What was Germany's strategy in the Battle of Verdun, aiming to deplete French resources?

Germany's strategy during the Battle of Verdun, encapsulated in the phrase "Bleed France white," aimed to inflict maximum casualties on the French army in order to weaken its military reserves and morale. This approach was predicated on the belief that the French would instinctively defend the fortress of Verdun at all costs, leading to prolonged battles where casualties would significantly outnumber those of the Germans. The intention was to erode the French fighting capability and willingness to continue the war by making them suffer unbearable losses.

The other strategies listed do not align with the Germans' operational objectives at Verdun. While cutting off supply lines is a general military tactic that could support various strategies, it wasn’t the primary focus at Verdun. Blitzkrieg tactics, known for their rapid movement and combined arms assaults, were developed later and were not applicable to the static trench warfare that characterized Verdun. Finally, securing naval dominance does not relate to the land-based nature of the Battle of Verdun, which was fought in a terrestrial context far removed from naval operations. Thus, "Bleed France white" precisely captures the strategic intent that guided German operations at Verdun.