The Reality of War: Trench Warfare
World War I was a terrifying time for everyone. It killed about 10 million people and many more injured including civilians and soldiers. Life was difficult for civilians but was horrific for soldiers who were trying to survive in the mud. Machine guns, missiles, and poison gas were some of the items used during World War I. One British writer described the condition; I wish those people who write so glibly about being a holy way could see a case of mustard gas… could see the poor things burnt and blistered all over with great mustard-colored suppurating blisters with blind eyes all sticky and stuck together, and always fighting for breath, with voices a mere whisper, saying that their throats are closing, and they know they will choke”[1]
Eric Maria Remarque was a German novelist who witnessed world war I and wrote the book called All Quiet on the Western Front which was sold 40 million copies.[2] Remarque’s book reveals the reality of the war from his eyes and his words make it possible to sense the war and experience the terrifying conditions from his perspective. Remarque explains the reality and dreadful condition of the clash of two armies; We recognize the distorted faces, the smooth helmets: they are French…I see one of them, his face upturned, fall into a wire cradle. His body collapses, his hands remain suspended as though he were praying…Then his body drops clean away and only his hands with the stumps of his arms, shot off, now hang in the wire.[3]
After the enlightenment age and scientific revolution, Europe was improving and developing with science and materials that invented many machines for the private sector and armies. Europe was not the same after WWI, there were more guns, more soldiers, developed armies. Machine guns and tanks were invented and used during WWI. Remarque gives a real-life example “We see the storm-troops coming. Our artillery opens fire. Machine-guns rattle, rifles crack.”[4] Remarque did give support to the idea that World War I was both the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century.
I don’t think anyone can ever describe or explain their experiences to those left behind on the home front. War was unexpected and horrifying. Most of the people did not believe it would last that long. Conditions got worse and worse for soldiers, and day after day war continues. Remarque is not only showing us the horrible conditions of the war, but he is also reminding us to be grateful that a horrible war was over.
[1] J.M. Winter, The Experience of World War I (New York, 1989), p.142
[2] Sauer, Patrick. Smithsinianmag.com, June 16, 2015.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/most-loved-and-hated-novel-about-world-war-I-180955540/
[3] Spielvogel, Jackson J. Western Civilization Volume II: Since 1500, 10. Ed. pg. 767
[4] Spielvogel, Jackson J. Western Civilization Volume II: Since 1500, 10. Ed. pg. 767
