The significance of the Battle of the Somme during World War I lies in its scale and impact on military strategy and public perception of the war. Fought from July 1 to November 18, 1916, it was one of the largest battles on the Western Front, resulting in over one million casualties. The first day alone witnessed the deadliest single day in British military history. The battle aimed to relieve pressure on French forces at Verdun and to weaken German defenses. While it yielded little territorial gain, it underscored the horrors of trench warfare and contributed to evolving military tactics.