Trench Warfare

Words: 1823
Pages: 8

July 28, 1914 was a significantly important historical event marked as the beginning of the First World War. World War I, had started for several reasons and resulted in a far-reaching effect on Europe and around the world. World War I was a European War whom developed alliances as Great Britain, Italy, Russia, France, and the United States ended up defeating alliances of Germany Austria-Hungary, Turkey, and Bulgaria. Even though the war had many drawbacks and created a dangerous environment for many but the war also resulted in technological advances that helped shape the war in a variety of ways. World War I had a severe aftermath resulting in an unfair treatment for Germany. Even though all the countries that were equally involved in World …show more content…
Being an officer in World War I or even being an eyewitness is a scary event in one’s life to be part of. In the primary source, “Storm of Steel” by Ernst Junger the author reveals his experience as he served in the trenches. Trench Warfare can be described as a form of combat where armies fight their opposing side, which are long holes in dirt. In the article the author states, “In reply I hears a monotonous tale of crouching all day in shell holes with no one on either flank and no trenches communicating with the rear, of unceasing attacks, of dead bodies littering the ground, of maddening thirst, of wounding and dying, and a lot besides.” (Junger, 203) . This quote exhibits that men have to crouch in the trenches the whole day without any concern on how they might damage their back seeing so many dead bodies in trenches which can cause the spread of diseases, and of lice. In addition, the author mentions, “A little girl little dead in a pool of blood on the threshold of one of the doorways.” (Junger, 203) as it reveals that not only army men are being killed but also innocent people like this little girl whom had nothing to do with war and the pride that the various countries had turned into aggressiveness. Seeing dead bodies is not a great sight as mentioned in the article by Ernst Junger which caused …show more content…
Many individuals might believe that Germany was responsible for the war and the Treaty of Versailles was fair, in reality, the Treaty of Versailles failed to provide punishment and put the blame on the right country. According to the article Versailles Peace Treaty Article 231 states, “The Allied and Associated Governments affirm and Germany accepts the responsibility of Germany and her allies for causing all the loss and damage to which the Allied and Associated Governments and their nationals have been subjected as a consequence of the war…” (Versailles Peace Treaty, 313) . This quote reveals that Germany was held responsible for the war and were forced to pay reparations and other valuables that they owned. However, this decision was unfair because Germany was not involved when the treaty was being drafted. This is the “War Guilt” clause which explains that Germany did all the damage and loss. This made it seem like instead of creating peace they were taking out their revenge and knew that Germany was not present in the meeting so all the blame can be put on them. Instead the country who started the war should be held responsible because they were not the