The Road to the Somme
When did the Battle of the Somme take place?
July 1 to November 18, 1916
What was a "creeping barrage"?
A tactic where artillery fired shells in stages just ahead of advancing infantry.
How many British casualties were there on the first day?
There were 57,470 British casualties, with 19,240 men killed.
What gas was used in the war?
Poison gas.
Why was it a turning point for German strategy?
The massive troop losses forced the Germans to retreat to the fortified "Hindenburg Line" in early 1917.
Where was the battle fought?
Along a 25-mile front near the Somme River in Picardy, Northern France.
What was the main goal of the battle?
To relieve pressure on the French Army at Verdun and achieve a breakthrough of German lines.
How long did the Battle of the Somme last?
141 days, from July 1 to November 18, 1916.
What new weapon was used a lot in the Somme?
Machine guns.
What was the main result of the Battle of the Somme?
It was an unclear, slow battle where Allies only moved a few miles but caused heavy German losses.
Why was the location at the River Somme chosen?
It was chosen because it was the point where the British and French armies met, allowing for a coordinated attack across both sides of the river.
What new weapon was introduced?
Tanks were introduced by the British, though they were slow and often got stuck in the mud.
Was the first day a total failure?
Mostly, but French divisions and some southern British units achieved success, breaking the first and second German lines.
Why were machine guns so deadly?
They could shoot many bullets fast.
How many casualties were suffered in total?
Over 1 million total casualties—roughly 420,000 British, 200,000 French, and 450,000–600,000 German.