Slide 1 Introduction: (Saif )

- The Battle of Verdun happened during World War I from February 21 to

December 18, 1916, on the hills north of Verdun-sur-Meuse.
- It was a huge fight between French and German soldiers.
- The French fought hard and stopped the Germans from taking over.
- This battle lasted a long time and was very violent which resulted in lots of
soldiers getting hurt and killed.

Slide 2: History Background and Main Cause: (Rania )

- In around January, French airmen spotted German preparations for the
Verdun offensive.
- On February 11, 1916, a French officer found a build-up of German troops
on the right bank of the Meuse River. The German troops advanced up to
120 kilometers into French territories but the strong defenses (French) on
the Meuse blocked the path to Paris
- French leaders were focused on their own plans, so they acted quickly to
reinforce Verdun's defenses. Within 10 days, thousands of soldiers and
many guns were sent to Verdun.

- The French faced logistical challenges, as main rail lines were cut off or
attacked by the Germans. They organized a huge supply chain using over
3,000 trucks. The 37-mile dirt road from Bar-le-Duc to Verdun, called La
Voie Sacrée (the Sacred Way), became crucial for the French defense.
- https://www.britannica.com/video/180210/Overview-Battle-of-Verdun-1916

Slide 3: Human Cost: (Saif and Rania)

- According to Britannica and the site https://memorial-verdun.fr/en/
- Around 400,000 French soldiers and 350,000 German soldiers were
injured or killed. About 300,000 people died in this battle (saif)
- Many survivors of Verdun experienced enduring trauma, contributing to the
war's lasting impact on individuals and societies. (Rania)

Slide 4: Erich von Falkenhayn (Rania)

- Born on November 11, 1861 in western prussia
- In 1880 he graduated from military school and later became an instructor
at a chinese military school
 - July 1913 to January 1915 he was assigned to be the prussian minister of
war
- He was mainly in charge of weapons of the German army and their
equipment.
- The Germans were defeated at the battle of Marne (by the French) which
made him determined to defeat them.

Slide 5: Equipment (Saif)

- It’s estimated that more than 2.5 artillery guns were deployed to destroy
the enemy's formation.
- Heavy gunnery were used like flamethrowers, machine guns, and rifles.
- Soldiers have some protection from enemy fire. Also, hindered troops from
readily advancing and thus prolonging the war. Trench warfare was the
major combat tactic.

- Also, grenades and gases were used a lot to blind the enemy alone with
tanks.

Slide 8: Battle Events:( farah)

- Feb 21 1916: German infantry forces begin their assault on French
defensive positions, leading to intense fighting.

- Feb 25 1916: The French recapture Fort Douaumont, which had been a
significant German gain, marking a turning point in the battle. Fort
Douaumont was the largest and highest fort which had protected the city of
Verdun, France.

- June 7 1916: The Battle of Verdun officially ends, although sporadic

fighting continues, and the French declare victory
- July 1 1916: The Battle of Verdun officially ends, although sporadic fighting
continues, and the French declare victory

Slide 9: Historians view on the battle of verdun: (farah )

Historian Paul Jankowski on the Slaughterhouse of Verdun (Interview)

Paul jankowski was a history professor at oxford university who studied
international relations history of war, and they conducted an interview with him
about the battle of verdun or as he called it, the slaughter house of verdun.

He believes it was an indecisive bloodbath at a place of little strategic importance

that resulted in no political or military gain for either side.

He also wrote a book about the battle of Verdun. His book "Verdun: The Longest
Battle of the Great War," focusing on its historical context, military strategy and
tactics, human experience, leadership, and legacy.
His main opinion is that the Battle and the prolonged defense by the French and
the aggressive German offensive were primarily motivated by concerns of
national prestige rather than clear strategic necessity. He mentions how the
French had the motivation and determination as they were concerned with their
prestige.

Slide 10: Legacy & Modern Relevance: (All 3)

This battle is the longest-lasting of the First World War. One of the costliest
battles in military history,
Verdun exemplified the policy of a war of attrition pursued by both sides, which
led to an enormous loss of life and very long casualty lists.
As a result, war affects the modern world by emphasizing the importance of
diplomatic resolutions over prolonged conflicts and instilling a collective memory
of war's horrors to prevent future conflicts.

Slide 11: Quote(Saif)

- The widespread use of the slogan originated in this battle when French
Army General Robert Nivelle urged his troops not to let the enemy pass in
any circumstance.