The beginnings of the war didn't see tens of thousands killed in such short periods of time, nor did the war planners anticipate such at the outset. World War

The beginnings of the war didn't see tens of thousands killed in such short periods of time, nor did the war planners anticipate such at the outset. World War I was more about a chaotic system getting away from its designers and turning into something of its own beast. The trench system was put in place slowly over time, each increment the designers thinking it would only be a temporary set back. The start of the war was much more mobile with land being taken quickly. Initially the Germans had planned to defeat France within 6 weeks. When this failed Germany was having a tough time on the Russian front and the Triple Entente saw an opportunity to reclaim lost land. Yet by this time modern weapons gave the advantage to the defenders and the war was in stalemate.