DNL 1ère 7/ Battle of the Somme

I. Strategic Goals and the Stalemate on the Western Front
II. Soldier Experiences and Living Conditions
III. Technological Innovations and Evolving Tactics

Stalemate – A situation where neither side can win; in WWI, trench warfare created a deadlock.
Western Front – The main battlefield in Western Europe, stretching from the North Sea to Switzerland.
Trench Warfare – A type of fighting in long, fortified ditches; made attacks costly and slow.
Battle of the Somme – A major WWI battle (July–Nov 1916) aimed at breaking the stalemate and supporting Verdun.
Casualties – Soldiers killed, wounded, or missing in action.
Artillery Bombardment – Heavy shelling intended to destroy enemy defenses before an attack.
Barbed Wire – Sharp wire used to slow or block enemy troops in front of trenches.
Machine Guns – Weapons that fired rapidly, giving defenders a strong advantage.
Tanks – Armored vehicles introduced to cross trenches and crush barbed wire; early models had mechanical problems.
Creeping Barrage – Artillery tactic where shells advance just ahead of infantry to protect them.
Poison Gas – Chemical weapon used to harm or demoralize enemy troops.
Shell Shock (PTSD) – Psychological trauma caused by constant artillery fire and horrors of trench life.
Trench Foot – Disease caused by prolonged exposure to wet, cold conditions in trenches.
Communication Innovations – Signal flares, runners, and field telephones used to coordinate attacks.
Fortified Positions – Strong defensive structures like bunkers, machine-gun nests, and reinforced trenches.