why did the battle of the somme happen
Rating Newest Oldest. Best Answer: The main reason for the battle of the Somme was to take pressure off the French army, which had been under heavy attack at Verdun since February, and was close to cracking.It was hoped that a major British offensive on the Somme would force the Germans to withdraw troops from Verdun.ost (left wing) historians discuss the Somme in terms of the first day of slaughter and carnage in the British Army, and classify it as a catastrophic and disastrous defeat. As Outrider pointed out the battle continued beyond July 1st, and into November.