Identify the following terms:
battle of Verdun

Question

Identify the following terms: 
 battle of Verdun

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is The Battle of Verdun was one of the largest and longest battles of the First World War. It took place between the German and French armies around the town of Verdun-sur-Meuse in northeastern France from February 21 to December 18, 1916. The battle became a symbol of French national determination and tenacity.

The German strategy, conceived by the Chief of the German General Staff, Erich von Falkenhayn, was to "bleed France white" by attacking a position he believed the French would feel compelled to defend at all costs due to its historical significance. Verdun was protected by a ring of forts, the most famous being Fort Douaumont and Fort Vaux, and the Germans aimed to capture these forts and force the French into a costly battle of attrition.

The battle began with a massive German artillery bombardment followed by an infantry advance. Initially, the Germans made significant gains, capturing Fort Douaumont in late February. However, the French, under the leadership of Generals Philippe Pétain and Robert Nivelle, managed to regroup and organize a tenacious defense. Both sides suffered enormous casualties as the battle turned into a grueling siege, with soldiers facing not only enemy fire but also the horrors of trench warfare, including mud, rats, and the constant threat of artillery barrages.

Despite the heavy losses, the French army managed to hold onto Verdun and eventually recapture lost ground, including Fort Douaumont in October and Fort Vaux in November. By the end of the battle, the French had managed to thwart the German offensive. The cost was staggering, with an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 soldiers killed and hundreds of thousands more wounded on both sides.

The Battle of Verdun became a symbol of French resolve and the futility of war. It is remembered for the incredible bravery of the soldiers and the senseless slaughter that characterized much of World War I. The phrase "Ils ne passeront pas" (They shall not pass), associated with General Pétain, became a rallying cry for the French defense and is emblematic of the spirit of resistance displayed at Verdun.

Identify the Following Terms