What was the military tactic of the trench system?

Answer 1

Trench warfare is nearly as old as warfare itself; however, because of the relatively small size of the armies and the lack of range of the weapons, it was traditionally not possible to defend more than a short defensive line or isolated strong point. Although both the art of fortification and the art of weaponry advanced a great deal in the second half of the second millennium, the traditional rule remained; a fortification required a large body of troops to defend it. Small numbers of troops simply could not maintain a volume of fire sufficient to repel a determined attack. Trench warfare was not hard for any man.

Trenches did impede an attacking enemy's movement and provided a psychological benefit for the men manning them. With this in mind, it became common practice for Roman legions to entrench their encampments every night. A fortified camp was extremely hard to assault directly, and a Roman commander who did not wish to engage an enemy could often simply remain encamped.

Once siege engines (such as the trebuchet) were developed, the techniques involved in assaulting a town or a fortress became well known and ritualised-the siège en forme. The attacking army would surround a town. Then the town would be asked to surrender. If it did not comply, the besieging army would invest (surround) the town with temporary fortifications to stop allies from the stronghold or relief getting in. The attackers would then build a length of trenches parallel to the defenses and just out of range of defending artillery. They would then dig a trench towards the town in a zigzag pattern so that it could not be enfiladed by defending fire, it also created a good vantage point from which to survey the enemy. Once within artillery range another parallel trench would be dug with gun emplacements. If necessary using the first artillery fire for cover, this process would be repeated until the guns were close enough to be laid accurately to make a breach in the fortifications. In order that the "Forlorn Hope" and their support troops could get close enough to exploit the breach, more zigzag trenches could be dug even closer to the walls with more parallel trenches to protect and conceal the attacking troops.

Answer 2

The trench system developed in World War I simply because of its effectiveness. At that time in Europe (and, to some extent, around the world), offensive technology and tactics were less advanced than defensive. As the key to defense, trenches were widely used by both sides of the conflict.

Answer 3

The trench system was developed during World War 2. it was like a dugout pretty much. It provided cover for the soldiers and was always filled with gas for one enemies tried to pass over the would die.

The main purpose was to kill enemies while protecting themselves and their country at the same time.

Answer 4

well um.....i think that they got on the fire step an shout the enemies side.

Answer 5

Is where they would dig holes/tunnels in the ground so they could stand down in them and only revealing there head. Acted as great cover

Answer 6

Trench warfare is a tactic that uses waiting and defense strategies.

Answer 7

They don't