Called "the worst battle in history" by military historian Sir Alistair Horne, the Battle of Verdun took place from February 21 through December 18, 1916, making 2016 the 100th anniversary of this major battle in the war to end all wars. Approximately 700,000 men fell in this one battle. The book offers an exciting popular narrative, with emphasis on key personalities involved and on its strategic and political significance. The battle is set in the context of the history of modern warfare, technologically, culturally, and politically. In contrast to other histories of the battle, this book looks in more depth at the role played by American troops.