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The First World War became a war of attrition as each side dug in to defend conquered territories. Previous wars had been wars of movement, as armies moved to face each other in pitched battles. The development of military tactics and weaponry brought about the end of frontal attacks. The American Civil War saw the development of trench warfare (although this is not the first instance in military history of the use of trenches, even Roman and Persian armies made use of trenches), which carried over into the subsequent battles, including the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, which historians agree, led to the First World War. As the machine gun, bolt-action rifle and barbed wire became more prevalent tools in warfare, attacking a defended front was to suffer crippling losses. Yet British and French military leaders believed the war could be fought - and won - by sending large masses of men forward to attack and wear down a heavily defend German position: a war of attrition.

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What battle in World War 1 was nicknamed the meatgrinder?

Verdun


How does the battle of Verdun represent what happened in the war?

The Battle of Verdun, fought from February to December 1916, epitomizes the attrition warfare that characterized World War I, where both sides aimed to exhaust each other's resources and manpower. It symbolized the brutal stalemate of the conflict, with over 700,000 casualties and no significant territorial gain for either side. Verdun became a powerful symbol of French national determination and resilience, while also highlighting the devastating human cost of trench warfare. This battle encapsulated the broader horrors and futility of the war, where strategic victories were often overshadowed by immense loss.


How is the battle of verdun linked to the battle of somme?

Russia's siege that ended the war in Europe


Where can you find information about the Battle of Verdun?

Look up Verdun or World War I in any encyclopedia. Look in any book about the First World War. Use Verdun and World War as search parameters on any search engine. Michael Montagne


Which countries were involved in the battle of verdun?

The Battle of Verdun, fought from February to December 1916 during World War I, primarily involved France and Germany. The French forces aimed to defend the fortress city of Verdun against a massive German offensive. This battle became one of the longest and costliest engagements of the war, symbolizing French determination and resilience. Ultimately, the French successfully held Verdun, but at a tremendous cost in terms of casualties on both sides.

Related Questions

Where is the French city of Verdun?

Verdun is located in the Grand Est region of France, northeast of the country, near the border with Belgium. It is known for being the site of a major battle during World War I, known as the Battle of Verdun.


Who won the verdun battle?

The Verdun Battle of World War I ended in a victory for France. the battle lasted throughout most of the year 1916


What effect did the battle of verdun have on world war 1?

it was gay


What battle in World War 1 was nicknamed the meatgrinder?

Verdun


What was the battle in World War 1 that wiped nine villages of the map?

The Battle of Verdun


What impact did the battle of verdun have in history?

it was the cause of the battle of the somme which was the bloodiest first day in British history, the battle of verdun was going badly for the allies so Haig decided to divert the Gemans and releive the pressure on verdun, which it did but created lot of casulaties on the first day, the worst in history The battle of Verdun was simply a German derived strategy to bleed the French army dry. Attrition, attrition, attrition. The German leadership knew that the French would never break at Verdun so more and more troops were fed into the meat grinder. Of course German losses were horrendous too.


What is the two most famous battles in world war 1?

The battle of the Somme and The battle of Verdun


When did the Verdun war start in France with Germany?

The Battle of Verdun started on February 21st 1916 and ended on December 16th in 1916. :)


What were the major battles of World War I?

Some of the major battles of World War I include the Battle of Tannenberg, the Battle of Arras, The Battle of Verdun, and the Battle of the Somme.


How is the battle of verdun linked to the battle of somme?

Russia's siege that ended the war in Europe


What was the battle in world war 1 that lasted 6 months in 1916?

The battle that occurred in 1916 and lasted for 6 months was The Battle of Verdun. This battle took place between France and Germany in Verdun, France.


Where can you find information about the Battle of Verdun?

Look up Verdun or World War I in any encyclopedia. Look in any book about the First World War. Use Verdun and World War as search parameters on any search engine. Michael Montagne