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Questions and Answers
What was the primary goal of the German army during the Battle of Verdun?
What was the primary goal of the German army during the Battle of Verdun?
- To defend German territory
- To capture Paris
- To establish a new front line
- To inflict heavy casualties on the French army (correct)
What was the outcome of the initial German offensive on February 21, 1916?
What was the outcome of the initial German offensive on February 21, 1916?
- Germans gained an early advantage first (correct)
- Germany captured multiple forts immediately
- French forces surrendered without resistance
- Complete failure with no gains
How did the Battle of Verdun affect troop losses for both sides?
How did the Battle of Verdun affect troop losses for both sides?
- The German casualties were negligible
- Both sides faced unprecedented losses (correct)
- The Germans suffered fewer losses than the French
- The French lost significantly fewer troops
What was a significant consequence of the Battle of Verdun for the German army?
What was a significant consequence of the Battle of Verdun for the German army?
Which fort did the Germans initially capture on February 25, 1916?
Which fort did the Germans initially capture on February 25, 1916?
What major event occurred on May 8, 1916, during the Battle of Verdun?
What major event occurred on May 8, 1916, during the Battle of Verdun?
Who was the French general responsible for the defense of Verdun?
Who was the French general responsible for the defense of Verdun?
Which phase involved the Germans occupying Fort Vaux?
Which phase involved the Germans occupying Fort Vaux?
What was a key consequence of the ferocity of the fighting at Verdun?
What was a key consequence of the ferocity of the fighting at Verdun?
What significant event took place on June 22, 1916?
What significant event took place on June 22, 1916?
What was one of the lasting impacts of the Battle of Verdun?
What was one of the lasting impacts of the Battle of Verdun?
During which phase did the French attempt to recapture Fort Vaux on June 8, 1916?
During which phase did the French attempt to recapture Fort Vaux on June 8, 1916?
What did Erich von Falkenhayn aim to achieve at Verdun?
What did Erich von Falkenhayn aim to achieve at Verdun?
Flashcards
Battle of Verdun
Battle of Verdun
A very bloody battle in World War 1, fought between February 21 and December 18, 1916, on the Western Front.
German Offensive
German Offensive
The German attack on the French fortress at Verdun, intending to weaken France.
Fort Douaumont
Fort Douaumont
A French fortress that was captured early in the Battle of Verdun. A key moment in the Battle.
"Meat Grinder"
"Meat Grinder"
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German Losses
German Losses
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French Losses
French Losses
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Impact on Germans
Impact on Germans
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German Offensive Phases
German Offensive Phases
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Phase I of Verdun
Phase I of Verdun
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Phase II of Verdun
Phase II of Verdun
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Phase III of Verdun
Phase III of Verdun
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Phase IV of Verdun
Phase IV of Verdun
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Phase V of Verdun
Phase V of Verdun
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Fort Douaumont
Fort Douaumont
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Fort Vaux
Fort Vaux
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Erich von Falkenhayn
Erich von Falkenhayn
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Philippe Pétain
Philippe Pétain
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Battle of Verdun's Impact
Battle of Verdun's Impact
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Study Notes
Battle of Verdun: German Objectives and Outcomes
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The primary goal of the German Army during the Battle of Verdun was to "bleed France white": inflict heavy casualties on the French army, forcing France to sue for peace.
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The initial German offensive on February 21, 1916, achieved some success: The Germans made initial gains but faced stiff resistance: they ultimately fell short of their objectives.
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The Battle of Verdun resulted in enormous casualties for both sides: France suffered an estimated 377,000 casualties, while Germany suffered an estimated 337,000 casualties. The fighting was brutal and costly, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
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A significant consequence of the Battle of Verdun for the German army was the depletion of their resources: the intensity of the fighting stretched their manpower and supplies.
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On February 25, 1916, the Germans captured Fort Douaumont, a key French fort, following a fierce assault.
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On May 8, 1916, the German offensive stalled: the French, despite facing tremendous pressure, held the line.
### French Defenses at Verdun
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General Philippe Pétain was appointed to command the French defense of Verdun. Pétain, known for his cool head and tactical brilliance, was instrumental in slowing the German advance.
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The capture of Fort Vaux occurred during the German "Second Phase" of the offensive.
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The intense fighting at Verdun had a key consequence: it destroyed the German illusion of a swift victory, highlighting the difficulty of achieving a decisive breakthrough in trench warfare.
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On June 22, 1916, the Germans launched a major assault on the French position at Fort Vaux, but the French fought back fiercely, eventually recapturing the fort.
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One of the lasting impacts of the Battle of Verdun was the development of new tactics: The sheer brutality of the fighting necessitated new approaches to defense and attack.
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The Third Phase of the battle saw the French attempt to recapture Fort Vaux on June 8, 1916. However, their efforts were met with heavy resistance, highlighting the tenacity of the German defense.
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Erich von Falkenhayn aimed to achieve a strategic victory at Verdun: He believed that by forcing the French to commit their best troops to the defense of Verdun, the Germans could weaken the French army, forcing them to negotiate a peace.
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