This series examines the major historical topics through a mixture of narrative and analysis of the key issues involved. Each book is designed to introduce the reader to a wide range of contemporary sources and aims to encourage readers in the handling and assessment of original historical material. War In The Trenches examines the situation that developed on the Western Front between 1914-18, analyzing the causes of the military and political stalemate and describing the experiences of the troops in the trenches. Why did a military stalemate, lasting for four long years, develop on the Western Front during the First World War? This book gives a brief resume of the main events of the war and goes on to analyze in more detail the situation that developed in the West. How did the weaponry and equipment available encourage the development of a defensive strategy? What happened when the armies attacked? Were the right tactics used at battles such as the Somme? What were the alternatives? As the war went on, new inventions such as the tank began to play an important role and their contributions are assessed. The author also uses contemporary sources to give a vivid account of what trench warfare meant to the troops. Finally, he asks, why, given the conditions, the troops kept on fighting and he questions whether anyone coan be held responsible for the appalling losses. Photographs, maps and cartoons support the text. Stewart Ross taught history before becoming a freelance writer. He is the author of a number of children's history books, including several titles in the Witness History series.