First World War · permanent subject timeline
The prolonged 1916 struggle between French and German armies around Verdun. This page combines historical context with 11 matching records drawn directly from the World History Database World War I battle archive.
Historical context
Germany attacked the Verdun sector in February 1916, beginning a battle that lasted through much of the year. French forces defended a network of forts and positions under enormous artillery pressure and repeated infantry attacks.
Verdun became a symbol of French endurance and one of the war's defining battles of attrition. The campaign consumed enormous resources and influenced the timing and conduct of the Allied offensive on the Somme.
World History Database records
The records below are selected from the 572-record World War I battles archive and rendered as static HTML in chronological order.
Battle of Verdun
Flamethrowers are used for the 1st time at the Battle of Verdun. Decides "to bleed France white" by concentrating on a historically sensitive area. 1st day to "bleed the French white", 1200 German artillery guns open fire
Battle of Verdun
Begins successfully when the Germans take Fort Douamont, Verduns strongest position
Battle of Verdun
Commander of Second Army during the Battle of Champagne
Battle of Verdun
Wounded in battle & captured by the Germans. "posthumously" awarded the Legion of Honour. It is officially thought de Gaulle died in battle
Battle of Verdun
Cancels supplies to the battle when the French are saved from by Allied bombardment
Battle of Verdun
Each loses about 350,000. After 10 months the Germans are forced back to their original positions
Battle of Verdun
Taken prisoner during the Battle of Verdun
Battle of Verdun
Learns how to use tanks in battle, leading exponent in World War II
Battle of Verdun
Participates in the Battle of Verdun
Battle of Verdun
A mile long stretch of French trenches is stormed at Hill 304 but recaptured
Battle of Verdun
German attacks in the Avocourt-Mort Sector are repulsed
Editorial provenance
Compiled and edited by World History Database.
Historical context is editorial material; the chronology is generated from World History Database First World War records.
Last reviewed: September 2026.
Imperial War Museums · Commonwealth War Graves Commission · Australian War Memorial
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