Adelaide Hong, Vibhav Peri, Evan Zhu, Nilay Bhoot Battle of the Somme Adelaide Hong, Vibhav Peri, Evan Zhu, Nilay Bhoot

Thesis The bloody failures of WW1 were exemplified by the Battle of the Somme through the use of faulty tactics that led to massive loss of life, demonstrating that technological advancement (tanks/bombardment/trench warfare) did not mitigate the repercussions of war, but rather added to them.

History Lasted from 1 July 1916 to 18 November 1916 Largest battle of WW1 on western front Original intent was a war of attrition designed to drain German resources This intent changed slightly when the Germans launched the Verdun Offensive against France. The French demanded to start the battle earlier than intended in order to divert German resources to Somme. The attack was also supposed to be predominantly French, but most French forces were redirected to Verdun. Largest battle in history to date Planned for awhile earlier Verdun, considered an important french stronghold, attacked earlier. Left british to bear the brunt of the somme

Main event General Haig was stubborn and optimistic about offensive tactics. Called for a bombardment on the German barbed wire, trenches and artillery to effectively eradicate their defenses. The barrage failed miserably. Many shells were defective, failed to cut wires, and the Allies were unable to break the German’s defensive position The Germans slaughtered the Allies as they went over the trenches. 7day bombardment French were unable to break through the south Underestimated the germans and also the leadership sucked British movements were obvious, allowed germans to regroup after bombardment

Statistics Largest historical military encounter to date (1.5 million men lost) 6 miles in 4 months British: 19,420 dead, 40,000 wounded on the first day Allied: 600,000+ casualties Germans: 440,000+ casualties 49 tanks deployed, 36 manage to advance Managed to kill off most of the new volunteer army as well as german junior officers

Impact/Results First use of tanks Not mass produced Lost the element of surprise Minimal success, often got stuck Many people died for practically nothing. About 100 men died for 1 meter of land A maximum of eight miles were gained Serre remained under German control Much more impactful on British history than French Became a “byword” for waste of life and terrible leadership General haig kind of really sucked at leading a war Tanks really didn’t work in the mud The land gained had no strategic importance While serre was an objective, it was failed French’s main focus is verdun A very international battle

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