Road to Verdun
Before Verdun began, which war was already being fought in Europe?
World War 1
What type of warfare was mainly used at Verdun?
Trench Warfare
Where did soldiers live during the Battle of Verdun?
In the Trenches
Which country did Philippe Pétain lead during Verdun?
France
Did France win or lose the Battle of Verdun?
France won
Which country controlled Verdun before the battle started?
France
What powerful weapon did the Germans use at the start of the battle to weaken French defenses?
Heavy artillery bombardment
What was one common problem soldiers faced in the trenches?
Mud
Which country did Erich von Falkenhayn lead during Verdun?
Germany
Was Verdun a short or long battle?
Long
Why was Verdun considered an important location for France to defend?
losing it would have broken their morale and defensive line.
What defensive tactic did the French use to keep their army supplied during the battle?
Voie Sacrée
What illness did soldiers get from standing in wet trenches too long?
Trench Foot
What was one main goal of Falkenhayn’s plan?
To wear down France
What was one major result of the battle for soldiers?
Many deaths
What strategy did Erich von Falkenhayn propose that led to the attack on Verdun?
He planned a attack to bleed France dry.
How did Erich von Falkenhayn plan to use strategy rather than quick victory to defeat France?
He aimed to wear down (attrition) the French army by forcing them to defend Verdun at all costs, causing massive casualties over time.
What small animals were a big problem in the trenches?
Rats
What did Pétain do to help his soldiers keep fighting?
He rotated troops and kept supplies coming.
What did Verdun become a symbol of for France?
Strength and determination.
Why did Verdun become a symbol of French national determination, and how did it affect the overall course of World War 1?
Verdun was chosen because it was a place France would not abandon, allowing Germany to inflict heavy casualties even without a quick victory.
How did French tactics under Philippe Pétain help prevent a German breakthrough?
Pétain used a rotation system, constantly swapping exhausted troops with fresh ones, while maintaining steady artillery defense and supply lines.
How did trench life affect soldiers mentally?
It caused stress and fear
Why was Pétain seen as a strong leader during Verdun?
He kept the army organized and did not let them give up.
How did Verdun affect the rest of World War I?
It weakened both sides and showed how deadly trench warfare was.