Strategies+and+tactics+1-+Verdun

​ Why did the Falkenhayn launch this offensive? What strategies and tactics were behind Verdun? What did the Falkenhayn hope to achieve? Verdun France at War The greatest battle ever


 * __The Battle of Verdun, 1916__**

German General Eri ch von Falkenhayn

Falkenhayn launched this offensive, in February 1916, in order to intensify the German efforts, and psychologically damage French morale. 'Verdun was an old French fortress/mountain, psychologically vital to the French, but strategically insignificant.' (http://hsc.csu.edu.au/modern_history/core_study/ww1/overview1914_18/page137.htm)

For many years, the city of Verdun was the strongest city in France, due to 13 massive concrete forts surrounding it. However, in 1916, the guns had been taken out of the forts, thus rendering Verdun useless. Most of the French people did not know this, and Verdun was still regarded a symbol of their country's strength.

Falkenhayn aimed to draw the bulk of the French army into a small space so that German artillery and infantry attacks could slowly destroy the French and sap their morale. This is a method known as attrition.

Using small group infiltration tactics, the Germans captured Fort Douaumont, on 25 February, and began a series of attacks from March to July to force the issue further. However, von Falkenhayn soon realised that a quick victory was impossible, and adapted his objectives, hoping to "bleed the French white". French General Philippe Petain said 'Ils ne passeront pas', meaning 'they shall not pass', in regards to Verdun. These few and simple words inspired the French defenders throughout the battle which followed. Despite this optimistic approach, Petain had difficulties keeping supplies up, as Germany bombarded Verdun relentlessly. Falkenhayn was replaced by Hindenburg and Ludendorff following the campaign.

As a result of the Battle of Verdun, France suffered 315 000 casualties, while Germany suffered 281 000. The fortress was defended successfully, but it bled the French and German armies dry. The morale of the French army was severely weakened by the relentless slaughter. In 1917, open mutiny developed throughout the French army.