Trench warfare was characterized by deep, fortified ditches where soldiers huddled to protect themselves from enemy fire, creating a protracted stalemate that defined much of the Western Front in World War One. In contrast, submarines, particularly the German U-boats, executed unpredictable underwater attacks against merchant and military ships, disrupting supply lines and contributing to the strategy of unrestricted submarine warfare. Tanks emerged as a revolutionary land tool, designed to traverse the rugged terrain and barbed wire that inhibited traditional infantry advances, allowing for breakthroughs in entrenched positions. Finally, poison gas, a terrifying new weapon, was deployed to inflict mass casualties and instill fear, contrasting the direct combat of trenches and the stealthy attacks of submarines, highlighting the war's unprecedented brutality and technological evolution.
Advanced weaponry and new combat strategies made the war challenging and complex. New naval strategies involved the use of battleships and submarines. The German U-boat, a type of submarine, became infamous for unpredictable attacks known as unrestricted submarine warfare. Airplanes were used to observe enemy troops and were eventually outfitted with weapons to carry out attacks. On the ground, armies used large machine guns, tanks, and deadly poison gas attacks. Many decisive battles were fought on the Western Front, a 400-plus-mile stretch of land through France and Belgium from the Swiss border to the North Sea. Troops engaged in trench warfare, a strategy designed to protect soldiers and delay enemy advances. Trenches were long, narrow ditches dug into the ground and protected by barbed-wire entanglements. Opposing forces attacked and counterattacked from a distance. This strategy differed from previous European conflicts in which troops had typically faced each other on open battlefields. Use of trenches eventually led to a stalemate in the war. The barbed wire entanglements made it impossible for troops to advance on each other. The tank was developed to roll over the barbed wire and fend off enemy artillery as it crossed the fields. Tanks, used alongside other tactics, helped break the stalemate
World War One saw the use of new military technology, weaponry and tactics. Explain and describe trench warfare, submarines (U-boats), tanks and poison gas. How were they used? How were they different?
Make sure that your response is at least 3 sentences. This one can easily be 4 sentences.
3 answers
Woodrow Wilson’s “14 Points” were designed to bring and maintain global peace. In unit 12 lesson 4, page 2 you’ll see a link to these points. Watch the video on p.2. Explain in your own words the first two points.
The first two points of Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points focus on the importance of open diplomacy and the principle of freedom of the seas. The first point advocates for transparent negotiations between nations rather than secret treaties, promoting trust and cooperation among countries. The second point emphasizes ensuring that the seas are accessible to all nations, allowing for unhindered trade and movement across international waters, which Wilson believed was essential for maintaining peace and preventing conflict. Together, these points highlight Wilson's vision for a more cooperative and fair international system that prioritizes communication and shared access.