The War Flashcards
What was the war like?
What kind of War was this and how was it fought?
Traditional cavalry charges were useless against modern weapons so soldiers had to dig trenches to protect themselves
When was the battle of the Somme?
1916
How many soldiers were killed in this battle?
over 1 million! That is about 4 times the population of Newcastle!
What were the conditions like in the trenches and how would you describe them?
Conditions were terrible, living and fighting in cold, muddy, rat-infested huts cut into the mud. Trench foot and other diseases were very common
How did the war end?
The Triple Entente with the Royal Navy successfully blockaded the German ports so that they could not get food, oil or metal to build guns. This took 4 years!
When did the war end?
November 11th at 11am (Armistice or ceasefire)
What weapon was used for the first time in the war?
Chemical weapons e.g. Mustard Gas
What other technology was used in the war?
Aircraft, machine guns, grenades and tanks as well as submarines.
Why were horses important in the War?
They helped to transport goods and carried soldiers.
What were some of the advantages of trenches?
Cheap and easy yo build
Didn’t require a lot of men to build or defend
What were some disadvantages of trenches?
Wet
Lice infestation
Rats
Disease
Limited access to running water and toilets
Hard to get out of without being seen by the enemy
What are some of the reasons that men were willing to risk their lives in WWI?
Adventure - Never been aboard - Chance to see the world
Money - Extra 20p a week as a solider and no better jobs available
Peer Pressure - Boss might be a bully, Friends had joined up. Girls found it attractive
Patriotism - Parents loved their country, posters convincing them to join
Why did the battle of the Somme fail?
Britain and France Team up Lack of Artillery Weak barricade Didn't give any orders No Plan B
