Video Summary

The Battle of the Somme, fought between July 1 and November 18, 1916, during World War I, was one of the largest and bloodiest battles in human history. It took place on the Western Front in France, primarily along the Somme River. The battle involved a massive British and French offensive against the German Empire. The British hoped to achieve a decisive breakthrough, relieving pressure on the French at Verdun. The battle began with a week-long artillery bombardment, intended to destroy German trenches and fortifications, but proved insufficient. The first day of the offensive saw catastrophic British losses, with nearly 20,000 killed and 40,000 wounded, setting a grim tone for the battle. The battle saw widespread use of new technologies, including tanks (though their effect was initially limited), machine guns, and poison gas, resulting in horrific casualties on both sides. Despite protracted fighting and massive losses, neither side achieved a decisive victory. The battle ended in a stalemate, resulting in over a million casualties – soldiers killed, wounded, or missing – on both sides. The Somme became a symbol of the brutal and futile nature of trench warfare in WWI and its devastating impact.