How did trench warfare change soldiers of WWI?
The trenches were terrible conditions for soldiers to fight in. Filled with mud and water and often with huge rats who would feed upon the corpses. Mmany soldiers suffered from a condition called Trench foot from having their feet submerged in water all the time. Soldiers were also infested with lice, which added to their discomfort. It was incredibly dangerous for soldiers to put their heads above the parapet of the trenches due to enemy snipers, while enemy artillery bombardments and actual attacks against enemy trenches would often severley damage soldiers psychologically. With many watching their friends die under horrible circumstances, from enemy machine guns or being blow apart by shells or attempting to overcome barbed wire etc. Many soldiers refused to fight and were considered cowards. However many of them were suffering mentally after under going horrific experiences. At the time this was not generally acknowledged by the authorities and many soldiers were executed by firing
