Significant battles of World War I

Battle of Mons (August 23, 1914)

The first European clash since 1815's Battle of Waterloo and the Opening Battle of the First World War for the British Expeditionary Force: The German victory at Mons forced the British Force into a retreat. Reports show 1,600 British and 5,000 Germans casualties.

Battle of Tannenberg (August 26-August 30, 1914)

German's biggest win against Russia along the Eastern Front. Germans intercepted unencrypted radio messages from the Russians, forcing the Russians into retreat. The Germans pursued the Russians with 30 thousand casualties and more than 90 thousand prisoners.

First Battle of Ypres (October 19 to November 22, 1914)

The First Battle of Ypres, known as the "Race to the Sea," fought for getting access to English Channel ports and the North Sea. The massive conflict, involving an estimated 6 million Germans and 4.2 million Allies, lasted for three weeks until brutal winter weather ended.

Battle of Verdun (February 21 to December 18, 1916)

The Battle of Verdun is World War I's longest single battle, lasting nearly a year as the French Army fends off a surprise German offensive that causes mass losses on both sides, with more than 6 million total casualties.

Battle of Jutland (May 31 to June 1, 1916)

The Battle of Jutland was the largest naval battle of the First World War, where around 6,000 British and 2,500 German sailors died.

Battle of the Somme (July 1 to November 13, 1916)

The Battle of Somme is notable for its first use of tanks and its bloodiest in WWI, ending with more than a million casualties. On the first day of the Battle of the Somme, British forces suffered more than 57,000 casualties, including 20,000 deaths, as they attempted to overrun German trenches.

Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 9-Apr 12, 1917)

Canadian forces lead the capture of one of Germany's most important positions, claiming a decisive victory over the Germans in three days.

Battle of Cambrai (November 20 to December 5, 1917)

The Battle of Cambrai near Cambrai, France, was WWI's first large-scale tank offensive, ultimately changing the course of modern warfare with tank brigades and new artillery methods.

Battle of Amiens (August 8-11, 1918)

The Battle of Amiens was one of the most successful advances of World War I, called the Hundred Days Offensive. The Allies attack with 2,000 guns, 1,900 planes and 500 tanks, causing large-scale German casualties.