LO To identify the main changes in warfare brought about by the First World War The Race to the Sea The Battle of the Marne was a turning point The Schlieffen Plan had failed Germany was now caught up in a war on ID: 167217
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Slide1
How did ‘trench warfare’ develop?
L/O – To identify the how the trench system develop and to describe the features of the trench systemSlide2
The Race to the Sea
The Battle of the Marne was a turning point
. The Schlieffen Plan had failed. Germany was now caught up in a war on two-fronts.The German generals realised they could not break through the enemy lines. Moltke was replaced as commander by Falkenhayn who decided to try and
outflank
the enemy.
By the end of 1914, fighting had reached a stalemate. The German army decided to hold ground by digging trenches. Slide3Slide4
The Trench SystemSlide5
Front-line trenches
No man’s land
Support trenches
Communications trenches
Reserve trenches
Change 1: Trench WarfareSlide6
Trench Warfare
Complete questions 1-4 on your hand-outs. Stick hand-out in book.
Extension QuestionsWhy were trenches dug by the two sides to begin with?Did trench warfare favour the attacker or defender? Explain.Why were the British and French trenches not as well built as the German trenches?Slide7
Change 2: Artillery became more powerful
For much of the war, all day, every day, artillery would pound the enemy’s trenches with hundreds of shells. Bombardments
caused more casualties than any other weapon.In 1914, artillery was not very accurate and often bombarded their own front-lines before getting their range right!By 1918, artillery was much bigger, and was much more accurate. It became the key weapon.Slide8
British howitzer battery during the Boar War 1900Slide9
4.7 inch (120mm) British Naval Gun adapted for use by the army during the Boer WarSlide10
9.45 inch British Trench MortarSlide11
The British 18 pounder artillery cannon was the most commonly used artillery piece during the warSlide12
British heavy artillery Slide13
The German ‘Paris Gun’ could fire over 75 miles but had little accuracy. Length = 34 m / Weight = 138 tonsSlide14
French 52cm Howitzer – biggest gun of WW1Slide15
American railroad artillery, 14 inch shellsSlide16Slide17
Change 3: Cavalry became less important
Cavalry units were initially used by all sides but their vulnerability soon became apparent. But they were used for:
Logistical SupportReconnaissancePulling artillery, ambulances and supply wagonsDiversionary AttacksTanks ultimately replaced cavalry in shock tactics.Slide18Slide19Slide20Slide21
Change 4: Infantry became more importantSlide22
Change 5: Poison GasSlide23
Change 6: Tanks