battles on the western front Flashcards
(43 cards)
when was the battle of the Marne
september 1914
what was a surprise to the germans
how quickly russia mobilised
why was it important russia has mobilised quickly
germany had to move 100,000 soldiers from the west to the east
what was the aim of the battle of the marne
the french wanted counter attack the germans along the marne river and stop them advancing to paris
who did the french troops hurry to join up with to halt the germans ?
the british expeditionary force (BEF)
what did the british and french forces manage to do?
push the germans back to the River Aisne.
why couldn’t germany be pushed out of france
both sides were equally matched
what followed this and why
a stalemate as each side dug trenches to protect themselves from enemy fire
what was caused from the battle of the marne
race to the sea
what was the race to the sea
germany began to outflank britain and frances trenches. britain and france then did the same.
how many miles of trenches was created
400 miles
what did this cause and why
a stalemate as neither side could advance
what was the first battle on the western front
battle of verdun
when was the battle of verdun
feb 21st - dec 18 1916
how many men did france lose at verdun
315000
how many men did germany lose at verdun
280000
what was the aim of verdun
to “bleed france white”
destroy french armies before allies came
what was the type of war fought
war of attrition
who came up with the strategy of attrition
general falkenhayn
what does attrition mean?
wear down your opponent
what did both sides lose?
nearly equal men
what did germany have ?
they had more resources than france.
what was significant about the battle of verdun
both sides lost many men and france was close to breaking point
what did the battke of verdun lead to
battle of the somme
