What happened during the Battle of Verdun?

The Battle of Verdun (February 21–December 18, 1916) was one of the longest and deadliest engagements of World War I. German General Erich von Falkenhayn initiated the offensive as a strategy of attrition, aiming to "bleed France to death" by attacking the Verdun fortress, a site the French were compelled to defend at any cost.1

The battle began with a massive German artillery bombardment, followed by infantry advances that captured key positions, including Fort Douaumont. To sustain their defense, the French organized a critical motorized supply chain along the road known as La Voie Sacrée ("the Sacred Way"). Under the command of Gen. Philippe Pétain, French resistance stiffened, and the front lines remained largely static despite months of intense artillery duels and infantry assaults.23

By late 1916, French forces under Gen. Charles Mangin launched successful counteroffensives to reclaim lost territory, including Fort Douaumont and Fort Vaux. The battle concluded in December with the French having repulsed the German offensive. Total casualties were staggering, with approximately 400,000 French and 350,000 German soldiers killed, wounded, or missing.31