What were the conditions of warfare during World War I and how did the affect the soldiers involved?

Answer 1

WWI had some horrible combat. It was a dangerous time in which modern technology was beginning to change the ways wars were conducted, and yet the commanders somehow got stuck with outdated strategies from decades before when capability was lessened.
First, there was gas used for the first time in history. Agents such as mustard gas and chlorine gas choked and tortured many, killed some, but mostly maimed and disabled.
Second, machineguns such as "devil's paintbrush" mowed down entire lines of men coming in frontal assaults. Not only that, bolt-action rifles were more deadly, faster reloading, and more accurate than cowboy guns.
On the seas, also, the Juggernauts and submarines and torpedoes sent many men to the bottom, in those iron hulks with no escape.
All this happened while the standard trench line was still used along with outmoded tactics that didnt match the technology of the time.

Answer 2

I do not have words to answer your question, especially in the short time that you have. I recommend your renting a DVD called, "A Very Long Engagement," based on the novel by Japrisot, which I recommend your reading also.