive?

  To recapture lost land
• What was General Haig's calculation regarding casualties?

  Heavy casualties would hurt Germany more
• What did General Haig fail to do after unsuccessful attacks?

  Change his strategy
• How did General Haig use new weapons during the offensive?

  He used them badly
• What advice did General Haig ignore from other generals?

  To change his tactics