Which battle is considered one of the bloodiest of World War I?
The Battle of Verdun
The Battle of Verdun, which lasted from February to December 1916, symbolizes the horror and futility of trench warfare. With nearly 700,000 casualties, this battle demonstrated the French determination to defend at all costs what they considered the heart of their nation. French General Philippe Pétain, who would later play a controversial role during World War II, was one of the key figures in the defense of Verdun, forging his reputation with the motto "They shall not pass." This battle not only scarred the bodies and minds of those who fought but also deeply influenced French collective memory.
