WWI and Trench Warfare
Christi Thomas Aurora Junior High
April 7, 2014
Title of lesson: WWI and Trench Warfare
Author of lesson: Christi Thomas
Aurora Jr. High
Grade level: 7th & 8th
Resources: “Trench Warfare in WWI” American Institute for History Education
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9iR0xJW-Fk
Lesson Summary: Students will gain an understanding of the use of trench warfare in the
Western Front during WWI even though it had been used prior to WWI for example the Union
forces used it during the Civil War.
Common Core Standard in History/Social Studies or GLE’s:
Key Terms:
a. Trench warfare—type of strategy where soldiers live and fight from a ditch
protected by banks of earth
b. Western Front—area of battle in Western Europe—475 miles from the North
Sea to Switzerland
c. Frontline trench—trenches closest to the enemy; firing and attack
d. Support trench—trenches that could quickly assist frontline with men and
supplies
e. Reserve trench—trench on standby in case frontline and support trenches
were overrun by the enemy
f. Parapet—an extension of sandbags at the top of the frontline trenches to
protect soldiers from enemy fire
g. Communication trenches—trenches connecting the three lines of trenches;
used to move men, supplies, food, and deliver messages
h. No Man’s Land—area of land (about 300 yards) between the trenches of the
opposing forces
i. Sappers—listening posts very close to the enemy
First World War.com http://www.firstworldwar.com/features/trenchlife.htm
Historical Background: The United States hesitated to join WWI but did so after Germany
violated U.S. neutrality by attacking international shipping with its unrestricted submarine
warfare campaign. In 1915, most of the Western Front was crisscrossed with trenches of both of
the opposing forces—Allies and Central Powers.
Anticipatory Set: If there is an available ditch nearby to have students see or get into if
possible, have them imagine living in one day to day, rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc. Extreme
temperatures and little wiggle room and under constant threat of being attacked by forces and/or
sniper fire. Soldiers of WWI on the Western Front did this for approximately 2 months at a
time before being relieved. (If no ditch is available, just have students close their eyes and
envision this scenario.)
Activities:
 Take Pretest
 Before watching the teacher You Tube video, have students prepare to take notes about
trench warfare. Begin with the Key Terms above.
 Watch “Trench Warfare in WWI” by the American Institute for History Education
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9iR0xJW-Fk
Stop to discuss as needed
--Germans were first to use
--dimensions: 7 ft deep by 6 ft wide
--Rows of trenches>>zigzagged
--parapet
--firestep
--duckboards
--barbed wire
--No Man’s Land
--Life in the Trenches
-diseases—lice, trench foot, pneumonia, etc.
-Trench cycles
-Rituals
--Stand to
--Morning Hates
--Breakfast—truce
-daily chores
-down time
-dusk
 Lasted 4 years 1914-1918—mostly a stalemate
Procedures: See above
Homework:
None
Assessment:
Take post test
Extension: There are a lot of video clips and documentaries available to assist in the study of
WWI—the war to end all wars.
??Ask students--Why was this war referred to as “The war to end all wars”?
H.G. Wells wrote that only a defeat of German militarism would put an end to war. This caught
on as a catchphrase for the war.