Battle of Verdun Flashcards
Why was there stalemate on the Western Front?
When?
21 Feb 1916 - 18 Dec 1916
What is the Battle of Verdun known for?
to be the longest battle of WW1 (10 months)
Where?
French town Verdun
who VS who?
French VS Germany
Who won?
French
Who started the attack?
Germans
Who was the commander of F army
General Philippe Petain
The major victory would have 3 effects on Germany:
- weaken their army
- reduce their morale
- force their army to be stretched further
Why did G attack Verdun? (2)
- General Erich Von Falkenhayn decided that the real enemy was B
- but to destroy B’s will, F needed to be defeated
What was G’s main aim?
Kill as many French as possible
What were the 3 results of the Battle?
- weakened both F & G armies
- Verdun was saved
- nothing was gained
When was the 1st attack?
21 Feb 1916
Abt the 1st attack: (3)
- a G attack
- intense artillery bombardment of forts around V
- F army had to retreat to their last positions
What happened on the 25 Feb 1916?
Fort Douaumont near Verdun surrendered
When was the 2nd attack?
6 March 1916
Abt the 2nd attack: (3)
- G attacked
- 2 French fort - Harcourt & Malancourt fallen to G
- but still Verdun is undefeated
When was the 1st change?
April
What happened in the 1st change? (3)
- French Air Force SECURED THE SKY OVER VERDUN
= helped defend the area - pressure on F DECREASED
- forced the G to TRANSFER TROOPS AWAY from Verdun
Why was the pressure relived on Verdun?
- Battle of the Somme (West)
- Russian Offensive (East)
When was the 2nd change?
Nov 1916
Abt the 2nd change: (2)
- F managed to take back Forts Douaumont and others
- F advanced back to their o.g position
How many French casualties?
400,000
How many German casualties?
350,000
