World War I was characterized by trench warfare on the Western Front, where soldiers faced horrific conditions and stalemates that led to immense loss of life. The war, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, saw armies dig extensive networks of trenches to protect themselves from enemy fire, resulting in a grueling and static form of warfare. The Western Front became infamous for battles such as those at Verdun and the Somme, which exemplified the high casualties and little territorial gain. This form of warfare highlighted the brutal reality of modern combat and shaped military strategies in subsequent conflicts.