Battles of WWI Flashcards
What were the 3 key battles?
Verdun, Somme and Passchendaele
What was the longest battle?
Verdun
Where did the Battle of Verdun take place?
North Eastern France
What were the dates of Verdun?
21st February - !8th December 1916
Who planned Verdun?
General Erich von Falkanhayn - commander of the German army
Why was Verdun important to the French?
It had historic significance and was surrounded by 20 major forts and 40 smaller ones, protected the eastern border and the French were very proud of it
Why did the Germans decide to attack Verdun?
Because it was important to the French and the German general thought they would do anything to protect it, he wanted to “bleed the French white” (war of attrition)
When did the attack on Verdun start?
07:15 on 21 Feb 1916
On the first day of Verdun, what happened?
1400 guns fired 2 million shells were fired, Germans began shelling French trenches on the North side of Verdun
Who led the Germans to attack the French in late afternoon during Verdun?
Prince Wilhelm (Kaiser’s oldest son) and he led 1 million German soldiers to attack 200000 defending French soldiers
What happened on 24th February 1916?
French retreated to their 3rd line of trenches leaving them only 8km from Verdun
Who was the French commander for Verdun?
General Phillipe Pétain
What was the order that was sent out to all French troops at Verdun?
They shall not pass
How many French infantry regiments fought at Verdun?
259 out of 330
What was the Sacred Way?
It was a road along the back of Verdun which was used to supply soldiers, food and ammunition
