Assess the impact of tactics using new weapons in attempts to break the stalemate on the Western Front (2008, 10 marks)
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Thesis: New technological advancements had a significant impact on tactics in attempts to break the stalemate on the western front.
once the war of movement had seized, the defensive nature of the weaponry in early war meant that stalemate would eventually concur.
-both sides launched offensives to attempt and overcome the stalemate
battles:
Battle of Verdun - Falkenhayn launched a strategic offensive on the historical town of Verdun knowing that the French would be forced to defend it - in attempts to "bleed the French white"
whole French army served at Verdun.
following initial success, German casualties numbered 330 thousand, compared to the French 350 thousand.
Technological advancements saw the use of the Tanks in the battle of Somme.
Impact was significant, however, initially, they were labelled by English general Haig as "toys".
Whilst the battle of Somme relieved the pressure at Verdun, it holds the record for being the bloodiest battle, with 60 thousand British casualites on the first day of combat.
the attack was deemed as a huge failure, and Haig claimed "a war of attrition"
Battle of Passchendaele:
aimed to capture Belgian ports of Ostende and Zeebrugge which were being used by german submarines
poor weather ultiamtely ruined any hope of a successfull attack as constant rain left battlefields muddy which resulted in tanks, men and supplies becoming bogged.
- British gained 10km
Gas: had a detrimental impact on the mental state of soldiers as it was mainly feared rather than fatal.
however, production of gas masks made gas useless. - the three different types of gas: phospehene, mustard and chlorine.
Heavy artillery: with the ability to fire shells upto 20km, the impact was significant in attempts to weaken enemy trench lines before an infantry attack.
Account for the changes in attitudes on the home front through out 1914 to 1918. (10 marks)