The Battle of the Somme was a major offensive launched by British and French forces against German forces on the Western Front during World War I.
The Battle of the Somme was a major offensive launched by British and French forces against German forces on the Western Front during World War I – world history and facts. The battle began on July 1, 1916, and lasted until November 18, 1916, resulting in an estimated 1.5 million casualties, including over 300,000 dead. The battle was fought primarily in the Somme River valley in northern France and was one of the bloodiest battles in human history. The British and French aimed to break through German lines and advance towards the city of Bapaume. However, the offensive was met with fierce resistance and the initial gains were limited. The use of new tactics, including the creeping barrage and the use of tanks, was largely ineffective due to poor weather and communication difficulties. The battle is often seen as a symbol of the futility of trench warfare and the human cost of war. The Battle of the Somme had a significant impact on the war and on British and French society. It