Transcript Battle of Verdun

Battle of Verdun
Nikolas Jurista, Katie Ebeling, Safiya
Bouacheria, Matthew Morin
Thesis
The Battle of Verdun was the longest and
bloodiest battle of World War 1 ( February 21 - December 18,
1916 ).
The casualties sustained were around 400,000 French and 350,000
German.
After 400,000 French casualties, the British entered the war at the
battle of Somme, in effort to take German pressure off of the
Journal from Soldier
Bombardments stretched over 40 kilometres.
Verdun is so heavily bombarded that the entire civilian population is evacuated.
“The bombardment is the most horrible thus far; a terrible inferno. The muzzling fire from the
German guns is one uninterrupted sea of fire”
“The bombardment was of such force that it took reinforcement troops sometimes 8 hours to move
3 kilometres ahead. The French trenches are completely pulverised, phone lines and artillery
destroyed entirely. Men are ripped to pieces, are buried underneath the earth or disappear into
thin air when hit. Ancient trees are completely uprooted; human remains are hanging in the
branches. It seems like the world is coming to an end. This horrible bombardment lasts more
than 9 long hours.”
Germany
Erich Von Falkenhayn = general of the German army
German Beliefs:
England is main enemy
To destroy Britain the Germans must go through France
Key to winning is taking out France on the western front (instead of Russia on
the east)
Strategies:
War of attrition
Wear out the enemy through small-scale attacks
Verdun
French Fortress along Meuse River
Next to German communication line
Why Germany was able to use so much artillery
get supplies for bombarding Verdun
French historic post
The defense of this French fortress on the Meuse
was believed to be vital to France's winning the war
Also believed that it had to be held at all costs
and
Why Germany wanted Verdun
Was apart of their Schlieffen
plan
Believed that France would
fall after taking Verdun.
Significance
The defence of the French fortress of
Verdun was considered to be vital
to France winning the war due to its
historic legacy, the Germans
believed that the French would fight
till the very last man.
Significance 2
Philippe Petain = French General
Very inspiring- pushed the soldiers to keep
fighting against the Germans.
“Ils ne passeront pas” - They shall not
pass
After battle he was regarded a hero in France
Led to a moral boost and support for the war in
France
Works Cited
“Battle of Verdun Begins.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2009, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/battle-of-verdun-begins.
"Charles Mangin." World History: The Modern Era, ABC-CLIO, 2017, worldhistory.abc-clio.com. Accessed 31 Jan. 2017.
Fredriksen, John C. "Erich Von Falkenhayn." World History: The Modern Era, ABC-CLIO, 2017, worldhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/317063.
Accessed 31 Jan. 2017.
Wielinga, Menno. "The Battle of Verdun - Phase 2 The German Offensive (21 February - 2 March)." The Battle of Verdun - Phase 2 The German
Offensive (21 February - 2 March). N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2017.