Define Western Front. What characterized this region during World War I?
1 Answer
During WW1, a linear area from Switzerland to the Belgium coast of artillery shell holes and trenches that changed a little from time to time. A constantly changing group of men inhabited them.
Explanation:
Because of the state of military technology at the time this was the result. Artillerymen of the time had just developed indirect fire that was essential to the assault process. They had not yet developed the mechanical computers and other devices that had evolved by World War 2. After it was positioned a gun would be "ranged". A number of test shots would be fired at the enemy to establish a profile for this gun in that position. Each gun of hundreds of guns would be dealt with in the same way.
As well artillery would be used for its intend support role in an ongoing basis.
In preparation for an offensive day of artillery bombardment would be used to destroy the barb wire and fortifications of the enemy so the attacking infantry could advance and occupy the enemy trenches and beyond. The result was a area of broken ground that could only be crossed by men walking. This meant that all supplies needed by advance to hold off counter attacks and continue the advance were carried by heavily laden men walking through enemy fire.
Trenches and other fortifications were essential to protect the men from the huge volume of fire directed at them.
Successful offensives were measured in yards and hundreds of thousands of causalities.
The Germans began to only dig a screen of foxholes at the front later in the war. It served the same purpose as the front line trenches but was easier, more effective and more economical in terms of lives and costs.
The development of the tank, "sturm" tactics, American intervention and the blockade of Germany made a difference in how the war ended.
