Questions and Answers
What was the purpose of the German attack on Verdun in 1916 and how did the French defend themselves?
The German attack on Verdun aimed to draw French troops away from other fronts. The French defended stubbornly and the Germans suffered heavy losses.
What was British Commander-in-Chief Haig criticized for during the Battle of the Somme and how did he eventually become receptive to new techniques?
Haig came under severe criticism for persisting with mass infantry charges despite the high casualties and was called a 'donkey' by some historians. He eventually became receptive to new techniques and strategies after being slow to see beyond the tactic of the 'big push'.
What were the contributions made by Lloyd George to the Allied war effort after he became Prime Minister in 1916?
Lloyd George improved the supply of shells and machine guns, encouraged the development of new weapons, and centralized the war effort. He also set up a small war cabinet, brought shipping and agriculture under government control, and introduced the Ministry of National Service.
Study Notes
Key Events of 1916 in World War I
- Two major battles on the Western Front in 1916 were the Battle of Verdun and the Battle of the Somme.
- The German attack on Verdun aimed to draw French troops away from other fronts, but the French defended stubbornly and the Germans suffered heavy losses.
- The Battle of the Somme, mainly fought by the British, aimed to relieve pressure on the French at Verdun and keep the Germans fully committed.
- The Somme began disastrously, with 20,000 British troops killed on the first day, and continued intermittently for over four months.
- The Allies made only limited advances in the Somme, but the battle dealt a blow to German morale and showed Britain's military power.
- The British and French generals persisted with mass infantry charges despite the high casualties, and no alternative tactics were produced.
- British Commander-in-Chief Haig came under severe criticism for his leadership and was called a "donkey" by some historians.
- Haig was slow to see beyond the tactic of the "big push" but eventually became receptive to new techniques and strategies.
- The horrors of the Somme contributed to the fall of British Prime Minister Asquith, who resigned in 1916.
- Lloyd George replaced Asquith as Prime Minister in December 1916 and made invaluable contributions to the Allied war effort.
- Lloyd George improved the supply of shells and machine guns, encouraged the development of new weapons, and centralized the war effort.
- Lloyd George also set up a small war cabinet, brought shipping and agriculture under government control, and introduced the Ministry of National Service.
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