France: World War I – The Battle of Verdun Begins
On this day in 1916, the Battle of Verdun began on the Western Front in World War I, between French and German forces. This battle waged in northeastern France killed close to 700 000 troops. Some 40 million artillery shells were fired before the battle concluded on the 18th December 1916 in a virtual stalemate, though regarded as a French win.
For more, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Verdun
Louis XIV: Franco-Dutch War – France Invades the Netherlands
The Franco-Dutch War was more than a war between France and the Netherlands, then known as the United Provinces. It involved a host of other nations including Sweden, Spain, England and other less known regions/countries. The war lasted from 1672 to 1678 and ended with the Treaty of Nijmegen.
This day in 1672 saw the beginning of the war with the French invasion of the United Provinces and they quickly made progress into the country. However, as the war continued it quickly became a stalemate-type situation, though the French did gain territory from the Treaty of Nijmegen.
For a more detailed treatment of the war, see the Wikipedia page at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franco-Dutch_War
History for Today 