Trench warfare on the western front: 1914-18

• What is attrition warfare?

  Attrition warfare is a military strategy aimed at wearing down the enemy through continuous losses in personnel and materiel.
• Why did the war on the Western Front change from a war of movement to one of attrition?

  The war changed due to the failure of initial movements and the establishment of entrenched positions.
• What event triggered the mobilization of countries at the start of World War I?

  The assassination of an Austrian archduke by a Serbian nationalist in June 1914.
• What was the initial response of Austria-Hungary after the assassination of the archduke?

  Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on 28th July 1914.
• When did Russia mobilize its army to help Serbia?

  Russia mobilized its army on 31st July 1914.
• Why did Germany declare war on Russia and France?

  Germany declared war on Russia on 1st August and on France on 3rd August, using Russian immobility as an excuse.
• What was Belgium's response to Germany's invasion?

  Belgium decided not to allow Germany through its borders to get to France.
• What was Britain's response to Germany's declaration of war on Belgium?

  Britain declared war on Germany on 4th August 1914 due to its treaty obligation to defend Belgium.
• Who was the chief of the German army General Staff that drew up the initial plan of attack in the west?

  Alfred von Schlieffen.
• What was the aim of the German plan regarding France?


  The plan aimed to defeat France in 6 weeks by encircling Paris through Belgium.
• How did the German plan intend to avoid strong French defenses?


  The plan aimed to attack through Belgium to encircle Paris and avoid the strong French defenses along the border.
• What was the significance of the battle of Tannenberg for Russia?

  Russians attacked within three weeks but lost to Germany at the battle of Tannenberg.
• How many soldiers did the French plan to advance into Alsace-Lorraine?

  800,000 soldiers.
• What was the role of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in Belgium?

  The BEF took up a defensive position in Belgium around the town of Mons.
• What were the consequences of the rapid German advance through Belgium?

  The rapid advance led to supply problems and ultimately caused the German advance to falter.
• What logistical issues did the German army face during their advance?

  Troops pushed too fast ahead of their railway supply, leading to hunger and supply shortages.
• What was the primary mode of transportation for armies in 1914?

  Armies heavily relied on horses.
• What communication issues did the German high command face?

  The German high command lost radio contact with its army and relied on outdated methods for intelligence.
• How did the French underestimate the German strength?

  The French underestimated the German strength and suffered severe losses when attacking the German center in the Ardennes forest region.
• How many casualties did the French suffer by 29th August 1914?

  More than 250,000 casualties.
• Who commanded the British Expeditionary Force (BEF)?

  The BEF was commanded by Sir John French.
• What was the initial position of the BEF in Belgium by 22nd August 1914?

  The BEF was well trained and defending the Belgian town of Mons.
• What was the outcome of the initial war of movement?

  The war of movement quickly became a war of attrition and defensive entrenchment.
• What was the significance of the Battle of the Marne?

  The Allies launched a flank counter-attack at the Battle of the Marne after the Germans swung away from Paris in September 1914.
• What was the "Race to the Sea"?

  The "Race to the Sea" involved both armies attempting to outflank each other in a series of battles.
• What was the outcome of the "Race to the Sea"?

  The race ended in a stalemate.
• What adjustments were necessary for trench warfare?

  Adjustments involved constant construction and reconstruction of trenches and support systems.
• How long did it take for 450 men to dig 250 yards of trench?

  It took six hours for 450 men to dig 250 yards.
• What were the components of the trench systems constructed on the Western Front?

  Trench systems included fire trenches, communication trenches, field kitchens, first-aid posts, and more.
• How were trenches designed to prevent enemy fire?

  Trenches had sharp bends to prevent an enemy from shooting through the entire length.
• What was the purpose of the "No Man's Land"?

  No Man's Land was the area between the two sides where no troops were stationed.
• How often were soldiers rotated through the front line?

  Soldiers were rotated through the front line usually for one or two weeks at a time.
• What was the primary mode of transportation for supplies and troops during trench warfare?

  Railways were busy bringing in supplies and troops.
• How many trainloads of reinforcements did the French send to Verdun in three weeks?

  French sent more than 800 trainloads of reinforcements to Verdun in three weeks.
• What were the conditions like for soldiers in the trenches?

  Soldiers often had to eat and sleep in poor conditions with basic latrines and infestations.
• What was the significance of the Christmas truce of December 1914?

  The Christmas truce was a rare occasion when British and German troops met in No Man's Land to fraternize.
• How did officers communicate orders in the trenches?

  Officers used buried telephone landlines and relied on runners to carry messages.
• What was the primary firearm used by infantry soldiers?

  The most common firearm used by infantry soldiers was a rifle.
• How many rounds could a 1914 rifle fire in skilled hands?

  A 1914 rifle could fire 15 rounds a minute in skilled hands.
• How did entrenchment change rifle tactics?


  Entrenchment changed rifle tactics by allowing soldiers to shoot from their trenches or cover instead of standing in lines.