thesociologicalcinema: The Great War 100: Decisive Battles of the WarBattle of Verdun - February 21,
thesociologicalcinema: The Great War 100: Decisive Battles of the WarBattle of Verdun - February 21, 1916 - December 18, 1916- An attritional battle instigated by Germany to destroy the French Army-On the opening day of the battle, 1,220 German artillery pieces fired over 1,000,000 shells on Verdun and the surrounding areas in a 9 hour period. Battle of the Somme - July 1, 1916 - November 18,1916- Originally planned as a French offensive with minimal British support, intended to smash the German army and deplete their manpower.- With the German attack at Verdun, the French instead asked the British to carry out a large diversionary attack to relieve pressure on the French army.-The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest battles of the First World War, by the time fighting had petered out in late autumn 1916 the forces involved had suffered more than 1 million casualties, making it one of the bloodiest military operations ever recorded. 3rd Battle of Ypres, Passchendaele - July 31, 1917 - November 10, 1917- Haig was convinced the fighting of 1916 (Somme and Verdun) had weakened the German Army and wanted to deliver the knockout blow in Flanders- As well as being Haig’s preferred region for a large attack, the Royal Navy were worried about intense German submarine activity emanating from the Belgium ports and implored Haig to capture these areas. Gallipoli - March 18, 1915 - January 9, 1916- Originally a Naval operation, the main reason to attack this area was to open up more reliable trade routes with Russia, via the Black Sea.- There was also a feeling among senior British leaders that due to a stalemate on the Western Front, a new front was needed to ensure progress in the war. Kaiserschlacht, The German Spring Offensive of 1918 - March 21, 1918 - June 12, 1918Germany knew that their only chance of winning the war was to knock out the Allies before the extra resources of men and material from the USA could be deployed. The main thrust of the attack was against the British towards the town of Amiens. It was thought that after the British were defeated the French would quickly look for peace.- Amiens was a strategically important supply town with a large railway hub that supported both British and French armies. If this town was captured, it would severely impede Allied supply. -- source link
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