Somme

Question 1

The offensive

Answer 1

Royal flying corp shot down german observation balloons to ensure surprise

Gas attacks at 40 different places along front

Week long artillery bombardement

120,000 infantry went over the top . On the first day 20,000 british die

Question 2

Reasons for outcome

Answer 2

German trench was much stronger
Germans used defence much more effectively cutting down any allied soldiers advancing

Most allies infantry had never been in a battle before

Tanks were poorly managed as they were spread over a wide area reducing their effectiveness

Question 3

Nature of trench warfare

Answer 3

Boring daily routines such as cleaning weapons
Soldiers lived in dugouts
Constant wet feet led to trench foot
Winters were harsh and the constant bombardement prevented sleep
Disease spread
Shell shock occurred causing temporary paralysis , shaking and crying

Question 4

General Haig

Answer 4

Wanted to pin the troops at the somme
Was under too much pressure from Government
Realised heavy casualties would hit the Germans harder than the allied troops

However he kept his failing strategies
Used new technology terribly
Did not listen to any advice from colleagues