Part 12/13:
In the strategic and diplomatic arena, the Battle of Verdun stands out as a turning point, not only militarily but psychologically. The French victory challenged the narrative of German invincibility and invigorated Allied morale. German commander Erich von Falkenhayn had originally aimed to bleed France dry at Verdun, but the eventual French resilience in defending and eventually retaking critical positions showcased the futility of German plans to break French morale through attrition alone.