The Battle of the Bulge was a major German offensive campaign during World War II, taking place from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945. It occurred in the densely forested Ardennes region of Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. The surprise attack aimed to split the Allied forces and capture the vital port of Antwerp. Despite initial successes, the offensive ultimately failed due to fierce resistance from Allied troops, including the American forces at places like Bastogne. The battle marked one of the last major German offensives on the Western Front and significantly weakened their military capabilities.