What was the impact of the shelling on the new recruits in all quiets on the western front?

In "All Quiet on the Western Front," the shelling significantly impacts the new recruits by instilling a profound sense of fear and helplessness. The constant threat of artillery fire serves as a brutal introduction to the realities of war, shattering their romanticized notions of heroism. This relentless bombardment quickly strips away their innocence, forcing them to confront the harshness of survival and the psychological toll of combat. Ultimately, it transforms them into disillusioned soldiers, highlighting the stark contrast between their expectations and the grim truth of trench warfare.