9. Verdun holds a strategic and symbolic value for both sides.
The Germans made Verdun their primary target not only because of its strategic position in the Western Front but also because of its historical sentiment. Verdun is situated on the river Meuse and was the northernmost fort along the French/German border that was built to keep the Germans from entering France. If Verdun fell, then Germany could easily make their way to Paris. With Verdun in place, Germany was forced to go all the way around through Belgium to get to Paris.
Verdun is also historically significant as it has protected the French hinterlands for centuries all the way back to Attila the Hun. The Treaty of Verdun in 843 made the town part of the Holy Roman Empire but the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 delivered Verdun to the French. It was also significant during the Franco-Prussian war and the French had continued to build up and improve the fort for centuries to ensure that it would always stand against France’s enemies. Losing the fort to the Germans was unacceptable both for France’s honor and for the protection of Paris.
Verdun was heavily fortified and built to be a stronghold during the war. With more than 66,000 men, underground tunnels, rations for 6 months, heavy artillery, more than 1,000 guns and easy access to communication, rails and roads, the fort was the best the French could design to protect their country. If it fell, there was no hope for the rest of France, especially Paris. After Verdun was defeated during the Franco-Prussian War, the French had done everything in their power to build up the fortifications so that it never fell again.
General van Falkenhayn knew the history of Verdun and that was why he chose that fort as his target. More than any other place along the French border, Verdun would be protected at any cost.