1916: The bloody battle of Verdun
Deutsche Welle
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Battle of Verdun (1916) stands as one of the most brutal and costly conflicts of World War I, lasting an extraordinary 300 days and nights. Fought between German and French forces near the small French town of Verdun, the battle became synonymous with senseless carnage and human suffering. With over 26 million artillery shells fired, toxic gas attacks, and relentless trench warfare, both sides endured unimaginable horrors. The German strategy aimed to break through French lines and regain mobile warfare advantages, but it ultimately resulted in a stalemate, leaving neither side victorious. Over 300,000 soldiers were killed or wounded, and the battle became a defining symbol of the war's brutality.
The battle began with an intense artillery bombardment by German forces, who believed Verdun was crucial for their strategic gains. However, French General Philippe Pétain's resolute defense, encapsulated in the motto "On ne passe pas" ("They shall not pass"), prevented a German breakthrough. The fighting was characterized by relentless attacks and counterattacks over every inch of territory, with soldiers enduring horrific conditions—rats, lice, freezing temperatures, and constant fear of death. The battlefield became a moonscape of craters, with bodies left unburied and rotting in the open. Soldiers' letters home vividly described the hellish environment, with one young theology student writing about the loss of hope and the relentless cycle of death.
Despite Germany's initial advances, the French eventually recaptured most of the lost ground by December 1916. The battle's significance lies not only in its casualties but
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/20/2026