The Battle of Verdun (1916, France) — Questions and answers

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What was the goal of German Crown Prince Wilhelm at Verdun?

Choices

  1. To "bleed France white" ✓
  2. To help General Philippe Pétain
  3. To find a hidden treasure
  4. To build a new city

Answer: To "bleed France white"

From page 1

What new approach did Erich von Falkenhayn use after the Schlieffen Plan failed?

Choices

  1. Attrition ✓
  2. Negotiation
  3. Quick surrender
  4. Building new forts

Answer: Attrition

From page 2

Why were many of Verdun's forts vulnerable to attack?

Choices

  1. Their heavy artillery had been removed and they were undermanned. ✓
  2. They were too new to be strong.
  3. They were made of wood and easily burned.
  4. The soldiers were all on vacation.

Answer: Their heavy artillery had been removed and they were undermanned.

From page 3

What was one important thing General Philippe Pétain did after taking command at Verdun?

Choices

  1. He organized a continuous supply line called the 'Voie Sacrée'. ✓
  2. He surrendered the city to the Germans.
  3. He told all the soldiers to go home.
  4. He built a giant statue.

Answer: He organized a continuous supply line called the 'Voie Sacrée'.

From page 5

Why was the 'Voie Sacrée' so important for Verdun?

Choices

  1. It was the lifeline that brought supplies and troops to the city. ✓
  2. It was a quiet place for soldiers to rest.
  3. It was used for racing trucks.
  4. It was a secret escape tunnel.

Answer: It was the lifeline that brought supplies and troops to the city.

From page 6

What did the Battle of Verdun become a symbol of?

Choices

  1. The futility and horror of trench warfare ✓
  2. A quick and easy victory
  3. Friendship between soldiers
  4. Peace and quiet

Answer: The futility and horror of trench warfare

From page 7

What was a major turning point in the Battle of Verdun?

Choices

  1. French troops recaptured Fort Douaumont. ✓
  2. German troops captured all of Verdun.
  3. Both sides decided to stop fighting suddenly.
  4. A new general arrived to take over.

Answer: French troops recaptured Fort Douaumont.

From page 8

What was the outcome of the Battle of Verdun by December 1916?

Choices

  1. It had ground to a stalemate with immense losses for both sides. ✓
  2. The German army completely won the battle.
  3. The French army easily won with no losses.
  4. A new city was built on the battlefield.

Answer: It had ground to a stalemate with immense losses for both sides.

From page 9

What remains in the area around Verdun today, serving as a reminder of the battle?

Choices

  1. Unexploded ordnance, remains of soldiers, memorials, and cemeteries ✓
  2. A brand new amusement park
  3. Only perfectly untouched forests
  4. Large fields of sunflowers

Answer: Unexploded ordnance, remains of soldiers, memorials, and cemeteries

From page 10