Trench warfare was a prominent feature of World War I, particularly on the Western Front, where it significantly shaped the nature of combat. Soldiers dug extensive networks of trenches as a defensive strategy to protect against enemy fire. These trenches resulted in a stalemate on the battlefield, leading to prolonged periods of inactivity and heavy casualties due to conditions like disease and unsanitary living conditions. The reliance on trench warfare highlighted the horrific realities of industrialized warfare and influenced military strategies in subsequent conflicts.