Introduction
World War 1 started in 1914, due to many long term and short term causes. The long term causes were; militarism, meaning that nations started expanding their armies; alliances, which meant that many countries started making alliances with other nations and thus creating tension; imperialism, nations wanting to expand out their territories; and finally nationalism, meaning that countries became more independent and had more pride in their nation. The short term event that took place that started the First World War was the assassination of the Arch-Duke of Austria-Hungary, Franz Ferdinand and his wife by Bosnian-Serbs.
Image retrieved from http://www.zonu.com/detail-en/2009-11-19-11176/-Europes-military-alliances-in-World-War-I-1914.html
Retrieved on 14th Nov 2013.
Image retrieved from http://www.zonu.com/detail-en/2009-11-19-11176/-Europes-military-alliances-in-World-War-I-1914.html
Retrieved on 14th Nov 2013.
The trenches were the most dangerous places to be in during World War 1. There would always be a chance of a midnight assault or a mortar strike from the enemies that could destroy the front-line of the trenches. With the threat of being killed by enemies there was also disease that would kill you ever so slowly and painfully.
A large amount of troops weren't even deployed to the trenches, but instead were employed as reserve troops and also to manage and use mortars (long-range, small explosive-firing weapon) and other artillery, such as cannons. Engineers were also ones who were lucky enough not to be deployed to the trenches in the front-line. Instead they were back, far behind the trenches looking after the artillery and developments of new technologically advanced machinery and weapons.
Generally, soldiers in the trenches carried about 30 kilograms of equipment on them most times of the day. This consisted of weapons, ammunition, rations, spare clothing and many other necessities.
A large amount of troops weren't even deployed to the trenches, but instead were employed as reserve troops and also to manage and use mortars (long-range, small explosive-firing weapon) and other artillery, such as cannons. Engineers were also ones who were lucky enough not to be deployed to the trenches in the front-line. Instead they were back, far behind the trenches looking after the artillery and developments of new technologically advanced machinery and weapons.
Generally, soldiers in the trenches carried about 30 kilograms of equipment on them most times of the day. This consisted of weapons, ammunition, rations, spare clothing and many other necessities.