What soldiers thought the war 1 was going to be like?

Many soldiers entering World War I anticipated a quick and decisive conflict, influenced by romantic notions of warfare and the belief in heroic glory. They expected traditional battles with clear victories, akin to those of previous wars, rather than the brutal and prolonged trench warfare that characterized the conflict. The realities of mechanized warfare, high casualties, and the harsh conditions of the front lines shattered these expectations, leading to disillusionment among the troops. As the war dragged on, the harsh conditions and the psychological toll of combat profoundly changed their perceptions of warfare.