why did trench warfare start?

Answer 1

At the time, it seemed like a much better idea than lining up and shooting eachother in an open field with no cover. Which was what had been done in the past - with blackpowder weapons that could only be fired about 5 times a minute. Advances in weapon technology required improved defenses, and entrenchment was about the best anyone could come up with (tanks were also born of the same need).

Answer 2

Technology strongly favoured the defender. Machine guns, more effective and accurate atillery (recoil mechinisms etc), accurate individual rifles with a relatively high rate of fire and the use of massed armies all proved to cost an army far too highly in mobile warfare. The lack of armour of any kind offered the soldiers no form of protection that could break the 'face-off' that developed due to the immobile nature of trenches. The complex mutually supporting trench systems that developed made it harder still to attack an entrenched enemy. The 'no-mans land' (area between the opposing trenches), became a lethal killing area that became increasingly difficult to move through without taking extremely heavy casualties. A good example of how difficult it was is the battle of the Somme,1916. The British attackers suffered nearly 60,000 casualties on the first day, 20,000 of which were killed. All this was on a front only 25 miles long.

Answer 3

At the time, it was the most sound defensive tactic. The machine gun was finally finding its way into infantry units with regularity and it cut down advancing troops, who still were ordered to march (often shoulder to shoulder) before nearing the enemy and charging. The Germans in WWI had two fronts and were bogged down, so they dug trenches, put machine guns in place, and sat back and cut down everyone that came their way. The trenches also provided some protection from shelling by the also recently improved upon (and more common) artillery. Chemical weapons, like mustard gas, were developed in part to ensure the soldiers hiding in the trenches could be reached by artillery. The forces attacking an entrenched foe would also need their own trenches, for protection against attacks (including artillery) while mustering enough forces to charge or assault enemy positions. Some of the best stories of heroism from the period (like Sgt. York), highlighted the use of small unit tactics, which were eventually adopted.

Answer 4

Trench warfare started to minimize the losses made from war. This was a very common procedure during WWI. However, specially made tanks were created to attack soldiers in trenches. This would also be useful in hiding the enemy position, but when the soldiers would pop up to advance, the enemy would have barbed wire, land mines, and machine guns to blow away the competition. The soldiers would have to retreat and the enemy would then advance. These trenches would be about 20 feet apart, so it would be easier to advance. Hope this helps!

Answer 5

The Civil War used extensive trench networks especially during a siege such as Vicksburg, Richmond, Petersburg etc. Even during the Revolutionary War they were used though a greater usel of breastworks.

Answer 6

it started in World war 1 when the first war that they are using machine guns in the field. Back in the times general use to order their men to charge to the enemy position. Because they dont want to get hit by artillery fire. So when the machine gun was introduced the loses on both sides was devastating i mean it would take more 10000 men to move 100 yards. So. to protect themselves they start digging in and fight the old fashion way wait for ur enemy to pop then you shoot when the numbers in their favor then they will try to charge.

Answer 7

simple reason tacit,s had not evolved or weapon,s to stragcliley give one side the victory it wanted at the beginning of the war and as technology did get in there either one side used it or not and the body count went up