Fort Douaumont was part of the extensive French fortifications surrounding Verdun, a city in northeastern France. Initially constructed in the late 19th century to protect against German invasion, it was one of the largest forts in the area. The fort was heavily armed and fortified but had been left relatively undefended in early 1916, making it a prime target. During the early phase of the Battle of Verdun, the Germans launched a series of attacks designed to draw the French into extensive and costly fighting. They succeeded not just through direct military engagement but also by exploiting gaps in French defense strategy.

On February 25, 1916, following an extensive artillery bombardment that softened up French defenses over the preceding weeks, German troops approached Fort Douaumont to find it largely abandoned. Instead of a fierce battle, the soldiers found the fort's garrison had withdrawn, leaving the fortification open to capture without a fight. This event was pivotal in the tactical landscape of the Battle of Verdun, demonstrating a critical shift in momentum.

The fall of Fort Douaumont underscored the increasing pressure on French forces, as they were gradually losing control of key positions in the area. This phase of the battle continued for months, leading to one of the longest and bloodiest engagements in World War I. The Germans utilized the fort as a base to launch further operations against the French, significantly impacting the course of the battle and complicating French defensive efforts.