Activity 6
Contemporary World
Andrea Cortés Gastélum
Start
DAIRY ENTRIES
RESEARCH
RESOURCES
RESEARCH
- Life in the Trenches: trenches were long, narrow ditches dug into the soil were soldiers lived. It was often flooded, muddy, and full of rats and lice, creating unsanitary conditions which caused poor sanitation and diseases. Boredom and exhaustion were common living there.
- Diseases: they were often caused by rat infestation and lice. The most common were trench foot (caused by constant exposure to cold and wet temperatures), trench fever (bacterial infection caused by lice), trench mouth (gum infection due to poor hygiene and stress), typhus (caused by lice), and gastrointestinal illnesses.
- Gas attacks: terrifying clouds that drifted into trenches, mostly chlorine, mustard gas, etc. Men had to don gas masks or improvise with cloth or soak material in water/urine. The physical sensations were traumatizing: choking, burning eyes, nose, throat, difficulty breathing, fear and panic.
- Daily Routine: a routine included standing guard, repairing trenches, gathering provisions, sleeping in dugouts when possible, and rotating positions. When they weren’t under attack, soldiers were bored, cold, scared, and trying to keep warm, dry and clean. Sleep was constantly interrupted, with no comfort at all. Clothes wet, trenches smelly and mud everywhere.
Use of tanks (1916)
Christmas 1914
Battle of somme
The Battle of the Somme, from July to November 1916, was one of the most brutal battles in history, with over one million casualties. It was initiated by British and French forces to break through German lines and relieve pressure on the French at Verdun. It began with a massive artillery bombardment, but when troops went over the top on July 1st, the British suffered catastrophic losses—nearly 60,000 casualties on the first day alone. Despite months of brutal fighting, muddy trenches, and the first-ever use of tanks, the Allies advanced only a few miles. The battle came to symbolize the horrors and futility of trench warfare, leaving a lasting impact on military strategy and public perception of the war.
The Christmas Truce of 1914 was a spontaneous truce that occurred during World War I along the Western Front. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, German and Allied soldiers briefly set aside their weapons to share moments of peace. In several areas, troops emerged from their trenches met and exchanged gifts like food, tobacco, etc., and even played games of football. Carols were sung in multiple languages, and fallen soldiers were buried with joint ceremonies. Though not officially, the truce offered a powerful human reminder of shared humanity during one of history’s most devastating conflicts.
The first use of tanks in warfare occurred during the Battle of the Somme in September 1916, marking a revolutionary moment in military history. Introduced by the British Army, early named as landships, were designed to break the trench warfare. Although mechanically unreliable and painfully slow, the tanks managed to cross barbered wire, crush enemy defenses and provide rapid cover. Their psychological impact on German troops was significant, despite their limited success. While the 1916 deployment did not decisively shift the course of the battle it demonstrated the tank's potential, laying the groundwork for its more effective use in later battles.
Testimonies: letters from soldiers.
(1) Dardanelles: “an everlasting nightmare”.
(2) Trenches: “they were mostly mere boys”.
(3) Railhead: “empty petrol cans for bed”.
Diary/journal entries
Start
Day 1: April 1st, 1916.
DAY 2: APRIL 2ND, 1916.
DAY 3: APRIL 3RD, 1916.
Day 4: APRIL 4TH, 1916.
DAY 5: APRIL 5TH, 1916.
Resources
Chorba, T. (2018) PubMed Central - Trench Conflict with Combatants and Infectious Disease. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6200009/ S.A. (2025) BBC - What was life like in a World War One trench? https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z8sssbk#z7rqjsg S.A. (2025) Imperial War Museums - The Real Story of the Christmas Truce. https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/the-real-story-of-the-christmas-truce S.A. (2025) Imperial War Museums - What Was the Battle of the Somme? https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/what-was-the-battle-of-the-somme S.A. (S.F.) Canadian War Museum - Tanks and Armoured Vehicles. https://www.warmuseum.ca/firstworldwar/history/battles-and-fighting/weapons-on-land/chars-et-vehicules-blindes/# S.A. (S.F.) The National Archives - Letters from the First World War. https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/letters-first-world-war-1915/
Thank you!
April 2, 1916.
My first watch.
Last night was my first watch. The darkness is suffocating, broken only by the faint flicker of candles and the glow of distant flares. Every snap of a twig or rustle of mud sends my heart racing. I keep my rifle close, eyes wide and alert, listening to the sounds of the enemy trench just yards away. Somewhere out there, other men are doing the same, waiting, watching, ready.Sleep was impossible. The cold trickles into my bones, and my stomach growled in protest, the rations are limited and barely fill my appetite. We talked briefly about the gas masks we were issued, strange, heavy things we’re told could save our lives. It’s hard to imagine what gas feels like, but the fear of it is real. I feel a knot of anxiety I can’t shake. I hope I can be brave.
April 1, 1916.
My first day at the trenches.
We reached the front today after what felt like an endless march through mud and cold rain. The trenches stretch out like wounds across the land, narrow, waterlogged, and smelly. The air is heavy with smoke and the stink of damp earth mixed with something rotten, maybe decayed flesh or dirty water. The walls of the trenches are made of wood and sandbags, barely holding back the mud that filters through. The men are quiet, worn already despite having been here for weeks or months. Some laugh to hide the fear; others sit silently, lost in thought. I shared a small meal with a few others, hard biscuits, cold stew, and a thin cup of tea. Not much, but it’s all we have. The weight of what’s ahead scares me, I wonder how I’ll hold up. Tonight, I sleep in the trench for the first time. The cold bites through the thin blankets, and the distant boom never stops. I cannot imagine this becoming my new normal.
April 3, 1916.
My first bombardment.
The morning brought the bombardment. The earth shook beneath us as shells exploded all around. The sky was darkened by smoke and dirt. Men scrambled for cover, some cursing, some silent. The sound was terrifying, like the world was being torn apart piece by piece. I helped carry wounded soldiers to the medic’s station. Their cries and the smell of blood haunt me even now. Some injuries were terrible, far off what I expected. Food was forgotten in the chaos. I keep telling myself this is just the beginning, that somehow, we’ll survive. The officers speak of victory and honor, but all I see are tired, broken faces. Yet, in small moments, there is kindness, a pat on the back, a shared cigarette, a whispered joke to keep fear at bay.
April 5, 1916.
First gas alert.
Today we faced our first gas alert. The sirens blasted, a sharp wail that set every nerve on edge. We ran to grab our gas masks, stumbling with straps and buckles while the air thickened around us. I remember the choking feeling, even through the mask you fear that this invisible killer would still find a way. The gas passed after what felt like hours but was probably only minutes. We checked each other for signs of exposure (coughing, red eyes, trouble breathing). Some men were shaken, others calm. I looked around at my mates, we are all in this nightmare together, connected by fear and purpose. Sleep is not an option right now. My thoughts race, heart pounding with adrenaline even after the danger has passed. The trenches feel even darker and colder tonight.
April 5, 1916.
New lifestyle.
Five days in, and I am beginning to understand the rhythm of this strange, brutal existence. The mud clings to everything, swallowing boots and gear. Food remains limited, hard biscuits, soup, and the occasional piece of cold meat. Water is rationed and often muddy. We clean our rifles and equipment whenever we can, though there is little time or energy. Still, between the misery, there are moments of humanity. A shared joke, a letter from home read aloud, a brief moment of laughter over a broken radio playing music. I write this journal by candlelight, the scratching of my pen the only quiet sound in the trench. My body aches and my mind is drained, but I am alive. I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I will face it as I have these past days with fear, hope, and determination.
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Andrea Cortes Gastelum
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Transcript
Activity 6
Contemporary World
Andrea Cortés Gastélum
Start
DAIRY ENTRIES
RESEARCH
RESOURCES
RESEARCH
Use of tanks (1916)
Christmas 1914
Battle of somme
The Battle of the Somme, from July to November 1916, was one of the most brutal battles in history, with over one million casualties. It was initiated by British and French forces to break through German lines and relieve pressure on the French at Verdun. It began with a massive artillery bombardment, but when troops went over the top on July 1st, the British suffered catastrophic losses—nearly 60,000 casualties on the first day alone. Despite months of brutal fighting, muddy trenches, and the first-ever use of tanks, the Allies advanced only a few miles. The battle came to symbolize the horrors and futility of trench warfare, leaving a lasting impact on military strategy and public perception of the war.
The Christmas Truce of 1914 was a spontaneous truce that occurred during World War I along the Western Front. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, German and Allied soldiers briefly set aside their weapons to share moments of peace. In several areas, troops emerged from their trenches met and exchanged gifts like food, tobacco, etc., and even played games of football. Carols were sung in multiple languages, and fallen soldiers were buried with joint ceremonies. Though not officially, the truce offered a powerful human reminder of shared humanity during one of history’s most devastating conflicts.
The first use of tanks in warfare occurred during the Battle of the Somme in September 1916, marking a revolutionary moment in military history. Introduced by the British Army, early named as landships, were designed to break the trench warfare. Although mechanically unreliable and painfully slow, the tanks managed to cross barbered wire, crush enemy defenses and provide rapid cover. Their psychological impact on German troops was significant, despite their limited success. While the 1916 deployment did not decisively shift the course of the battle it demonstrated the tank's potential, laying the groundwork for its more effective use in later battles.
Testimonies: letters from soldiers.
(1) Dardanelles: “an everlasting nightmare”.
(2) Trenches: “they were mostly mere boys”.
(3) Railhead: “empty petrol cans for bed”.
Diary/journal entries
Start
Day 1: April 1st, 1916.
DAY 2: APRIL 2ND, 1916.
DAY 3: APRIL 3RD, 1916.
Day 4: APRIL 4TH, 1916.
DAY 5: APRIL 5TH, 1916.
Resources
Chorba, T. (2018) PubMed Central - Trench Conflict with Combatants and Infectious Disease. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6200009/ S.A. (2025) BBC - What was life like in a World War One trench? https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z8sssbk#z7rqjsg S.A. (2025) Imperial War Museums - The Real Story of the Christmas Truce. https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/the-real-story-of-the-christmas-truce S.A. (2025) Imperial War Museums - What Was the Battle of the Somme? https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/what-was-the-battle-of-the-somme S.A. (S.F.) Canadian War Museum - Tanks and Armoured Vehicles. https://www.warmuseum.ca/firstworldwar/history/battles-and-fighting/weapons-on-land/chars-et-vehicules-blindes/# S.A. (S.F.) The National Archives - Letters from the First World War. https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/letters-first-world-war-1915/
Thank you!
April 2, 1916.
My first watch.
Last night was my first watch. The darkness is suffocating, broken only by the faint flicker of candles and the glow of distant flares. Every snap of a twig or rustle of mud sends my heart racing. I keep my rifle close, eyes wide and alert, listening to the sounds of the enemy trench just yards away. Somewhere out there, other men are doing the same, waiting, watching, ready.Sleep was impossible. The cold trickles into my bones, and my stomach growled in protest, the rations are limited and barely fill my appetite. We talked briefly about the gas masks we were issued, strange, heavy things we’re told could save our lives. It’s hard to imagine what gas feels like, but the fear of it is real. I feel a knot of anxiety I can’t shake. I hope I can be brave.
April 1, 1916.
My first day at the trenches.
We reached the front today after what felt like an endless march through mud and cold rain. The trenches stretch out like wounds across the land, narrow, waterlogged, and smelly. The air is heavy with smoke and the stink of damp earth mixed with something rotten, maybe decayed flesh or dirty water. The walls of the trenches are made of wood and sandbags, barely holding back the mud that filters through. The men are quiet, worn already despite having been here for weeks or months. Some laugh to hide the fear; others sit silently, lost in thought. I shared a small meal with a few others, hard biscuits, cold stew, and a thin cup of tea. Not much, but it’s all we have. The weight of what’s ahead scares me, I wonder how I’ll hold up. Tonight, I sleep in the trench for the first time. The cold bites through the thin blankets, and the distant boom never stops. I cannot imagine this becoming my new normal.
April 3, 1916.
My first bombardment.
The morning brought the bombardment. The earth shook beneath us as shells exploded all around. The sky was darkened by smoke and dirt. Men scrambled for cover, some cursing, some silent. The sound was terrifying, like the world was being torn apart piece by piece. I helped carry wounded soldiers to the medic’s station. Their cries and the smell of blood haunt me even now. Some injuries were terrible, far off what I expected. Food was forgotten in the chaos. I keep telling myself this is just the beginning, that somehow, we’ll survive. The officers speak of victory and honor, but all I see are tired, broken faces. Yet, in small moments, there is kindness, a pat on the back, a shared cigarette, a whispered joke to keep fear at bay.
April 5, 1916.
First gas alert.
Today we faced our first gas alert. The sirens blasted, a sharp wail that set every nerve on edge. We ran to grab our gas masks, stumbling with straps and buckles while the air thickened around us. I remember the choking feeling, even through the mask you fear that this invisible killer would still find a way. The gas passed after what felt like hours but was probably only minutes. We checked each other for signs of exposure (coughing, red eyes, trouble breathing). Some men were shaken, others calm. I looked around at my mates, we are all in this nightmare together, connected by fear and purpose. Sleep is not an option right now. My thoughts race, heart pounding with adrenaline even after the danger has passed. The trenches feel even darker and colder tonight.
April 5, 1916.
New lifestyle.
Five days in, and I am beginning to understand the rhythm of this strange, brutal existence. The mud clings to everything, swallowing boots and gear. Food remains limited, hard biscuits, soup, and the occasional piece of cold meat. Water is rationed and often muddy. We clean our rifles and equipment whenever we can, though there is little time or energy. Still, between the misery, there are moments of humanity. A shared joke, a letter from home read aloud, a brief moment of laughter over a broken radio playing music. I write this journal by candlelight, the scratching of my pen the only quiet sound in the trench. My body aches and my mind is drained, but I am alive. I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I will face it as I have these past days with fear, hope, and determination.