Read a brief summary of this topic Battle of Verdun, (February 21–December 18, 1916), World War I engagement in which the French repulsed a major German offensive. It was one of the longest, bloodiest, and most-ferocious battles of the war; French casualties amounted to about 400,000, German ones to about 350,000.
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Why was the Battle of Verdun important in ww1?
Read a brief summary of this topic Battle of Verdun, (February 21–December 18, 1916), World War I engagement in which the French repulsed a major German offensive. It was one of the longest, bloodiest, and most-ferocious battles of the war; French casualties amounted to about 400,000, German ones to about 350,000.
Who won the battle of Verdun?
French
Battle of Verdun
| Date | 21 February – 18 December 1916 (9 months, 3 weeks and 6 days) |
|---|---|
| Location | Région Fortifiée de Verdun (RFV) Verdun-sur-Meuse, France 49°12′29″N 5°25′19″E |
| Result | French victory |
Was the Battle of Verdun part of ww1?
In a war known for its brutality, the Battle of Verdun, (February 21–December 18, 1916), was among the longest and most bloodiest conflicts of World War I. In the battle that slogged on for 10 months, the French held off a major German offensive.
How does Verdun symbolize the First World War?
With a German death toll of 143,000 (out of 337,000 total casualties) and a French one of 162,440 (out of 377,231), Verdun would come to signify, more than any other battle, the grinding, bloody nature of warfare on the Western Front during World War I.
How did Battle of Verdun end?
By early December, under Robert Nivelle, who had been appointed to replace Philippe Pétain in April, the French had managed to recapture much of their lost territory, and in the last three days of battle took 11,000 German prisoners before Hindenburg finally called a stop to the German attacks.
Why is Verdun so important?
Over the rest of the last century, Verdun became the altar of France’s remembrance. A vast necropolis was built to house the bones of the dead. It is thought each side lost around 350,000 soldiers. Verdun also became the symbol of European reconciliation.
Why did Germany want Verdun?
It was originally planned by the German Chief of General Staff, Erich von Falkenhayn to secure victory for Germany on the Western Front. The aim was to crush the French army before the Allies grew in strength through the full deployment of British forces.
What was the bloodiest battle in ww1?
The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest battles of World War I, and among the bloodiest in all of human history. A combination of a compact battlefield, destructive modern weaponry and several failures by British military leaders led to the unprecedented slaughter of wave after wave of young men.
Why was the city of Verdun important?
Significance to France: Verdun was a fortress city on the River Meuse, and a strategically-vital link in the French sector of the Allied line on the Western Front. To the French people, Verdun was also a symbolic fortress and a national treasure. The loss of such a citadel would be an enormous blow to French morale.
What was the worst battle of ww1?
The battle was intended to hasten a victory for the Allies. More than three million men fought in the battle and one million men were wounded or killed, making it one of the deadliest battles in human history….
| Battle of the Somme | |
|---|---|
| Casualties and losses | |
| c. 420,000 c. 200,000 | 434,000-445,000 |
Why is Verdun so important to the French?
Why is the Battle of Verdun still important today?
Verdun has become the representative memory of World War One for the French, much like the Battle of the Somme in the UK. The battle symbolises the determination of the French Army and the destructiveness of the war.