The term 'butcher of the Somme' in the context of the Battle of the Somme, a significant battle means that Haig was responsible for, almost casually, sending thousands of British troops to their deaths, at the hands of the Germans, for no reason at all.

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Did Haig really deserve the title ‘butcher of the Somme’ or has history judged him wrong

The term ‘butcher of the Somme’ in the context of the Battle of the Somme, a significant battle means that Haig was responsible for, almost casually, sending thousands of British troops to their deaths, at the hands of the Germans, for no reason at all. The battle was meant to make the war mobile again, but it led to a longer stalemate. Douglas Haig (1861-1928) was the British commander on the western front during World War I. He was later promoted to full general. With him in charge the casualties were British and Imperial casualties between July 1 and November 19, 1916 totalled approximately 420,000. On July 1st. (British + Canadian) 08:30-09:30= 30,000 casualties, 12:00= 50,000, end of day= 67,000. There are many arguments for and against for the title given to Haig.

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There were many arguments for the title given to Haig. Many people, not historians say that he really did deserve it, mainly because there was no-one to blame except him for their ancestors’ deaths. There were many reasons.

For example Haig was stubborn in the sense that he kept using the same failing tactic until November. He had hardly any faith in his troops as he never used the Creeping Barrage with them as he predicted that he would kill his own men in it. Also his usage of favouritism led to the many unnecessary deaths as he ...

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