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Battle of Verdun: Quick Facts

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Facts

Date February 21, 1916 - December 18, 1916
Location France • Meuse River • Verdun
Participants France • Germany
Context Western Front • World War I

Photos and Videos

French soldiers in uniform rest and eat on a grassy field behind the front lines during the Battle of Verdun in World War I, with gear and rifles stacked nearby.
Black and white historical map showing the area around Verdun, France, during World War I. The map details the locations of forts, main railways, and roads, with Verdun at the center. Surrounding towns, rivers, and defensive positions are labeled, illustrating key strategic points during the Battle of Verdun. A legend on the left lists the names of forts, and a scale is provided in the upper right corner.
Black and white historical map showing the area around Verdun, France, during the Battle of Verdun in World War I. The map details villages, forts, rivers, forests, and key terrain features, with Verdun located near the bottom center. Defensive positions, roads, and surrounding settlements such as Douaumont, Fleury, and Chattancourt are labeled, along with a scale in English miles and kilometers.
A group of World War I soldiers near Verdun stands in a circle as one man demonstrates the use of a gas mask; buildings are visible in the background.
French soldiers with helmets and gear stand among a line of saddled horses in front of wooden shelters and train cars at Verdun during World War I.
Verdun, France
Civilians, including women and children, sit atop a horse-drawn cart loaded with belongings while soldiers and townspeople stand nearby on a street in Verdun during World War I evacuation.
French soldiers in uniform rest and gather in a grassy field at Verdun during World War I, with a dog visible among the troops and smoke rising in the background.
Robert Nivelle
A large group of French soldiers in uniform, many smiling and holding musical instruments, gather outdoors at a crowded cafe for entertainment after the Battle of Verdun during World War I.
Brutal truths of the Battle of Verdun
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Related Topics and References

Topics
Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

Timeline

French soldiers in uniform rest and eat on a grassy field behind the front lines during the Battle of Verdun in World War I, with gear and rifles stacked nearby.
Battle of Verdun
February 21, 1916 - December 18, 1916
Three soldiers in World War I uniforms and helmets operate a St. Etienne machine gun in a trench at the Somme.
First Battle of the Somme
July 1, 1916 - November 13, 1916
default image
Second Battle of the Somme
March 21, 1918 - April 5, 1918
Marne, Battle of the
Second Battle of the Marne
July 15, 1918 - July 18, 1918
World War I: Meuse-Argonne, battles of the
battles of the Meuse-Argonne
September 26, 1918 - November 11, 1918

Key People

Philippe Petain in military uniform and decorated cap, facing the camera with a neutral expression and a large mustache.
Philippe Pétain
French general
Erich von Falkenhayn
Erich von Falkenhayn
German general

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