What was the longest single battle of World War I, lasting from February to December 1916?

The longest single battle of World War I was the Battle of Verdun, fought from February to December 1916. German forces attacked the fortified French region around Verdun on 21 February, hoping to bleed the French Army white through a battle of attrition. France eventually held the position, making Verdun a powerful symbol of national endurance.

The fighting continued until 18 December 1916, making Verdun the war's longest major battle. It was also among the conflict's bloodiest, with roughly 700,000 French and German casualties combined, including the dead, wounded, missing, and prisoners. The battle devastated the surrounding landscape and destroyed numerous villages.

Verdun is sometimes confused with the Battle of the Somme, which began in July 1916 and produced enormous casualties but lasted less time. The Battle of Jutland was a naval engagement, while Passchendaele was a 1917 campaign. Verdun's significance lies not only in its duration but also in its strategic and psychological importance to France.