An Industrial War

Learning Target: I will be able to give reasons explaining how the Industrial Revolution impacted World War I.

Illinois Social Science Standards

SS.H.4.6-8.LC: Explain multiple causes and effects of historical events.

SS.H.4.6-8.MdC: Compare the central historical arguments in secondary works across multiple media.

SS.H.4.6-8.MC: Organize applicable evidence into a coherent argument about the past.

SS.H.1.6-8.LC: Classify series of historical events and developments as examples of change and/or continuity.

SS.H.1.6-8.MdC: Analyze connections among events and developments in broader historical contexts.

SS.H.1.6-8.MC: Use questions generated about individuals and groups to analyze why they, and the developments they shaped, are seen as historically significant.

Key Terms

Mass Production - is the manufacture of large quantities of standardized products, frequently utilizing assembly line technology.
Munitionettes - women employed in ammunition and weapons factories during the time of the First World War.
Trench Warfare - a type of land warfare that involves digging a network of ditches and earthen fortifications in which soldiers are well-protected from the enemy.

Bell Ringer Discussion

Why did the Germans refer to the First World War as Materialschlachte?
What challenges did trench warfare present to soldiers on both sides?
Which three weapons do you believe were the worst soldiers had to face during World War I?

9.4: Industrial War

An Industrial War

The Germans called World War I "“Materialschlachte”—a battle of materials.
Industrial Revolution led to the production of more efficient ways of killing large numbers of people on the battlefield

Understanding Data

What is the purpose of this graph?
What does this graph say about the importance of explosives during World War I?
Since explosives were important during the war, how might this graph predict which side will have more successful battles each year?

Trench Warfare

Complex network of trenches in order to fortify their position.
Trenches were horribly filthy as they would often fill with rain making them glorified ditches.
Battles during World War I were long and overwhelming.
Nations adopted the strategy of wearing down the enemy until it was unable to produce enough resources to continue fighting.

Letters from World War I Soldiers and Family (1914-1918)

Letter #1 - Name: Stephen Brown Written: July, 1914Dear Mother, Just a line to let you know that I am getting on alright in the Army. I hope that you are all well as I am myself. I am very sorry for what I done when I was at home and will pay you back when I get some more pay. I like the Army very well for I am going to join the Regulars when I have done my time in the Reserve. Then I shall be able to pay you back for I get 30 shillings/£1.50 as a bounty. I hope you and Dad will forgive me for what I done when at home. I cannot write no more at present for I have to do some more work. Trusting you will forgive me. I remain your son.

Letter #2 - Name: Private H. F. Leppard Written: December, 1914The soldiers at the front need more rest. While in the trenches the water is over our knees most of the time. The war is going to last some time yet, and might be another twelve months before it is over. The war has only just begun and its going to be a war of exhaustion. After the regular armies have done their work it means that all the young lads at home being trained and disciplined and will take our place in the field. The sooner people understand this, the better, it will be for the nation.

Letter #3 - Name: Private Stanley Terry Written: November, 1915We have just come out of the trenches after being in for six days and up to our waists in water. While we were in the trenches one of the Germans came over to our trench for a cigarette and then back again, and he was not fired at. We and the Germans started walking about in the open between the two trenches, repairing them, and there was no firing at all. I think they are all getting fed up with it.

Letter #4 - Name: CSM Adams Written: 1916We are up here in the trenches these last few days. I am writing this letter on the side of the trench. No less than five shells have burst beside me since I started to write. One may get used to rifle bullets and does, but you can never get used to the shells, they make such an awful noise ... the German bullet is not made yet that is to kill me. I must thank you for what you sent me in your parcel. You are so awful good to me. I do not know how I will ever repay you. All in the parcel was alright...you must have spent some in packing it.

Letter #5 - Name: Officer Montgomery Written: 1916Dear Father and Mother, I feel it is more than time that I wrote and told you something of the war. 'The wee war' as your dear sweet wee grandson called it... I am still writing to Mr Gaffikin about his son George. He got his death wound when fighting desperately side by side with me in the wildest hand grenade and machine-gun fight man could live or die in. I am said to have absolutely no nerves. I saw over a hundred of our men blown to fragments by a big shell about 200 yards from where I was lying. It's turned midnight and I think I will sleep now

Letter #6 - Name: Richard Palmer Written: Christmas 1917I thank you all for your kind thoughts of me and also for the very useful box of comforts you sent. The box contained just the things that are needed I think most by the men in the trenches. Socks are in great demand when the weather is bad and mud is everywhere, and the mitts and woollen headgear are desirable if not essential, when the weather is cold. We'd both kinds of weather on our last trip in the line so you can imagine how thankful I was that your parcel arrived the day before we went into the trenches. I am now on rest enjoying good health and am expecting to get leave soon. Again thanking you all for the parcel of comforts and trusting that before long we may see the end of the awful conflict. I remain An Old St Mark's Boy.

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