History Homework Help

M3D1: “They Shall Not Pass”: Verdun, the Somme, and the Use of New Technology

·         Evaluate the impact of new weapons technology such as chemical weapons and long-range artillery on the men caught in the fighting and on the outcomes of major battles (CO3, CO4, CO5)

As you read this week, the Western Front in 1915-1916 was mired in stalemate and, along with it, the physical and mental diseases associated with prolonged periods spent in the trenches. During this period, there were also several significant battles which attempted to break the stalemate. These battles, including Verdun and the Somme, resulted in incredibly high death tolls but little “victory” for either side. The staggering loss of life in these years was partially the result of new tactics and technology in warfare that no one correctly anticipated, transforming the way war was waged.

In preparation for this discussion, make sure you read the following: the Module Notes, Chapter 3 (see attached notes.), Chapter 6 (see attached notes.) and Chapter 7 (see arrched notes.) in the Neiberg textbook, Prados, J (2013), What WWI Generals Got Wrong (see attached notes.), Warren, C. (2014), An International Red Line (see attached notes.), and view World WarI [Video file]. (1990). Retrieved August 30, 2019, from https://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=103647&xtid=2598.) and Battle of Verdun (World War I: The death of glory [Video file]. (1997). Retrieved August 30, 2019, from https://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=103647&xtid=43124.).

Then, in an initial post of at least 250 words discuss the following:

·         What prompted the Battle of Verdun? Do you agree with the decision to deliberately provoke a battle of attrition? Why or why not?

·         How did the use of new technology influence the war in places like Verdun and the Somme?

·         Did the use of these help to hasten or prolong the fighting?

Your initial post must use evidence from the assigned readings, including at least two full citations in proper APA (Links to an external site.) or Chicago (Links to an external site.) style. Check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors. (Turnitin.com) is built into the assignments for this course by the faculty to check the originality of writing to avoid plagiarism.