1. Field Marshall Douglas Haig: Butcher of the Somme?
Today’s Objective – To look at the plan of the Battle of the Somme and the reality

2. What does this picture reveal about Haig?

3. The Battle of the Somme
It was one of the most significant battles of the First World War
It was fought along the River Somme in France in June 1916
The commander of British troops Field Marshall Douglas Haig doubted there would be ‘even a rat’ alive in the German trenches after the offensive
On the first day of the offensive British casualties amounted to 58,000 (a third of them killed)

4. Why the Somme?
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5. Look at the plan and the reality. What went wrong?

6. The Somme: The plan
Fundamentally as explained by Field Marshall Douglas Haig commander in charge of the battle, the objective of the attack was threefold:
To relieve pressure on the French at Verdun
To help the allies, the French by distracting the German troops
To wear down the strength of the enemy forces
You have been provided with a sheet outlining the plan of the Battle of the Somme

7. The Somme: The reality
In reality, this plan went drastically wrong for a number of
reasons. Now read the sheet you have been given outlining the reality of the battle

8. Mind Mapping the Somme Create two mind maps Outlining the plan
Outlining the reality
You must only use key words and a few key images

9. Plenary: Turning Point?
The Battle of the Somme was a huge turning point in the First World War, it resulted in the resignation of Atlee as Prime Minister, with the replacement of Lloyd George.
Can you think about why it would have been such a huge turning point?
What impact would this have had on opinions of Haig?