Original PromptTask 1 – What Were the Main Health Problems in the Trenches?
Using the sources, identify three health problems soldiers faced.
Choose from: trench foot, rats, lice, gas injuries, infections, lack of washing, poor food.
For each one:
Name the problem
Find a source that describes it
Explain in one or two sentences how it affected soldiers
Example structure:
Trench Foot – Source N says soldiers’ feet “swelled up two or three times their size”. This shows trench foot was painful and could lead...
This learning resource focuses on the health and hygiene challenges faced by soldiers in World War I trenches. Students will explore key health issues such as trench foot, rat infestations, and lice, as well as examine the reliability of historical sources depicting hygiene conditions. They will analyze measures taken by the army to maintain soldier health, including medical checks and improved sanitation. Activities include identifying health problems, comparing perspectives on hygiene through historical sources, and discussing the efficacy of specific health measures implemented by the army.