In WWI, why were conditions in France in 1916 and 1917 so difficult for the Australian Imperial Force (AIF)

The conditions in France during WW1 for the AIF were horrendous because of the stalemate in the trenches, disease, rainy conditions and new weapons of war. The stalemate and the war of attrition took a heavy toll on the troops of the AIF. There was constant enemy fire and the constant attacks and counter attacks to attempt to make ground shattered the soldier's morale and strength. The trenches also created psychological stress and broke their …

…machine gun fire and poisonous gases were never seen before. Heavily wounded soldiers would have to endure a long painful journey to the field hospital before they could be treated. Poison gas was also a major problem, if not properly protected soldiers would die a horrible and painful death. Conditions during France from 1916 - 1917 was so dreadful that the AIF troops that survived would never forget the horrifying conditions in which they had to endure.