40 mark notes

Russia mobilized its army quickly

Previously before World War 1, the Russo-Japanese War was the first time an Asian country had
won against a large superpower such as Russia, It had been seen as a huge embarrassment and
drainage of resources for Russia which had lost. The main objective of the Schlieffen plan was to
avoid an oncoming war on both fronts, and Russia seen as weaker was only given 10 percent of
soldiers in total, lacking in numbers compared to the Western front. it was assumed that it would
take at least six weeks to mobilize its troops and attack Germany from the East. In actuality,
Russia managed to attack East Prussia within 10 days in August 1914 leading to the drainage of
essential powers on the western front which could have proved integral at Marne with the
declining of soldiers and supplies in Belgium and At mons, who had the BEF wiped out but had
also managed to create casualties of 5,000 German soldiers. At Marne BEF was reinforced with
French troops. The vast expanse of the Eastern Front presented significant logistical challenges
for Germany. Supplying troops and coordinating military operations across vast distances proved
difficult, particularly given the inadequate infrastructure and harsh terrain of Eastern Europe. The
need to transport troops, equipment, and supplies to the Eastern Front further strained Germany's
already overstretched logistical capabilities.

Schlieffen modifications caused its downfall and belgian resistance

Schlieffen's plan was adopted by Helmuth von Moltke, chief of the German General Staff when
war broke out in 1914. Moltke made some critical modifications to the plan, including reducing
German forces making up the right hook attack into France and invading through Belgium, but
not the Netherlands, during the initial offensive. The problem, says Prof. Fritzsche, is the
Schlieffen blueprint proved inflexible. strengthening the forces on the left wing at the expense of
the main attack on the right. For this reason, the German army failed to destroy the French army
in the initial campaign in the West in 1914. As well as Belgian resistance was high. The Belgians
burned bridges, blocked roads, flooded the land, destroyed their only transport at the railway
lines etc. It took 13 days to capture Liege instead of its intended 3 days. problems caused in
supply were the downfall later when German forces slowed down at

BEF

the violation of Belgium's neutral territory drew England into the war since they had promised to
defend Belgium under the Treaty of London of 1839. What the Germans failed to realize was
that the British did care about Belgium and were not going to let them fight alone. The BEF was
supplied to help them push the Germans back. They were a group of highly skilled soldiers who
although were in lower numbers than the Germans made up for it in combat genius. They joined
the fight at Mons on 23rd August, In numbers of 70,000 and 300 guns compared to Germans
who had almost double the numbers. The BEF's presence on the Western Front was strategically
crucial in the early stages of the war. During the Battle of Mons in August 1914, the BEF
demonstrated its resilience and skill in halting the German advance, albeit temporarily. Despite
being forced to retreat, the BEF's steadfast defence bought valuable time for Allied forces to
regroup and solidify their positions. the BEF was able to manoeuvre effectively, exploiting gaps
and weaknesses in the enemy lines. This tactical agility allowed the BEF to provide crucial
support to the French army at Marne and were behind the idea of exploiting German weakness.

Battle of Mons

A battle on August 23, 1914, that was one of the earliest battles on the western front. The
German advance in Belgium overwhelmed British and French forces, who began a fourteen-day
retreat to the outskirts of Paris. Mons was where the BEF and the German troops fought to gain
control of victory. The BEF were highly specialized soldiers who although were half of the
German numbers at 70,000 paved the road for the stalemate and trench warfare. It played a huge
role in stalling the German army so that French reserve troops and supplies could move in for the
allies. It proved the exact opposite for the Germans. They also stalled for Russian mobilisation to
occur. for the Germans to become weaker on the western front as troops were supplied to the
east. The British, armed with Lee-Enfield rifles and Lewis guns, inflicted heavy casualties on the
advancing Germans. The relentless fighting at Mons, coupled with the need to navigate
unfamiliar terrain and face determined opposition, led to exhaustion and fatigue among the
German soldiers. The prolonged engagement took a toll on their morale and fighting capacity,
diminishing their effectiveness in subsequent battles. reconsider their initial plans for a swift
victory in the West and adopt a more cautious approach, leading to the imminent failure of the
schlieffen plan. lack of strategic placing of resources also served to drain the germans eventually
at marne

Battle of marne

The battle of Marne was the first strategic victory for the allies at marne. The Germans,
especially moltke believed that the allies had almost lost. War was thought to be over as Frances
plan 17 had failed which involved a major offensive by the French armies across Alsace-
Lorraine into the main German industrial areas. The French General Staff calculated that any
German offensive would be launched from that area. This lead to France falling in to Germanys
trap as that area was the most heavily guarded with troops. From September 6th to twelfth 1915,
The Germans planned to attack Paris, with 150000 French troops and the remainder of the great
BEF. However, Even at the Germans strengthened position they failed to plan for flexibillity.
The generals followed a system of decentralization with limited communication between each
troop, leading to gaps in supply constantly. It occured again at Marne when there was a supply
gap in First and Second Armies, which The BEFs strategic skills had caught, leading the french
troops to move in and exploit their weakness. As the Germans got closer to paris however the
French capital of Paris faced the threat of encirclement by the advancing German forces. In a
desperate move, taxis were requisitioned to transport French reserve troops to the front lines.
This action, known as the "Taxicab Miracle," helped bolster French defenses and contributed to
the Allied victory, raised morale and proved strategic success for the allies and failure for the
central powers.

The Battle of the Marne resulted in significant casualties on both sides, but it dealt a decisive
blow to the German plans for a quick victory in the West. The failure of the Schlieffen Plan and
the stalemate on the Western Front set the stage for years of bloody trench warfare as the
Germans settled in along the river Aisne in a good defensive position. They had already gained a
lot of land, however this confidence to dig in later caused the immobillity and war of artillery
that was trench war fare up till 1918, even leading to German designs of concrete enforced
bunkers, with the famous hindenberg line arising.

first battle of ypres

The First Battle of Ypres, fought from October 19 to November 22, 1914. It was a pivotal
moment in the early stages of the war, as it marked the first major confrontation between the
British Expeditionary Force (BEF), supported by French and Belgian troops, and the German
Imperial Army. The Battle of Ypres witnessed the emergence of trench warfare on the Western
Front. Both sides dug in, creating elaborate trench systems that stretched from the North Sea to
the Swiss border. The trenches provided protection from enemy fire but also led to a stalemate as
neither side could make significant advances. The idea was to reach Ypres first, Since its
locational advantage to the allies for the supplies the Germans intended to capture it and
blockade them. Despite sustaining heavy losses, the Allies succeeded in holding the line at Ypres
and preventing the Germans from achieving their objective of reaching the Channel ports. The
battle ended in a strategic stalemate, with neither side gaining a decisive victory. However, it
marked a turning point in the war by halting the German advance and foiling their plans for a
quick victory in the West. The intense fighting, characterized by artillery bombardments,
machine gun fire, and close-quarters combat in the trenches, led to significant loss of life among
the British, French, Belgian, and German forces. The scale of casualties depleted manpower
reserves and hindered the ability of both sides to mount large-scale offensives. The front lines
stabilized, and attempts by either side to launch offensives were met with stiff resistance and
heavy casualties. Artillery bombardments were often used. The aim was to capture dunkirk calis
and boulogn ports while the allies wanted lost land from france and belgium.

trench war fare

Trench warfare emerged as a response to the rapid technological advancements in weaponry,

which outpaced traditional military tactics. At the onset of World War I in 1914, the German
advance through Belgium and France was halted by Allied forces, leading to the establishment of
defensive trench lines. Over time, both sides dug elaborate networks of trenches that stretched
from the North Sea to the Swiss border. A lot of commanders such as Haig and Ludendorff held
beliefs that cavalry would win the war at the western front. war tactics in the older sense were no
longer working out and lead the general confusion about how a war would be won. Trenches
provided excellent defensive positions for soldiers, allowing them to shelter from enemy fire and
artillery bombardments. The elaborate network of trenches, reinforced with barbed wire,
bunkers, and dugouts, made it extremely difficult for attacking forces to break through enemy
lines. On the German front it proved helpful after marne since resources had been exhausted and
they had caught sufficient land to settle in at River Aisne. The trenches were regularly
bombarded by artillery as an attempt of defense. These would last several days and after the
soldiers would go on top using rifles with spears. This method got both sides no where as
trenches usually held strong, were reinforced with concrete and defended by machine guns. Men
often got caught in no mans land first where they were killed. this tactic got them no where. The
combination of defensive advantages, formidable obstacles, and high casualties fostered a
mentality of stalemate among military commanders. Both sides became entrenched in their
positions, hesitant to risk large-scale offensives that could result in heavy losses without decisive
gains, which were proven true at somme and verdun

heavy artilley and machine guns

Machine guns were capable of delivering a high volume of firepower at a rapid rate. They could
effectively mow down advancing infantry in large numbers, making frontal assaults extremely
costly for attacking forces. The devastating firepower of machine guns made it difficult for
infantry to advance across open ground without suffering heavy casualties. Although they were
immobile at first, the played a large role in the defensive nature that the war had taken. it was the
cause 1/3 of death casualties. The psychological impact of machine gun fire on infantry was
profound. Soldiers faced the constant threat of being cut down by enemy machine guns, leading
to fear, anxiety, and demoralization among attacking forces. Machine guns were typically heavy
and cumbersome weapons, which limited their mobility on the battlefield. Unlike rifles, which
infantry soldiers could carry and use while on the move, machine guns required setup and
stabilization to be effective. This limited range of movement made it challenging for machine
gun crews to adapt quickly to changing battlefield conditions or to relocate to different defensive
positions, further solidifying the defensive nature of trench warfare but were not going to be
discounted due to their defensive advantage. Defensive tactics, fortified positions, and firepower
supremacy became the focus of military strategy, as attacking forces struggled to find effective
ways to overcome entrenched defenses. This defensive mindset further entrenched the stalemate
on the Western Front and prolonged the conflict until new tactics and technologies could break
the deadlock.

For example, during the Battle of the Somme in 1916, British artillery fired over 1.5 million
shells in the week leading up to the infantry assault, devastating German defenses and facilitating
British advances. For instance, during the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917, German casualties
from artillery fire were significant, further straining their ability to continue fighting. For
instance, during the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917, German casualties from artillery fire were
significant, further straining their ability to continue fighting. The psychological strain of
enduring sustained artillery fire weakened German morale and resilience on the battlefield.

Trench foot and weather conditions

The physical conditions in the trenches were abysmal. Soldiers contended with cramped and
unsanitary living spaces, often standing knee-deep in mud and waterlogged trenches which led to
the development of trench foot then gangrene, causing amputation of the leg further reducing
soldier morale leading to 75 000 casualties in the British and 2000 in the American forces caused
by prolonged exposure to cold, damp, and unsanitary conditions. Soldiers standing for hours in
waterlogged trenches developed numbness, swelling, and blistering on their feet, which could
progress to gangrene if left untreated. Trench foot affected thousands of soldiers and often
resulted in long-term disability or amputation. Conditions depended in each trench but war was
mostly fought in mud

Exposure to the elements, including rain, snow, and extreme cold, made living conditions even
more unbearable. Soldiers suffered from frostbite, hypothermia, and other weather-related
ailments due to lack of proper equipment caused the death of 5 000 casualties in the British and
2000 in the American forces. Epidemics of diseases like dysentery, Dysentery was a common
gastrointestinal infection characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. It spread rapidly
in the cramped and unhygienic conditions of the trenches, particularly during the summer
months. Poor sanitation and contaminated food and water sources contributed to the spread of
dysentery among frontline troops.

typhoid and trench fever

body lice infestations in the trenches. Soldiers living in close quarters were prone to lice
infestations, which spread the bacteria responsible for trench fever. Symptoms of trench fever
included high fever, severe headaches, and muscle pain, and the disease could incapacitate
soldiers for weeks or months.- trench fever More than 1 million

Typhoid fever was a serious bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and
water. Outbreaks of typhoid were common in the trenches, where sanitation facilities were
rudimentary or nonexistent. Symptoms of typhoid fever include high fever, abdominal pain, and
weakness, and the disease could be fatal trench fever swept through the trenches, further
compromising the health and well-being of soldiers.- 20,000 cases

Soldiers in the trenches were also susceptible to a range of other infections and parasitic diseases,
including malaria, trench mouth (a bacterial infection of the mouth and gums), and various skin
infections caused by poor hygiene and living conditions.

The combined decision of these diseases caused soldiers to constantly be in a state of physical or
mental distress

shell shock

Shell Shock: Shell shock was a term used during World War I to describe the psychological
trauma experienced by soldiers as a result of the intense and prolonged exposure to the horrors of
war. Symptoms of shell shock included anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares, insomnia, and
uncontrollable shaking. The constant threat of death, the sound of artillery barrages, and the
gruesome sights of battle took a heavy toll on soldiers' mental well-being.

At the time, shell shock was not well understood, and soldiers who exhibited symptoms of
psychological distress were often stigmatized or viewed as weak or cowardly. There was a
prevailing belief that shell shock was a form of moral weakness or cowardice rather than a
legitimate medical condition. This stigma prevented many soldiers from seeking help or
receiving proper treatment for their mental health issues and lead to belief of mutiny if mental
health was unwell. Men who were forced to serve their country were discouraged from voicing
their mental concerns. any soldiers wrote about their experiences with shell shock in their diaries
and letters home. These firsthand accounts provide vivid descriptions of the psychological toll of
war and the symptoms of shell shock experienced by soldiers on the front lines. Soldiers often
described feelings of fear, panic, and helplessness in the face of relentless artillery
bombardments and the constant threat of death.
boredom

Life in the trenches followed a monotonous routine of standing guard, performing menial tasks,
and waiting for orders. Soldiers spent long hours in cramped and uncomfortable conditions, with
little variation in their daily activities. The repetitive nature of trench life could lead to feelings
of boredom and ennui. Cut off from the outside world and separated from their families and
loved ones, soldiers could feel isolated and disconnected from the world beyond the trenches.
The absence of social interaction and emotional support networks could contribute. soldiers'
morale and mental well-being. Feelings of boredom and apathy could contribute to a sense of
disillusionment and despair, leading to decreased motivation and morale among frontline troops.
Soldiers who felt chronically bored or disengaged may have been more susceptible to
psychological issues such as depression or anxiety.

danger

Trench warfare exposed soldiers to constant danger from enemy artillery bombardments, sniper
fire, and infantry assaults. The threat of death or injury was ever-present, and soldiers lived with
the constant sound of shells exploding and bullets whizzing overhead. No man's land, the barren
expanse between opposing trench lines, was a deadly landscape strewn with barbed wire and
shell craters. The relentless stress and strain of trench warfare took a toll on soldiers' physical
and mental well-being. Soldiers experienced extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation, and physical
exhaustion from the constant vigilance and readiness for combat. The long hours of standing
guard, performing manual labor, and enduring enemy attacks left soldiers physically and
mentally drained. Artillery barrages could decimate entire sections of the trench line, while
sniper fire and machine gun emplacements picked off unsuspecting soldiers. The brutal nature of
trench warfare meant that death could come swiftly and indiscriminately. Artillery barrages
could decimate entire sections of the trench line, while sniper fire and machine gun
emplacements picked off unsuspecting soldiers. The brutal nature of trench warfare meant that
death could come swiftly and indiscriminately.

tanks

First used in 1916 at battle of Flers. Out of 59 tanks, 49 were servicable and 17 broke down.
They would often turn on the soldiers operating them. They were a dangerous weapon for both
sides. However they held a tactical success. They were an element of surprise and even called to
be the germans greatest fear by ludendorff. At first they were disguised as water tanks, they held
an advantage of technological development and a step away from the cavalry tactics being
previously employed. General Haig however had commanded the supply of another 1000, and
were crucial to allied victories In 1918. One of the primary advantages of tanks was their ability
to traverse difficult terrain, including barbed wire, shell craters, and trenches. This allowed tanks
to break through enemy defensive lines, which were often heavily fortified with trenches and
obstacles, thus overcoming the stalemate of trench warfare. Tanks could advance across no man's
land and breach enemy positions, enabling infantry to follow and exploit the breakthrough that
was not achieved with artillery bombardment. Tanks were armed with machine guns and, in
some cases, artillery guns, which provided substantial firepower to support infantry assaults.
Machine guns mounted on tanks could suppress enemy positions and clear obstacles, allowing
infantry to advance more safely Allied victory that marked the beginning of the Hundred Days
Offensive, the final campaign of World War I. British, Canadian, Australian, and French forces,
supported by over 500 tanks, launched a surprise attack on German positions. The Battle of
Cambrai, fought from November 20 to December 7, 1917, saw the largest use of tanks in World
War I up to that point. British forces launched a surprise attack using over 400 tanks, including
the newly developed Mark IV tanks

aircraft in ww1

One of the primary roles of aircraft during World War I was aerial reconnaissance. Pilots flew
over enemy lines to gather intelligence on enemy troop movements, fortifications, and supply
lines. Aerial photography, taken from reconnaissance planes, provided valuable information for
planning military operations and targeting enemy positions. Aircraft were used to spot enemy
artillery positions and direct artillery fire onto enemy targets. Pilots would fly over enemy lines
to observe the fall of artillery shells and adjust the aim of the guns accordingly. This aerial
observation helped to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of artillery barrages, especially
during major offensives. : Aircraft were used for anti-submarine warfare, patrolling coastal
waters and hunting enemy submarines after germans had started unrestricted submarine warfare
in 1916. Naval aircraft dropped depth charges and conducted aerial patrols to detect and destroy
enemy U-boats, helping to protect allied shipping lanes and disrupt enemy naval operations.
German zepplins bombed london on may 1915 causing civilian casualties. However the british
found methods to disrupt them such as black outs and fighter planes. Aircraft were also not
worth the cost with their potential not being understood. their were 103 air raids killing 1400
civilians with not much impact.

gas

The first large-scale use of chemical weapons, including chlorine gas, occurred in April 1915
during the Second Battle of Ypres. German forces released chlorine gas from pressurized
cylinders, creating a toxic cloud that drifted towards enemy positions. The gas caused
widespread panic and confusion among Allied troops and inflicted significant casualties. Various
types of toxic gases were used during World War I, including chlorine, phosgene, and mustard
gas. These gases had different effects on soldiers, ranging from causing respiratory irritation and
choking to blistering skin and causing internal damage. Mustard gas, in particular, was notorious
for its ability to cause severe burns and long-term health effects. Artillery shells filled with gas
could be fired into enemy trenches, releasing toxic fumes upon impact. Gas canisters were also
deployed along the front lines, where they could be ruptured by artillery fire or opened manually
by soldiers. However they proved to be indecisive since they relied on wind direction and could
blow the wrong way and the inavailabillity of proper hs equipment. it was overall responsible for
4 percent of war deaths but was usually seen as cruel punishment which back fired. he use of gas
in World War I represented a new and horrific form of warfare that inflicted suffering and
casualties on a massive scale. Gas attacks transformed the battlefield and underscored the
brutality and inhumanity of modern warfare. The use of chemical weapons during World War I
led to international condemnation and ultimately spurred efforts to prohibit their use in future
conflicts.
verdun

The French suffered an estimated 377,000 casualties (dead, wounded, and missing), while the
Germans suffered approximately 337,000 casualties. The intense fighting and heavy artillery
bombardments inflicted horrific casualties, making Verdun one of the bloodiest battles of the
war. Verdun held immense symbolic significance for both the French and German nations. For
the French, Verdun was seen as a symbol of national pride and defiance, as it was the site of one
of France's greatest military victories during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. For the
Germans, capturing Verdun was viewed as a strategic objective that would weaken French
morale and potentially force France out of the war. Both sides engaged in relentless artillery
bombardments and infantry assaults, resulting in a grinding and protracted battle of attrition. The
strategic significance of Verdun led to a relentless commitment of resources and manpower by
both the French and German armies. • Both sides suffered terrible casualties. On 25 February,
General Philippe Pétain was put in charge of defending Verdun. He strengthened French
resistance. The only French route into the city was widened and constantly repaired after German
bombardments, so that the city received around 4000 tonnes of supplies each week and was
reinforced by 20 000 men every day. The Germans pioneered the use of infiltration tactics,
where small groups of highly trained stormtroopers bypassed strongpoints and penetrated deep
into enemy lines. Meanwhile, the French developed innovative defensive strategies, including
the use of interconnected trenches and underground fortifications to withstand German assaults.

somme

To relieve pressure on the French, the British launched the Battle of the Somme. On 11 July,
Falkenhayn ended the Verdun offensive and transferred men to the Somme. Fighting continued
until December 1916, but nothing was gained by either side. Verdun showed that as long as the
defending side could sustain casualties, trench warfare made attacking virtually impossible. •
1916 There was a widespread belief in Britain that a major victory on the Western Front could be
a turning-point in the war. To support this, conscription had been introduced in January 1916,
and 100 000 reinforcements were arriving every month. The British army numbered almost 1.3
million men by spring 1916. On 1 July 1916, the British commander Sir Douglas Haig launched
a massive attack on German trenches at the River Somme. The plan consisted of three parts. 1
Heavy shelling for seven days, designed to destroy German defences, inflict heavy casualties and
clear barbed wire. Five large mines would be detonated beneath the German trenches. 2 Infantry
advance at 10.30 a.m. on 1 July. Soldiers had to walk slowly and clear remaining Germans from
front line trenches. 3 A second wave of attack, including cavalry, would sweep through. • The
British suffered 57 470 casualties on the first day, 19 240 killed and almost 40 000 wounded.
Most of these casualties were suffered in the first 20 minutes of the battle. When Haig ended the
attack in November, only 11 kilometres had been gained. The Somme became a battle of attrition
that claimed over 1 million casualties

haig in ww1 bad

• Haig has been severely criticised for his leadership and tactics. Some evidence suggests that he
deserves his nickname, the 'Butcher of the Somme'. • His planning was poor. • He allowed the
attack to continue long after it was clearly failing which led to hundreds of thousands of
additional casualties. again at flers • Haig was inflexible, unimaginative and did not learn from
his mistakes. In 1917, he ordered another major attack at Passchendaele, near Ypres. In three
months of muddy fighting the British captured just 6.5 kilometres. Haig refused to consider a
unified Allied Command in 1917, and failed to cooperate with French generals in 1917 and
1918. • The war was won on the Western Front, not through Haig's 'Big Push' tactics but with
surprise attacks without massive bombardments - tactics learnt from the Germans ritics of Haig
point to his controversial decisions and the high cost of human life during his command. The
battles of the Somme and Passchendaele, characterized by massive casualties and limited gains,
are often cited as examples of Haig's flawed tactics and disregard for the lives of his men. The
failure to adequately adapt to the realities of trench warfare and the persistence in launching
costly offensives have tarnished Haig's reputation as a military leader.

haig in ww1 good

The Battle of the Somme was planned at short notice. Haig originally planned a major battle near
Ypres in 1916 but was forced to rethink after the German attack on Verdun. • He was only given
about half the forces that he believed he needed to win at the Somme. Haig was not alone in
failing to understand how warfare had changed. Most other First World War commanders used
the same tactics. • Haig's tactics changed at Vimy Ridge in April 1917. Tunnels were dug to
allow attackers to get closer to enemy lines and soldiers were issued with maps so that attacks
could continue even if officers were killed. • Haig's tactics did wear down the German forces and
contribute to their defeat in 1918. • Haig was a caring man and his private papers show that he
felt deeply sorry about the loss of his men.

On one hand, Haig's supporters argue that he faced unprecedented challenges on the Western
Front and made difficult decisions in a complex and evolving conflict. Haig inherited a war
characterized by trench warfare, technological innovations, and staggering casualties. Despite
these challenges, he maintained the morale and cohesion of the British army, overseeing the
expansion and modernization of the BEF and implementing innovative tactics such as the use of
tanks and creeping barrages.

Furthermore, Haig's leadership was instrumental in key Allied victories, such as the Battle of
Amiens in 1918, which marked the beginning of the Hundred Days Offensive that ultimately led
to the defeat of Germany. His strategic vision and determination played a crucial role in breaking
the stalemate on the Western Front and securing Allied victory. Haig's leadership was
instrumental in key Allied victories, such as the Battle of Amiens in 1918, which marked the
beginning of the Hundred Days Offensive that ultimately led to the defeat of Germany. His
strategic vision and determination played a crucial role in breaking the stalemate on the Western
Front and securing Allied victory.