2.1.2

Stalemate

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Stalemate

The failure of the Schlieffen Plan led to stalemate in Western Europe.

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Trenches

  • As the Germans were unable to complete their swift (fast) attack on France, the Schlieffen Plan had failed.
  • Each side then dug trenches to protect their troops in Belgium and France.
  • This began the ‘trench warfare’ that characterised the First World War.
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Trench warfare

  • Trench warfare involved 3 lines of trenches.
    • The frontline was for launching attacks or defending against enemies. It usually involved infantry going ‘over the top’ using weapons such as rifles and grenades.
    • The support line provided a retreat from the frontline.
    • The reserve line was where troops waited in between offensives.
  • Trench warfare helped to create the stalemate of 1915 to 1918.
    • A stalemate is when neither side makes progress to defeat the other.

Jump to other topics

1The Causes of the First World War

2The First World War: Stalemate

3Ending the War

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