The rocky road to trench warfare

The rocky road to trench warfare: Why was the First World War fought the way it was?

In late summer 1914, the First World War quickly became a battlefield of trenches, barbed wire, and machine guns. Ross Beadle explores how prior wars, strategy, and human factors shaped the conflict — showing that stalemate was not inevitable.

Ross has lectured on the First World War for 15 years and is regularly invited to speak to specialist societies. His expertise focuses on pre-war planning, the German Schlieffen Plan, and developments in the British Army that led Britain to fight on the continent. Expect an entertaining and insightful lecture.

Members and non-members of The Western Front Association are equally welcome. Any new visitors are guaranteed a friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome from a group of like-minded enthusiasts.