Life on the Western Front

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to life on the Western Front during World War I, drawn from the lecture notes.

Battle of the Somme

A significant battle during World War I where British forces attacked German positions, resulting in high casualties.

Going over the top

The act of soldiers climbing out of their trenches to attack enemy positions during World War I.

No Man's Land

The area between opposing trenches, often filled with barbed wire and shell holes.

Artillery

Large-caliber guns used in warfare on land to bombard enemy positions.

Trench foot

A medical condition caused by prolonged exposure of the feet to damp, unsanitary, and cold conditions, common in WWI.

Comradeship

A sense of camaraderie and support among soldiers, crucial for mental well-being in the trenches.

Shell shock

A term used during WWI to describe the psychological trauma experienced by soldiers exposed to the horrors of war.

Machine guns

Rapid-firing firearms that caused devastating casualties during attacks, particularly at the Somme.

Casualties

Soldiers who were killed, wounded, or missing in action during battles.

Propaganda

Information or misinformation used to promote a particular political cause or point of view, widely used in wartime.