The Battle of Verdun The Battle of Somme 1916

Battlefield Verdun

The City Verdun (France) Was a symbol of Frances Power. Strongest city in France had 19 forts with lots of guns.

German’s Plan February 1916 the Germans bring 1400 big guns. The Germans sent over 2 million shells at the city and forts. Then they attacked the French trench lines. The French Generals and Politicians argue over saving the city of Verdun.

German Troops

The French Stay to Fight The politicians tell the Generals to stay and fight. The French only had one road to get all the supplies into Verdun, called the “Sacred Way”. The battle lasted 5 months. The French saved Verdun but at a major cost. 315,000 French troops died and the city destroyed. The Germans lost 282,000 men and failed to break the western front.

French Troops

Somme Battlefield

The Battle of the Somme British and French divisions started a offensive along the River Somme. They bombed the Germans for 5 days with little impact. (Germans had know for weeks) After the bombardment the British sent 200,000 men “over the top” on July 1st 1916. The Germans were prepared, 58,000 British men were dead or wounded the first day.

More men…… The British General (Haig) kept sending more and more men. Thinking the more people we attack with the better the results will be. BAD IDEA!!!! The British did gain 15km, it cost them 620,000 men. The Germans suffered heavy casualties as well. 450,000 German’s died.