What did Germans mean by saying they would bleed France white?

Verdun
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. Falkenhayn believed that the French simply could not allow these forts to fall as the national humiliation would have been too much.

Why did Erich von Falkenhayn want to attack the French at Verdun?

“Relentless pressure” was a term added by the 5th Army staff and created ambiguity about the purpose of the offensive. Falkenhayn wanted land to be captured from which artillery could dominate the battlefield and the 5th Army wanted a quick capture of Verdun.

What battle did Germany plan to bleed France to death?

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 was falkenhayn plan for the German attack on Verdun?

Here Falkenhayn planned to use more than 1200 artillery pieces to destroy French units, whilst making limited use of German infantry to minimise his own casualties.

Why was Verdun so important to the French?

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 happened 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.

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.

How many French and German soldiers were killed during the Battle of Verdun?

What was the outcome of the Battle of Verdun?

In total Germans and French lost during the battle about 500,000 men (or more) and while for the French was a “glorious” victory (they were able to defend and retain a place of historical importance but strategically irrelevant) for the Germans was the first serious defeat of their mighty and proud army.

Why was Erich von Falkenhayn important?

Falkenhayn was Prussian minister of War and Chief of Staff (1914-1916). He was one of the decision makers during the July crisis 1914 and responsible for the German strategy in the first half of the war. His strategy was successful in 1915, but failed in 1916 (Verdun).

Was the Battle of Verdun worth fighting?

Ultimately, the French resistance at Verdun proved a turning point, halting the German advance. The heavy German losses at Verdun combined with even greater casualties suffered on the Somme also created a manpower crisis within the German army that would become increasingly difficult to resolve as the war progressed.

Was Verdun the worst battle?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDlq19wGVAU