Questions and Answers
Define Trench Warfare.
Was a form of military conflict in which opposing sides fought one another from trenches facing one another.
Explain 'War of Movement.'
War of movement consisted of a pattern of 'action' and 'reaction' where both sides advanced at the same time.
Briefly describe 'War of Attrition.'
A war of attrition was based around which side can survive the longest and which side would give in.
Define 'Stalemate.'
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What was the 'Front Line'?
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Why were trenches dug in a 'zig-zag' pattern?
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Briefly describe the purpose of communication trenches.
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What was the support line, and what purpose did it serve?
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What was the purpose of having 'Duckboards' in the trenches?
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What was the purpose of barbed wire?
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What were dugouts used for?
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What was the 'Sandbags' filled with, and where were they situated?
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What was Parapet?
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Briefly describe 'No Man's Land.'
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Why were German trenches generally built better than French and British trenches?
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What was the 'Ammunition Shelf' used for?
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What was a 'Fire Step' and what was it used for?
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What did 'BEF' stand for?
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When and why did 'BEF' come to France's aid?
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Outline the main motives of the Schlieffen Plan.
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Who took over the Schlieffen Plan, and how did it differ from the original plan?
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Who created Plan 17 and what were the main aims of it?
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What was a main reason for the emergence of the stalemate?
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Who were the Allies?
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What was significant about the battle at Liege?
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Where was the Western Front situated?
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Study Notes
Trench Warfare Overview
- Trench warfare involved armies fighting from opposing trenches, leading to a stalemate and prolonged conflict.
- "War of movement" alternated between advances and retreats, contrasting with stagnant trench scenarios.
- "War of attrition" focused on lasting endurance, where one side aimed to outlast the other.
Key Terminology
- Stalemate: A deadlock preventing progress by either side.
- Front line: Where the initial attacks and defenses occurred, marking direct engagement zones.
Trench Construction and Design
- Trenches followed a zig-zag pattern to limit damage from artillery explosions, confining blasts to small sections.
- Communication trenches facilitated the safe transfer of supplies to soldiers without exposure to enemy fire.
- The support line served as a fallback position for troops under bombardment.
Trench Safety Features
- Duckboards provided dry footing within trenches, helping to prevent trench foot.
- Barbed wire was used extensively as a defensive measure against enemy assaults.
- Dugouts offered rest areas and refuge during attacks, built into trench structures.
Protective Structures
- Sandbags, filled with earth, were placed atop trenches to shield soldiers from enemy fire.
- Parapet: A protective wall made of earth or wood on the trench's outer edge, offering cover for defenders.
Battlefield Geography
- No Man's Land: The contested area between opposing trenches, typically ranging from 100 to 300 meters in width.
- German trenches were more robustly constructed due to a perspective of long-term warfare, unlike British and French trenches.
Ammunition and Combat Efficiency
- Ammunition shelf: Designated storage area for weapons and ammunition within the trench.
- Fire Step: Elevated step in trenches allowing soldiers to rise above trench walls for attacking.
Strategic Forces and Plans
- British Expeditionary Force (BEF): Launched to support France during Germany's advance on Paris in 1914.
- The Schlieffen Plan aimed to swiftly encircle Paris while maintaining a strong right wing but was poorly executed after General Moltke's leadership changes led to weakening strategies.
- French Plan 17 sought to quickly reclaim Alsace and Lorraine and penetrate German territory.
Warfare Consequences
- The Schlieffen Plan's failure significantly contributed to the stalemate on the Western Front.
- The Allies consisted of France, Britain, and Russia collaborating against the Central Powers.
- The battle of Liege was crucial for delaying German progression, consuming resources needed for future engagements.
Western Front
- The Western Front stretched from the English Channel to Switzerland, becoming a core battleground of World War I.
- Shell holes, resulting from artillery attacks, became common landmarks due to the intense fighting and bombardments.
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Description
This quiz covers essential concepts of trench warfare during World War I, including definitions and explanations of key terms. Gain a deeper understanding of military strategies like 'War of Movement' and 'War of Attrition' with these flashcards.