Battle of Verdun

1916-02-21 - 1916-12-18

World War I battle of 21 February to 18 December 1916 on the Western Front, at 302 days the longest of the war. Germany's 5th Army attacked the French fortified region of Verdun hoping to bleed France white; Philippe Petain ordered no retreat, and French counter-offensives recaptured Fort Douaumont and Fort Vaux. Total casualties reached about 714,000, and the battle became a French national symbol of determination.