The First World War - Trench Warfare

This lesson examines the nature and impact of trench warfare during World War I. Students will learn about the development and structure of trenches, the daily life of soldiers, and the weaponry used. Activities include video analysis, group research on weapons, and a trench drawing exercise. The lesson concludes with a paragraph writing task using key vocabulary and peer feedback to solidify understanding.

Lesson Content and Activities:

Introduction:

Discuss why trench warfare was relatively new on this scale and the shift from previous military tactics.
Watch a clip from the Waterloo movie for context.
Weapons of War:

Introduction to key weapons that changed warfare: machine guns, artillery, barbed wire, bolt-action rifles, chemical weapons, tanks, and aircraft.
Team Teaching:

In groups, research a specific weapon and create a 2-minute presentation.
Present findings to other groups, focusing on the weapon’s impact on battles.
Trench Features:

Draw and label a simplified trench diagram in notebooks.
Discuss the different parts of a trench, including latrine, sandbags, machine gun positions, duckboards, periscopes, firesteps, and barbed wire.
Trench Network Management:

Discuss how soldiers were rotated through different trenches and the reasons behind this system.
No-Man’s Land:

Discuss the challenges and horrors of No-Man’s Land, including the difficulties of retrieving bodies and the psychological impact on soldiers.
Literature Review:

Read an extract from “All Quiet on the Western Front” to understand the demoralising reality of trench warfare.
Writing Task:

Plan and write a paragraph explaining trench warfare using new vocabulary.
Include terms like bolt-action rifles, gas, aircraft, duckboards, artillery, barbed wire, No-Man’s Land, zig-zag trench, support trench, reserve trench, tanks, machine guns, periscope, sandbags, communication trenches, dugouts, and dressing stations.
Peer review the paragraphs for accuracy and completeness.
Resources:

Video clip link
Research slides for weapons
Simplified trench diagram
Literature extract from “All Quiet on the Western Front”
Peer review checklist
Taken from a series of over 30 First World War lessons made by Wolsey Academy. They provide a thorough foundation of knowledge in this vital period of 20th Century History and each lesson looks to focus on a range of historical skills and exam techniques to equip students with knowledge and transferable research, analysis and study skills.

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