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Trench Warfare

Definition

Trench warfare is a type of combat in which opposing troops fight from trenches facing each other. This was a common form of warfare used on the Western Front during World War I.

Analogy

Imagine playing a game of capture the flag where both teams dig deep ditches to protect their territory and make it harder for the other team to advance. That's similar to how trench warfare worked.

Related terms

No Man's Land: The area between opposing trenches in trench warfare, which neither side could cross without being exposed to enemy fire. It's like the risky open ground you have to cross in capture-the-flag game to reach your opponent’s flag.

Western Front: A major theatre of war during WWI where much of the trench warfare took place. Think about it as the main playground or field where this intense game (war) was played out.

Stalemate: A situation in which neither side can win a decisive victory. In our game analogy, it would be if both teams are so well-matched that neither can successfully capture the other's flag.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.