This was a seminal battle in 1916 where the strategy of the Germans was to attack French positions from multiple sides and "bleed" the French army into capitulation (The idea being that since France couldn't afford to lose the position, they would throw in every man they had to defend it or capitulate). Despite over 500,000 deaths on both sides, the French were able to successfully hold their position.

It´s the Battle of Verdun.

Explanation:

It was the largest single battle of the First World War and one of the bloodiest ones. It started with a German offensive in February of 1916. The German plan elaborated by Gen. Erich von Falkenhayn called for causing the highest number of casualties to the French Army, a better goal than just gaining ground. It was summarized by the sinister phrase "bleed France to death" used by Von Falkenhayn. The German made quick advances around the Verdun defensive complex in the beginning, but they were stopped. The French troops regained lost positions by December. At the end, the long and brutal battle cost the lives of 600,000 men in both sides.

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