ALLIES – victory
The Battle of Verdun was the longest battle during WW1. It was an unsuccessful attempt for the Germans to push the western front ‘back’ and to take more control. The Germans targeted a narrow section of the land that held historical sentiment for the French – Verdun. The Germans believed that through this battle, the French would lose so many soldiers that this battle would change the whole direction WW1 was taking. However, the German plan had major flaws in it which ultimately led to their defeat. They presumed that the French would be an easy target and that the French would suffer many casualties and not them. The Germans went into the attack with complete artillery support and air supremacy (168 planes – the largest concentration of planes in history up to that point). The Germans also used many flame throwers and this helped them with some major advancements. The French were so outnumbered but they were much stronger willed. By now, the Germans had begun to tire and the Battle of Somme had also begun. This new battle dominated the plans for all soldiers in the war and soon, the French had re-captured their forts and the Germans slowly retreated to join the battle at Somme. This Battle of Verdun lasted for about 300 days and was still going after the Battle of Somme was said to be finished!
The Battle of Verdun was the longest battle during WW1. It was an unsuccessful attempt for the Germans to push the western front ‘back’ and to take more control. The Germans targeted a narrow section of the land that held historical sentiment for the French – Verdun. The Germans believed that through this battle, the French would lose so many soldiers that this battle would change the whole direction WW1 was taking. However, the German plan had major flaws in it which ultimately led to their defeat. They presumed that the French would be an easy target and that the French would suffer many casualties and not them. The Germans went into the attack with complete artillery support and air supremacy (168 planes – the largest concentration of planes in history up to that point). The Germans also used many flame throwers and this helped them with some major advancements. The French were so outnumbered but they were much stronger willed. By now, the Germans had begun to tire and the Battle of Somme had also begun. This new battle dominated the plans for all soldiers in the war and soon, the French had re-captured their forts and the Germans slowly retreated to join the battle at Somme. This Battle of Verdun lasted for about 300 days and was still going after the Battle of Somme was said to be finished!
FOCUS QUESTION RESPONSE: The plans for the Battle of Verdun did not work out for both sides and this was showed in the length of the battle. As well as the victory for the French, this battle forced a stronger alliance between Britain and the French and this was showcased when they decided to start the Battle of Somme in the midst of the Battle of Verdun to take the German pressure off of the French, which ultimately led to French victory as they were able to reclaim their land.