The Somme Valley is located north of Paris in the Department of Picardie. Picardie has some of the most productive farms in France. The geography is characterized by gently rolling hills, rivers (the Somme and Canche), and wetlands. The existence of a high water table and drainage issues would prove to be a problem for the opposing sides. Much older history should have been an indicator of future problems with mud and water. Henry V on October 25, 1415, with 6000 archers and a small group of foot soldiers defeater a much larger French force at Azincourt, France. After a soaking rain, the advancing, heavily armored French knights on large mounts became bogged down in the mud becoming easy targets for the English and their longbows.
Just a thought to consider. Once the Somme Valley became a battlefield in 1914, agricultural production was dramatically reduced. The inability to grow wheat and other crops led to increased imports from the United States. The demand for food, especially wheat, led to the plowing of U.S. grasslands in Kansas, Colorado, Texas, and Oklahoma. The frenzy of growing wheat to meet European demand would contribute to the Dust Bowl conditions of the 1930s.
For those wanting to tour the Somme Valley, a car is essential. You should consult travel guides or the French Tourist Office for accommodations in the region. I used the village of Peronne as a base for my travels. Peronne also has a modern museum devoted to World War I in the Somme Valley.
No comments:
Post a Comment