What did France do in the Battle of Verdun?

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. Some 300,000 were killed.

What was the most brutal Battle of World War I?

The Battle of the Somme
The Battle of the Somme, which took place from July to November 1916, began as an Allied offensive against German forces on the Western Front and turned into one of the most bitter and costly battles of World War I.

Did the French win the battle of Verdun?

The battle of Verdun, beginning as a brilliant German offensive, ended as an offensive victory for the French.

Why did the French fight to save Verdun?

The attack on Verdun (the Germans code-named it ‘Judgment’) came about because of a plan by the German Chief of General Staff, von Falkenhayn. He wanted to “bleed France white” by launching a massive German attack on a narrow stretch of land that had historic sentiment for the French – Verdun.

How bad was the Battle of Verdun?

Despite the Germans’ plan to “bleed France white,” the Battle of Verdun resulted in roughly equal casualties for both sides. The German death toll was 143,000 (out of 337,000 total casualties) while the French lost 162,440 (out of 377,231).

What does D stand for in D-Day?

In other words, the D in D-Day merely stands for Day. This coded designation was used for the day of any important invasion or military operation.

Why did Germany lose the battle of Verdun?

There were several reasons for the failure of the Germans to achieve their objectives in the almost year-long battle of Verdun. The Germans had underestimated the depth and extent of the French fortifications and also their ability to repair them in lulls during the battle.

How many French soldiers fought in the Battle of Verdun?

By the end, casualties numbered to about 400,000 for the French and 350,000 for the Germans.

What was the result of the Battle of Verdun?

Erich von Falkenhayn Philippe Pétain 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. Some 300,000 were killed.

How close were the Germans to the Verdun citadel?

Fleury was captured and the Germans came within 4 km (2 mi) of the Verdun citadel but in July the offensive was cut back to provide troops, artillery and ammunition for the Battle of the Somme, leading to a similar transfer of the French Tenth Army to the Somme front.

What was the artillery like in the Verdun campaign?

The Verdun forts had a network of concrete infantry shelters, armoured observation posts, batteries, concrete trenches, command posts and underground shelters between the forts. The artillery comprised c. 1,000 guns, with 250 in reserve and the forts and ouvrages were linked by telephone and telegraph]

What did general Petain do to defend Verdun?

General Philippe Petain was then given command of the French Second Army at Verdun. Petain had a reputation as a master of defence and organised his forces to defend in depth by establishing a series of mutually supporting strongpoints, rather than pushing all his troops into the vulnerable front line trenches.