Why is the Battle of the Somme regarded as such a great military tragedy?

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Shaun Lalley 10 Bingham

History Coursework

Q.1

Why is the Battle of the Somme regarded as such a great military tragedy?

The battle of the Somme was started by the British to relieve pressure from the French at Verdun. The battle was originally planned as a mainly French attack, with British support. The German attack at Verdun meant that this plan had to be altered. The battle of Verdun began in February 1916. In July 1916 it became apparent to the British that the French were losing this battle. As a result of this, the British attacked the Germans along the River Somme; the Germans were forced to halt the battle of Verdun. The British planned to hit the Germans with a week long barrage. British artillery was fired at the German front line for a week. This barrage was supposed to weaken the German defences, destroying most of the trenches. The British soldiers would then go over the top and beat the remaining German soldiers. The battle did not go to plan and is surrounded by a lot of controversy. Many people believe this battle was a tragedy.

The British soldiers were ordered