The Battle of Verdun

• When was the Battle of Verdun?

  February 1916 - December 1916
• Where was the Battle of Verdun?

  Verdun, France
• What was the Battle of Verdun?

  A German Offensive against the French
• What was the plan for The Battle of Verdun?

  To not take the city, but force the French to defend it
• What did General Erich von Falkenhayn want?


  For the French to "bleed white"
• How did the Battle start?

  With an Artillery bombardment from the Germans
• What happened after the Artillery bombardment?

  Prince Wilhelm sent an attack on 200,000 french troops
• What happened after Prince Wilhelm's attack?

  The French retreated, Verdun was about to fall
• What happened after the French's retreat?

  General Pétain ordered every French soldier to travel to Verdun to inflict as much damage as possible
• How did the Battle of Verdun end?

  • Britain attacked at the River Somme
  • Russia was attacking from the East
  • German troops had to be transferred quickly
  • French troops were available to advance into Verdun
• What were the results of the Battle of Verdun?

  • French lost 315,000 men
  • Germany lost 280,000 men
• Who wanted the French to "bleed white"?

  General von Falkenhayn