During trench warfare, opposing armies conduct battle, at relatively close range, from a series of ditches dug into the ground. Trench warfare becomes necessary when two armies face a stalemate, with neither side able to advance and overtake the other. Although trench warfare has been employed since ancient times, it was used on an unprecedented scale on the Western Front during World War 1.In the early weeks of the first world war (late in the summer of 1914), both German and French commanders anticipated a war that would involve a large amount of troop movement, as each side sought to gain -- or defend -- territory. The Germans initially swept through parts of Belgium and northeastern France, gaining territory along the way.During the first battle of the marne in September 1914, however, the Germans were pushed back by allied forces. They subsequently "dug in" to avoid losing any more ground. Unable to break through this line of defense, the Allies also began to dig protective trenches.
World War 1 trenches were dirty, smelly and riddled with disease.
For soldiers life in the trenches meant living in fear.
World War 1 trenches were dirty, smelly and riddled with disease.
For soldiers life in the trenches meant living in fear.