The "Race to the Sea" refers to a series of military operations during World War I in late 1914. After the stalemate on the Western Front, both the Allied Powers and Central Powers attempted to outflank each other, leading to a continuous line of trench warfare stretching from the English Channel to the Swiss border. This maneuvering resulted in significant battles, including those at Ypres and Aisne. Ultimately, the race solidified the front lines, establishing a prolonged period of trench warfare that characterized much of the conflict, with both sides suffering heavy casualties and little territorial gain.