From the moment, in late 1914, when ground warfare went static and underground, the Germans began a strategy of fortification of their defences. If this meant the relinquishment of territory to achieve dominant and fortifiable terrain and features, so be it. Inevitably, this left the British and French occupying the adjacent territory. This was usually less dominant, subject to oversight by the German infantry and artillery. Also, the Allied trenches were often more susceptible to waterlogging and flooding; to the prolonged discomfort of their troglodyte occupants.
To the contrary, the British and French chose to simplify their fortifications with a view to temporary occupation: their intention was always to advance into the open country behind the German lines so their cavalry could come into play and sweep round the German defenses. The Germans well understood this strategy of the Allies and thus extended their defensive fortifications to precisely defeat this objective.
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