The effects of the trenches Lesson starter 1

The effects of the trenches Lesson starter: 1. Describe the condition ‘Shell Shock’. 2. In what other ways did the war affect men psychologically?

Today we will… • Describe the physical effects of living in the trenches • Describe the psychological effects of living in trenches

I can… • Create a mind map on living in the trenches • Describe some effects of living in the trenches in a N 5 Q.

There were two types of effects the trenches had on men… PHYSICAL And PSYCHOLOGICAL What do you think each of these mean?

Vocabulary Physical – affecting the body Psychological – affecting the mind Take notes as part of your mind map as we move through today’s presentation

e h t n i e Lif s e h c n e r T Take a new DOUBLE PAGE Put this title in the middle using coloured pens.

Trench foot • Trench Foot was an extremely painful condition that caused a soldiers foot to swell up and go numb. • Soldiers would often have to have their foot amputated as a result of this. • Dry socks and whaleoil grease helped to prevent it.

Early stages

Trench foot inspection

Lice • These parasites were rife in the trenches • Caused terrible itching

German soldiers picking lice off uniforms

Trench fever • This fever could last for up to five days • It was carried from man to man through body lice • The symptoms were much like a bad flu – fever, nausea, diarrhoea etc

Rats • Trench Rats • Primary sources tell us about ‘rats the size of cats’ • They feasted on dead bodies and soldier’s rations

Rat hunting in the trenches

Gas • Chlorine gas was greeny-yellow and caused you to choke violently and stopped you being able to see • It caused a terrible slow painful death • Gas masks were developed by both sides

• Mustard gas was even worse • It damaged skin, leaving huge red blisters which were agony • It also caused internal bleeding and could blind you

Shells • Shells caused the most injuries of any weapons • Shrapnel would fly off exploding shells and give men terrible injuries • Some were blinded or killed by 200 mph flying shrapnel

Shell Shock • This was classed as a mental illness during WW 1 • Those who had shell shock had slower reaction times and tired easily • They often could not concentrate and were very nervous • The noise and impact of shells was blamed

Other psychological effects • Men watched friends and family die • They also had to kill fathers, brothers, sons • Many suffered from • Depression • Stress • Hallucinations • Anxiety • Nightmares • These things had a huge stigma attached to them in those days and men were discouraged from discussing their feelings…

Trench rats

Trench Foot

Shell shock

Trench mouth

Gas

Lice

conchie

pacifist

• You should now have a detailed mind map showing both physical and psychological effects of trench warfare • You will now watch several Video clips about trench life • Add any points you take from these to your mind map • BBC Clips - trenches

Today we will… • Understand the physical effects of living in the trenches • Understand the psychological effects of living in trenches