The Battle of Verdun, one of the longest and bloodiest battles of World War I, was unleashed by German general Erich Von Falkenhayn in February 1916. This battle was unique in that its only goal was to kill and not to capture ground, and as a result it saw acts of incredible heroism as well as horrific slaughter. For the battle’s 10-month duration, nearly one death occurred every minute.
Verdun quickly became a symbol of French resistance, its outcome influencing the course of World War I as a whole. One hundred years later, many French men and women still recognize its iconic significance. But what bearing does Verdun have on another titanic struggle in British history: The Battle of the Somme? To understand one is to understand the other—and this documentary offers an exploration into both battles.
The documentary examines these two battles through interviews with historians, original footage from the battlefields, rare archival footage and many other sources. It brings to light new information about the conditions endured by soldiers during each battle and provides a look at how they impacted European culture both then and now.
This powerful piece provides viewers with an intimate understanding of the horrors that took place during World War I—and offers a powerful experience for those looking to further explore these pivotal battles in history. We invite you to take part in this exploration into some of Europe’s dark past—and gain a greater appreciation for those brave souls who fought so long ago at Verdun and Somme.
