World War I settled into a stalemate (tie) as the Germans invaded France through Belgium and France attacked Germany through Lorraine.  Both efforts broke down due to the heavy losses.  In an effort to outflank each other, the two armies maneuvered north, digging in as they want in order to secure their positions.  By the end of November of 1914, lines of trenches extended north from the Swiss border through France and Belgium all the way to the North Sea.  This was the Western Front.  The stalemate that began here in November 1914 was destined to last until the end of the war four years later.  To learn more about the military strategies for both sides read about each below.

• Trench Warfare - http://www.worldwar1.com/tlwplans.htm

• New weapons of war  - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWweapons.htm

All contributed to the loss of life.

Assignment 6.02 - Stalemate in the West

In this assignment you will research actual firsthand accounts of what it was like to be a soldier in the trenches on the Western Front.  They are from both sides.  Create a fictitious diary entry that highlights what the experience of being a typical soldier on either the German or the Allied side.  Include a little about who you are, your age, where you grew up, and how you joined the military.  Be sure to include at least 10 diary entries over a 12-24 month time period.

 Use the following sites for background information

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/war/wwone/soldiers_stories_gallery.shtml
• http://members.aol.com/BUNCH2/ww1ltr.html
• http://collections.ic.gc.ca/turner/
• http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWtrench.htm