The significance of the Battle of Verdun during World War I lies in its symbolism of French national determination and the war's overall attrition strategy. Fought from February to December 1916, it became one of the longest and bloodiest battles, resulting in approximately 700,000 casualties. For the French, Verdun represented a national fortress, and its defense was crucial to maintaining morale and national identity. The battle epitomized the horrors of trench warfare and the extreme human cost of the conflict. Ultimately, the battle did not yield significant territorial changes but highlighted the war's futility and the devastating nature of World War I.