Tactics and their Development

What were First World War tactics like?

Early in the war most large attacks followed a similar pattern. After a long artillery bombardment to weaken enemy defences, troops would go 'over the top' of their trenches to capture and hold enemy trenches.

What was the purpose of First World War tactics?

For most of the war, tactics on the Western Front were mainly concerned with breaking through enemy trenches and ending the stalemate, or killing as many enemy troops as possible in a war of attrition.

Why did First World War tactics fail to break the stalemate?

Tactics were poor and attacks failed for 3 reasons:

• ❖ The use of reconnaissance aircraft and the preliminary artillery bombardment gave the enemy warning of an imminent attack, and time to prepare.
• ❖ Attacking troops crossing no-man's land were exposed to machine gun and shell fire.
• ❖ The artillery bombardment was ineffective at cutting barbed wire and destroying deep dug-outs.

How did First World War tactics improve?

By 1918 tactics had been improved in 3 main ways:

• ❖ Artillery bombardments were shorter and more intense to maintain the element of surprise.
• ❖ Infantry advanced under the protection of 'creeping barrages', aircraft and tanks.
• ❖ Objectives were smaller and easier to defend when captured.