What type of warfare characterized World War I?

Trench warfare was a defining characteristic of World War I, fundamentally shaping the nature of combat during the conflict. This type of warfare involved soldiers digging extensive networks of trenches on the battlefield, which served as defensive positions to protect against enemy fire. The Western Front, in particular, showcased the brutal stagnation and horror of trench warfare, where large armies faced one another with little movement for extended periods.

This method of fighting resulted from the lethality of modern weaponry, such as machine guns and artillery, which made traditional tactics of open-field battle exceedingly dangerous. The trenches became symbolic of the war, illustrating the harsh living conditions, the psychological toll on soldiers, and the grim reality of stalemate that characterized many battles, such as those at Verdun and the Somme. The prolonged nature of trench warfare led to immense casualties and ultimately contributed to significant shifts in military strategy and technology in subsequent conflicts.