Key Battles

Learning Intention: We will be learning about the experiences of soldiers in the trenches during World War 1

Success Criteria:

I will be successful when I am able to explain the experiences of soldiers during World War 1
I will be successful when I am able to examine the trench system on the Western and Eastern Fronts and evaluate its impact
I will be successful when I am able to analyse sources to show the nature of World War 1

BATTLE OF THE SOMME

"...the Germans could have attacked on both banks of the River Meuse simultaneously, and there can be little doubt that the French army would have been defeated. Such a defeat could well have led to complete collapse of the French military will, and to a German victory in the west..." (Gordon Corrigan: Mud, Blood and Poppycock)

When: Took place between July and November 1916
Where: Situated in the northern part of the Western Front, about 40kms east of Amiens and about 140kms north east of Paris.
Who: British forces were led by General Douglas Haig. The Germans, at this time, were led by General Erich von Falkenhayn, but he would soon be relieved of command following the failure of Verdun.
The aim: Haig's original purpose was for a breakthrough. Howeverm evidence now exists that he altered his diaries to argue that his aims were in fact to relieve the French at Verdun, prevent a transfer of German troops to the east an to wear down the German army

Using the Horrible Histories Cartoon 'The Somme', verify each fact provided with a historical source.

Horrible Histories Source Analysis

Activity

Select one of these battles to research

Verdun

Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres)

Tannenberg

Using the A3 page, create a poster for your selected battle.

Here are some ideas for information you could include:

Clear Heading (Title of the battle)
The dates of the battle
Location clearly indicate on the map provided
Purpose/ reasons for battle
Proposed goals and tactics
The nature/ consequences of battle
Significance

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