The Battle of the Somme was a major battle during World War I, fought between July 1 and November 18, 1916. It took place near the Somme River in France and involved British and French forces against the German Empire. The battle aimed to relieve pressure on the French forces at Verdun and to weaken the German army. The first day of the battle remains the bloodiest in British military history, with nearly 60,000 British casualties. Over the course of the battle, more than one million soldiers were wounded or killed. The Somme is remembered for its high casualties and the introduction of new military tactics, including the use of tanks.