The Battle of Verdun, the longest and most costly conflict on the Western Front during World War I, commenced on February 21, 1916, with a German assault on Meuse Heights. This strategic hill range held the potential to inflict devastating artillery bombardment upon the city of Verdun. Initially, the German offensive achieved success, capturing the French fort of Daoaumont. However, French General Petain refrained from retreating.

The French responded by deploying 20 divisions, effectively hindering the German advance. By the end of March, their counterbatteries were effectively pounding the German lines.

The Germans subsequently altered their tactics, attempting to capture the positions occupied by French batteries across the Meuse River. French reinforcements successfully halted this advance. By May, the French briefly regained partial control of Daoaumont, only to lose it again. The German ice allowed them to push forward all the way to Fleury, positioning themselves within 2.5 miles of Verdun Castle. From June to August, the town of Fleury underwent a staggering sixteen changes of hands. By August, the Germans were compelled to withdraw a portion of their troops to participate in the Battle of the Somme. Consequently, between August and December, the French counteroffensive proved successful in regaining all the ground lost.

The battle persisted for an astonishing 303 days, resulting in a staggering total of 714,000 casualties: 377,000 French and 337,000 German. The Germans had anticipated a war of attrition, with the French initially possessing a significant advantage in artillery. However, by the conclusion of the battle, the French had matched and often surpassed the Germans in terms of artillery capabilities. Additionally, they implemented a strategic rotation of troops, ensuring that their morale remained unbroken.

The Germans had aspired to achieve a decisive victory at Verdun, but once again, the battle concluded in a stalemate, mirroring its initial state.