The Western Front was characterized by trench warfare during World War I, representing one of the most notable and grueling aspects of the conflict. Beginning in 1914, the Western Front extended from the North Sea to Switzerland, where opposing forces, mainly the Allies and Central Powers, were entrenched in a static and brutal stalemate. Soldiers fought in poorly maintained trenches, facing harsh conditions, disease, and constant bombardment. This form of warfare resulted in massive casualties and illustrated the horrors of industrialized combat, leading to significant military and social changes in the wake of the war and shaping military strategies used in later conflicts.