World War I Battles: Somme and Passchendaele
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Questions and Answers

What was the main reason for Britain's attack at the Somme?

  • To gain vast territories
  • To eliminate the German forces
  • To take the pressure off the French army at Verdun (correct)
  • To capture Berlin

The Battle of the Somme began on 1st July 1916.

True (A)

What was the outcome of the soldiers trying to cross No Man's Land?

Many soldiers were shot while trying to cross.

The Battle of the Somme lasted for _____ months.

<p>5</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the event with the correct details related to the Battle of the Somme:

<p>Battle Start = 1st July 1916 Battle End = 18 November 1916 Initial Order Given = To go over the top Territorial Gain = Only a few square kilometres had been gained</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many soldiers were approximately killed in the Battle of the Somme?

<p>Hundreds of thousands (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Generals believed artillery bombardment destroyed German barbed wire before the battle.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name the General who led the offensive at the Battle of the Somme.

<p>General Haig</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason the German troops were not taken by surprise during the artillery attack on June 24, 1916?

<p>They were able to observe British troop movements. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

British artillery was completely effective in destroying German concrete bunkers.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of shells were mostly estimated to have failed to explode during the artillery attack?

<p>duds</p> Signup and view all the answers

The British soldiers were ordered to advance at a __________ pace, which made the situation worse.

<p>slow</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following events or terms with their descriptions:

<p>Creeping barrage = A tactic used to provide cover for troops advancing. Tanks = Mechanized units that faced operational failures on the battlefield. Haig = The commander who continued sending men over the top. Communication trenches = Narrow trenches connecting front-line and support trenches.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the destruction of the barbed wire surrounding German trenches during the attack?

<p>It was lifted and became tangled. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Haig had full confidence in the tactics and believed they would lead to victory.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the German soldiers able to use effectively when British soldiers left their trenches?

<p>machine guns</p> Signup and view all the answers

What material did the Germans reinforce their dugouts with?

<p>Concrete (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The British spotter planes were able to accurately assess the situation during the bombardment.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for British soldiers upon advancing after the mine at Hawthorne Ridge was detonated?

<p>They were easy targets for German machine gun fire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The British artillery bombardment was expected to cut the __________ defending the German trenches.

<p>barbed wire</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the British errors with their corresponding effects during the Battle of the Somme:

<p>Ordered a bombardment for seven days = Germans warned that an attack was coming Failed to cut the barbed wire = British soldiers faced greater difficulty advancing Detonated the Hawthorne Ridge mine too early = Easy targets for German machine guns Misjudged the effectiveness of the bombardment = Germans returned to their positions safely</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many casualties did the British suffer on the first day of the Battle of the Somme?

<p>57,470 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Battle of the Somme successfully destroyed the last of the German professional army.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Haig mistakenly believe regarding the German defenders after the bombardment?

<p>He believed they were dead.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following claims about Haig's leadership during the Somme is supported by Source B?

<p>Haig's leadership resulted in a considerable weakening of the German army. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The introduction of tanks during the Somme was immediately effective in combat.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key aims of the Somme offensive?

<p>To draw German troops away from Verdun and relieve pressure on the French.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The __________ barrage was used successfully during the Somme.

<p>creeping</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following statements with their corresponding interpretations or outcomes:

<p>Haig weakened the German army = Achieved a key aim of the Somme Heavy casualties were incurred = Acknowledgement of the Somme's failures New tactics were introduced = Prove decisive in later battles Reluctance to accept criticism = Highlighted a failing of Haig</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one aspect of Haig's leadership that was criticized according to Source B?

<p>His reluctance to accept advice from peers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Extract C states that the Somme achieved none of its main objectives.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in the German army after the Somme?

<p>Many of its best soldiers were lost and replaced with less experienced men.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Source B suggest about Haig's overall success as a general?

<p>He was a successful general because he won wars. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Battle of the Somme resulted in a significant territorial gain for the British forces.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the total number of British casualties during the Battle of the Somme?

<p>420,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

Haig's reluctance to accept __________ from his peers is highlighted as one of his key failings.

<p>advice and criticism</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the document, what was one major criticism of Haig's tactics?

<p>He was unwilling to review and adapt his strategies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following aspects of Haig's leadership to their corresponding descriptions:

<p>Success in winning wars = Haig is judged a success based on war outcomes Casualty rate at the Somme = 420,000 British casualties reported Reluctance to adapt = Failure to change battle plans when necessary Losses on the first day = 57,000 British troops killed or injured</p> Signup and view all the answers

Haig claimed that the total losses during the battle were lower than expected.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Haig believe was the only way to avoid loss of life during the Battle of the Somme?

<p>There was no other way of avoiding loss of life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy did Douglas Haig utilize during the Hundred Days Offensive?

<p>All Arms strategy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Douglas Haig was well-experienced in trench warfare before the Hundred Days Offensive.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one outcome of the tactics employed during the Hundred Days Offensive?

<p>The Germans were broken and the war ended.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Haig's work in establishing the British Legion and the _________ suggests he cared for the regular soldier.

<p>Poppy Appeal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their meaning:

<p>All Arms strategy = Using multiple military resources in combination Lions led by donkeys = Soldiers being bravely led by incompetent leaders Battle of Passchendaele = A controversial World War I battle marked by significant casualties The Poppy Appeal = Campaign to honor soldiers who died in war</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'lions led by donkeys' imply?

<p>Brave soldiers were ineptly led by incompetent leaders. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The casualties suffered by British and German troops during the battles were deemed acceptable by Douglas Haig.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

List one criticism made towards Haig over the Battle of Passchendaele.

<p>Too many lives were lost.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Barbed Wire

The shelling of the German lines was intended to destroy the barbed wire in front of their trenches, creating a path for British forces.

Slow British Advance

The British soldiers had been told to advance at a walking pace, instead of running, creating a slow and predictable target for the German defenders.

Narrow Communication Trenches

The British communication trenches were cramped and narrow, making it difficult for reinforcement troops to reach the front lines promptly and hindering the attack.

Intact German Artillery

The German artillery remained intact despite the shelling, which meant that the British were met with heavy artillery fire when they left their trenches, adding to their difficulties.

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Unexpected German Fortifications

The initial barrage failed to inflict the expected casualties on the German troops because they were able to retreat to pre-prepared fortified positions.

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Dud Shells

A third of the artillery shells fired during the initial barrage did not explode, wasting ammunition and reducing the effectiveness of the attack.

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Inefficient Artillery Shells

The types of artillery shells used in the initial barrage were inefficient against concrete bunkers. Shrapnel shells, which disperse small pieces of metal, were not effective against fortified positions.

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Haig's Decision

The British troops lost large numbers of soldiers despite heavy casualties, Haig continued to send men into battle throughout the summer. He believed in gaining the upper hand at Verdun and maintained his belief in victory.

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Why were the German bunkers not destroyed by the artillery bombardment?

The German bunkers were designed to withstand lengthy artillery bombardments, allowing the Germans to survive underground and return to their positions once the bombardment finished.

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Why did the mines fail to destroy the German bunkers?

The mines were not positioned correctly, meaning they did not explode beneath the German bunkers, failing to dislodge the German forces.

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Why were the British infantry so vulnerable on the first day of the Somme?

The British soldiers were forced to advance towards the enemy trenches without the protection of artillery cover, making them easy targets for German machine gun fire.

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How did the artillery bombardment affect the barbed wire?

The artillery bombardment actually made the barbed wire more tangled and difficult for the British soldiers to penetrate, hindering their advance.

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What were the British casualties on the first day of the Somme?

The British infantry suffered a staggering 57,470 casualties on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

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What was the major long-term impact of the Battle of the Somme on Germany?

The Battle of the Somme resulted in the destruction of Germany's professional army, forcing them to rely on less-experienced soldiers towards the end of the war.

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What does the fact that the British fought for months at the Somme tell us about their strength?

Despite the heavy losses on the first day, the British continued to fight at the Somme for months, showing their determination and resilience.

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What does the Battle of the Somme tell us about the cost of war?

The Battle of the Somme was a brutal and bloody battle with a high casualty rate, highlighting the immense human cost of warfare.

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Source B's view of the Somme's first day

The Battle of the Somme was a devastating battle for the British, emphasizing the massive loss of life on the first day of the offensive, as a result of German machine-gun fire.

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Source B's view on the use of artillery

The artillery bombardment prior to the attack, meant to destroy German barbed wire, was ineffective.

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When did the Battle of the Somme begin?

The Battle of the Somme began on July 1st, 1916.

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British objective at the Somme

The Battle of the Somme was intended to relieve the pressure on the French army at Verdun.

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Who led the British offensive at the Somme?

General Douglas Haig led the British offensive at the Battle of the Somme.

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How long did the Battle of the Somme last?

The Battle of the Somme lasted five months.

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How much land did the British gain at the Somme?

The British army gained only a few square kilometers of territory at the Battle of the Somme.

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How many soldiers were killed at the Somme

Hundreds of thousands of soldiers were killed in the Battle of the Somme.

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All Arms Strategy

A military strategy that uses all branches of the armed forces (troops, air, tanks, artillery) together, effectively.

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Hundred Days Offensive

A major military offensive by the Allies in 1918, lasting 100 days. Haig's combined-arms approach broke the stalemate and contributed to German surrender.

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Haig's Artillery Strategy

Haig's belief that sustained artillery bombardments would be effective against German defenses, even though he underestimated the strength of German fortifications.

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Haig and public perception

The British public had high hopes for Haig's leadership, but his controversial tactics (like Passchendaele) led to heavy casualties, fueling criticism.

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Lions led by donkeys

A common criticism of Haig, suggesting that he was a competent military leader, but his tactics led to unnecessary casualties.

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Haig and veterans

Haig's role in establishing the British Legion and the Poppy Appeal demonstrates his commitment to the welfare of veterans after the war.

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Battle of Passchendaele: Controversy

The Battle of Passchendaele was a costly Allied victory. Critics point to Haig's rigid tactics and heavy casualties, while supporters highlight the strategic gains.

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Haig's view on casualties

Haig believed that casualties were inevitable in war, and that the ultimate goal of winning was the justification for heavy losses.

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Somme Offensive Success

This paragraph argues that the Somme achieved several of its main objectives, despite the high casualty count, and that it weakened the German army significantly.

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Somme Offensive Criticisms

This paragraph focuses on the high casualties and overall cost of the Somme offensive, highlighting the criticisms of Haig's leadership and strategy.

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Somme's Impact on Verdun

The author mentions how the Somme helped to relieve pressure on the French at Verdun by drawing German troops away.

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Arguments for Somme's Strategic Success

This paragraph highlights key arguments suggesting the Somme's strategic success:

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Haig's Admission of Heavy Losses

The author references Haig's own acknowledgment of the high casualties incurred during the Somme offensive.

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Criticisms of Haig's Leadership

The author supports the critique of Haig's leadership, highlighting his reluctance to adapt battle plans and accept criticism.

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New Tactics at the Somme

New tactics like the creeping barrage and tank warfare, introduced during the Somme, had a significant impact on future battles.

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Sources Supporting Somme Criticisms

The author uses multiple sources to support the claim that Haig's leadership tactics at the Somme were faulty.

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Haig's Tactics and the Conventional Wisdom

Haig's military tactics were in line with the conventional thinking of the time, emphasizing attrition warfare and large-scale offensives.

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Somme's Impact on Germany

The Somme battle resulted in significant losses for the German army, weakening their manpower and expertise, potentially contributing to their eventual defeat.

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Somme's Strategic Significance

Despite the heavy casualties and limited gains, the Battle of the Somme relieved pressure on the French forces, a key objective for Haig.

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Haig's Reluctance to Adapt

Haig's reluctance to modify his battle plans or accept criticism reflects a potential flaw in his leadership, contributing to the high casualties.

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The Human Cost of the Somme

The Battle of the Somme demonstrated the devastating human cost of warfare, with over 420,000 British casualties and minimal territorial gains.

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The Ineffectiveness of the Initial Bombardment

The initial bombardment, although massive, failed to effectively neutralize German defenses, leading to heavy British losses on the first day of the attack.

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Critiques of Haig's Leadership

Although Haig's overall objective of relieving pressure on the French was achieved, the heavy casualties and limited territorial gains generated criticisms of his tactics and leadership.

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Somme's Attrition Strategy

Despite the high cost in human lives, the Battle of the Somme contributed to the weakening of the German army, demonstrating the impact of attrition warfare.

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Study Notes

Summary of the provided text

  • The provided text is a collection of lesson resources for students about the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Passchendaele. It covers the causes, events, and consequences of these significant battles in World War I, along with analysis of leadership and military strategies employed.
  • The resources present historical accounts, excerpts from primary source documents (e.g., soldiers' diaries), statistical data, and modern historical analyses.
  • The materials emphasize the human cost, environmental factors (like mud), and strategic decisions made during these battles.
  • Resources include revision questions and tasks to test student understanding.

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Week 8-9 HIS Work Booklet: The Battle of the Somme PDF

Description

This quiz focuses on the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Passchendaele, exploring their causes, events, and consequences during World War I. Students will analyze leadership, military strategies, and the significant human costs of these battles through various historical accounts and primary source documents. Revision questions and tasks are included to enhance understanding.

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