The first global conflict brought along new means of warfare as trenches and similar means of protection conventionally used during wars started to be less effective because they could not successfully protect soldiers from artillery fire, toxic gas, and machine guns. Paul is initially influenced by his school teacher in joining war efforts, as he appears to be charmed with the prospect of experiencing an adventurous account involving killing enemies, making friends, and generally fighting for his country. However, his experiences demonstrate that the presumably heroic deeds of the central character are not worthy of risking one's life for. Common soldiers were provided with false information regarding warfare with the purpose of having them express less hesitation about getting actively involved in fighting for their country (Marten 21). Even with that, many of them considered stories such as Paul's and feared that they would regret having joined the army.

Remarque's novel is virtually meant to discourage any individual who might consider that fighting on the front is a wonderful experience. The writer wants...

A conflict such as the First World War can destroy people's lives and it can influence them in losing touch with everything that they once dreamed of. A man who experienced warfare is no longer able to reintegrate society properly, as he will always be hunted by what he has seen and as he cannot possibly comprehend individuals who express their perspective in regard to conflicts without actually being acquainted with elements coming along with going through one. The writer's main intention in writing this book was to present the international public with the fact that the First World War was not about soldiers, as it was actually about leaders and "unimportant" individuals were provided with little to no attention from the media world or from global audiences interested in the conflict.
Works cited:

Maria Remarque, Erich, "All Quiet on the Western Front," New York, 1966.

Marten, James Alan, "Children and war: a historical anthology," NYU Press, 2002.