Trench warfare is the type of fighting when both sides dig trenches in order to defend against the enemy. These trench systems could be miles long and made it nearly impossible for either side to advance.
In WW1, trench warfare took place along the western front in France, Belgium and Luxemburg. The trench systems ran from the North Sea to Switzerland. Over the course of the war not much ground was gained by either side after the trenches were dug. One side would attack the other, sending wave after wave of soldiers until either they gave up or overran the other trench.
No man’s land was the land between the trenches of the opposing sides. This land was covered in deep mud, artillery craters, barbed wires, and land mines. This made it even more difficult for the attacking side.
Life in the trenches was difficult. They were filled with pests. Including rats, lice, and frogs. Rats often eat their way into the soldiers food and sometimes eat at sleeping soldiers. The abundance of lice resulted in a disease known as Trench Fever.
Because trenches were essentially ditches in the ground, when it rained they would get flooded and the walls would get covered with mud. The constant moisture would cause an infection called Trench Foot. The moisture along with the natural low temperature would cause many soldiers to suffer from frost bite.
The trenches had a significant impact on the soldiers psychology. The constant death numbed their minds. The bombardment of artillery left many shell shocked.