Video Summary

The Battle of Verdun, fought between February 21 and December 18, 1916, on the Western Front of World War I, is renowned for its brutality and staggering losses. The German army, under Erich von Falkenhayn, initiated a massive offensive targeting the strategically important, but relatively quiet, Verdun fort. The aim was not a swift victory, but to bleed the French army white through attrition. The French, under Philippe Pétain, adopted a tenacious defense strategy, emphasizing the importance of holding the ground, using the slogan "They shall not pass." The battle devolved into a prolonged and horrific struggle of trench warfare, marked by intense shelling, horrific close-quarters combat, and devastating casualties on both sides. Despite the immense loss of life, the French ultimately repelled the German advance, preventing the fall of Verdun and demonstrating a remarkable capacity for resilience. While a tactical stalemate, the battle was a strategic victory for the French, significantly weakening the German army and boosting French morale. It remains a potent symbol of human endurance and the devastating consequences of modern warfare.