The Battle of Verdun

The Battle of Verdun, fought in 1916 during World War I, was one of the longest and bloodiest battles in history, lasting nearly a year. It took place along a narrow front in northeastern France, where German forces aimed to weaken France by attacking a symbol of national pride—Verdun. French troops fiercely defended the territory, leading to heavy casualties on both sides. The battle became a symbol of perseverance and national resolve, with no clear winner, but it drained German resources and bolstered French morale. Ultimately, Verdun exemplified the brutal, attritional nature of trench warfare in World War I.