Trench Warfare WW1
By Ryan Schutt
The Trench Deadlock
The enormous firepower of machine-guns, quick-firing artillery, and modern rifles forced the infantry to dig into the ground. The first shallow, temporary ditches gradually expanded into deeper trench systems.
Zeppelin
The Zeppelin, also known as blimp, was an airship that was used during the early part of the war in bombing raids by the Germans.
Raiding with Knives and Clubs
Unofficial weapons, including knives, hand-made clubs, and small catapults were particularly useful in raids. From late 1915, the Canadians engaged in a series of hit-and-run assaults on enemy trenches. These raids were meant to kill the enemy, to gather intelligence, and to win control of No Man’s Land.
The State of Mortar Readiness in 1914
Indeed, German military observers of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 not only came away with a new respect for hand grenades, but with fresh ideas for the use of the mortar bomb they had seen deployed.
Innovation Outside the Trenches
In addition to the development of better and more varied weapons and tools for the infantry and engineers, the war also saw the use of poison gas, underground mining, airplanes, airships, submarines, and tanks.
Citations
"Firstworldwar.com." First World War.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2016.
"Weapons on Land - Trench Weapons | Canada and the First World War." Canada and the First World War Trench Weapons Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2016.
"World War One - Weapons." World War One. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2016.