Trench Warfare After World War 1
In World War 1, the tactics were simple. Armies would dig into the ground for protection and wait for the enemy to attack. When there was an attack, it would not be very effective because the army would be in a large trench that was hard to capture. The world was not very technologically advanced in terms of warfare during World War 1 and as a result, it would take long periods of time to eventually break through enemy lines and capture trenches. Mini battles between trenches lasted months at a time and both sides favored the defensive strategies. After World War 1, countries around the world began developing new technology and new strategies. Because of this, the tactics of trench warfare slowly began to disappear at the start of World War 2. The Allies expected it to be a war of slow fighting and defensive strategies. Because of this, they positioned their armies in a defensive manner throughout Belgium to wait for a German attack. The Germans, however, took advantage of new technology and strategies that came as a result of World War 1. They developed what is known as “Blitzkrieg” tactics and used a combination of technology and strategy to successfully advance through Belgium and Allied lines. Instead of the “ancient” defensive tactics used in trench warfare throughout World War 1, the Germans focused on the use of offensive strategies. They did this by using a large number of tanks, dive-bombers, other forms of aircraft, and quick attacks to surprise and stun the Allies. This allowed the Germans to break through fortresses and barriers quicker and easier. This type of warfare was unheard of during most of World War 1, and because the Allies did not expect this strategy, the Germans found great success in their tactics throughout World War 2. As a result of the surprise German tactics, the Allies were forced to adapt during the war. In an attempt to counter, Allied commanders began to abandon their former defensive strategies and go on the offensive side to fight back against the successful Blitzkrieg tactics. This change in strategy gradually led to the end of trench warfare and the beginning of a new age of warfare after World War 1 (Foley, 2011, Blitzkrieg).
Foley , Robert. "Blitzkrieg ." BBC History . BBC, 30 2011. Web. 27 Nov 2012. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/blitzkrieg_01.shtml>.
This website talks about beginning of World War 2 and the different strategies between the Germans and the Allies. It discusses the reasons why World War 2 was a more offensive-based war as opposed to the defensive strategies of World War 1.
Foley , Robert. "Blitzkrieg ." BBC History . BBC, 30 2011. Web. 27 Nov 2012. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/blitzkrieg_01.shtml>.
This website talks about beginning of World War 2 and the different strategies between the Germans and the Allies. It discusses the reasons why World War 2 was a more offensive-based war as opposed to the defensive strategies of World War 1.