The Western Front refers to the main theater of conflict during World War I, primarily located in France and Belgium. It was characterized by trench warfare, where soldiers faced harsh conditions and a stalemate that lasted for years. Major battles, such as the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Verdun, resulted in significant casualties and little territorial gain. The Western Front was marked by the use of new military technologies, including machine guns, tanks, and poison gas. This front became a symbol of the brutal nature of the war, highlighting the challenges faced by soldiers and the impact on civilian life in nearby regions.