Life in the trenches

Armed Forces in the trenches (1914-1918)

Synopsis

This lesson is focused on the First World War (1914-1918), looking specifically at trench warfare, life in the trenches and personal effects. The lesson is supported by a range of engaging and thought-provoking source materials from the Imperial War Museum, including photographs, letters and excerpts from soldiers' journals. Students should be encouraged to draw parallels between the First World War and warfare in the 21st century.
They should consider that troops currently engaged in combat are also exposed to very difficult conditions and subject to extreme emotional pressure. It is important that the First World War (1914-1918) and Second World War (1939-1945) are not seen as isolated events. At any moment in time there are about 50 armed conflicts across the world, in some of which British citizens or troops may be involved. Students should anticipate that the intense conditions of warfare will be experienced by many of their countrymen and women during their own lifetime.

MOD Topic

Armed Forces in the trenches (1914-1918)

Curriculum Checklist

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Curriculum Links

• Citizenship
• English

Prior Knowledge

Causes of the First World War (1914-1918)

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Have a basic understanding that trench warfare differs from other types of warfare.
• Understand some of the aspects of trench life, including the conditions faced by soldiers on a day-to-day basis.
• Understand that the Defence of the Realm Act impacted on the letters soldiers were able to send back home.
• Partially understand that service men and women fighting in 21st century theatres of war have to undergo difficult living conditions.

Average ability students will:

• Understand that trench warfare differs from other types of warfare and recognise some of the problems involved in preparing for it during the First World War.
• Understand some of the aspects of trench life, including the conditions faced by soldiers on a day-to-day basis.
• Understand the Defence of the Realm Act and some of the reasons it was introduced.
• Understand that service men and women fighting in 21st century theatres of war have to undergo difficult living conditions and emotional pressures.

Higher ability students will:

• Fully understand how trench warfare differs from other types of warfare and appreciate why it was very difficult to prepare for it during the First World War due to the fact that it was a type of warfare which hadn't been previously experienced.
• Understand some of the aspects of trench life, including the conditions faced by soldiers on a day-to-day basis.
• Fully understand the Defence of the Realm Act and recognise some of the reasons it was introduced and the way it impacted on soldiers' communications.
• Fully understand that service men and women fighting in 21st century theatres of war have to undergo difficult living conditions in extreme environments and severe emotional pressures.

Lesson code

H7