The German front began the war on February 21, 1916, through a ten-hour artillery bombardment by 808 guns followed by an attack by three army corps. From 1903 onwards saw the addition of more guns, a concrete banker, and other defensive machinery. The outer forts had 79 guns in shell-proof turrets, and 200 light guns and machine guns to protect the trenches around the forts. The forts were engineered to be more resistant to artillery in the 1880s and overlooked each other to provide mutual support when needed. In the 1870s, Séré de Rivière devised a programme to build two lines of fortresses from Belfort to Epinal and from Verdun to Toul which were defensive screens and also enclosed towns which, initially, were to be bases for counterattacks. Due to the city’s strategic location on Meuse River, it played a crucial role in the defense of its surroundings. In 1648, the Peace of Munster treaty awarded Verdun to France.
History of Verdun and Background of the Battle
The Battle of Verdun, popularized by the phrase “ill ne passeront pas” meaning “they shall not pass,” brought much destruction and caused people to think of it as the war to end all wars. The war resulted in the deaths of about a quarter of a million people and left another half a million injured. This battle was the largest, longest, and among the most important battles in First World War on the Western Front. The Battle of Verdun occurred between the German and French armies, and took place around the city of Verdun-sur-Meuse in North East France from February 21 to December 18, 1916.
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