Trenches were created during World War One because advanced weaponry was invented during the Industrial Revolution. Before World War One, battles were fought in a different style. The soldiers would stand in rows of straight lines, and they were ordered shoot while charging at the enemy. When they were close enough they would use bayonets to stab the opposing side. However, when different types of artillery was introduced, this style of fighting was no longer beneficial to either side. Both armies used this advanced weaponry because they were able to fire quickly, killing almost everyone in their path. This posed an issue because the powerful artillery was able to destroy the armies on both sides, leaving no clear winner. Because of these advances, there was only one solution. They were forced to find a new style of fighting, one which allowed more coverage. This way the weapons could not obliterate both attacking sides. This new style was called trench warfare. A trench is a formation of dirt and rubble that was dug below ground level. The trenches had many different parts and provided the maximum amount of protection from the enemy. However, they were very narrow. All the countries that fought during World War I had their own trenches during the First World War. Even though they had similarities, each country had it's own unique touches.
German Trenches
The German army during World War I had some of the most elegant trenches. Their trenches were lined with wood on the walls and floors. They also included shutters covering dugouts on the back wall of the front line trench for soldiers to sleep. Custom built gun holes were created so the the soldiers could fire at the enemy without exposing themselves. There was even doormats at the entrances of the trenches for the soldiers to wipe their muddy boots. The Germans created elaborate trenches because they considered them the new German border. They wanted the soldiers to be comfortable because they meant to stay there for long periods of time. Unlike the Germans, other countries had temporary trenches. They did not feel the need to keep the soldiers comfortable because they would continue taking over enemy trenches.