Battle of the Somme
One of the bloodiest battles in history, with over one million casualties over nearly five months.
The Battle of the Somme (July 1 to November 18, 1916) was one of the largest and deadliest battles of World War I. On the first day alone, the British Army suffered nearly 60,000 casualties, the worst day in British military history. Over the course of nearly five months, the Allies advanced only about six miles. Total casualties exceeded one million on both sides. The battle demonstrated the horrific nature of trench warfare and the devastating power of machine guns and artillery against infantry attacks.
Key Takeaways
Over one million total casualties on both sides
The British suffered nearly 60,000 casualties on the first day alone
Symbolized the futility and horror of trench warfare