February 21 in Military History — On This Day

Battle of Verdun

Germany's plan was not to capture Verdun but to 'bleed France white' — to force the French to feed so many men into the battle that the French army would collapse. The battle lasted 303 days, the longest of the war. France held, but at catastrophic cost. The landscape was so devastated by shells that it remains uninhabitable today.

Over 300,000 dead; nearly 700,000 total casualties. Verdun became the symbol of French sacrifice and endurance — but the strain on the French army led to mutinies in 1917. General Pétain's defense made him France's greatest hero, a reputation that would later be destroyed by WWII collaboration.

Full battle details →

⚔️📍 Verdun, France1916

Battle of Verdun Begins — WWI

Germany launched Operation Gericht with the largest artillery bombardment in history to that point, firing over a million shells in 8 hours along a 20-mile front. German Chief of Staff Falkenhayn intended to 'bleed France white' rather than capture Verdun.

Verdun lasted 10 months and became a symbol of senseless industrial slaughter, with nearly a million casualties — the longest battle of World War I.

Outcome

Inconclusive; France holds Verdun; 700,000 casualties

Casualties

700,000