Introduction
The Battle is one of the most strategic and important battles during the First World War. This clash of power between the German and French forces had a significant role in the war. This war was led by General J.S. Gallieni, the military governor of Paris, decided to take advantage of the exposed right flank of the German forces. M.J Manoury, under the leadership of Gallieni, led the charge along with the British troops. This caused the German generals Karl von Bülow and Alexander Von Kluck to retreat and direct their course towards Marne. This counterattack is known as the First Battle of the Marne. The Allied powers emerged victoriously.
Timeline Of The Battle
On September 3, J.S Gallieni had guessed the invasion of the German First Army towards the northeast region of France.
On September 4, Joffre ordered his left wing to mobilise against the Germans after learning about the German 1st Army’s retreat.
On September 5, the French 6th Army started attacking, and Kluck was forced to engage the 1st Army, which was not far from Meaux. There was also nothing but a cavalry screen between them and Karl von Blow.
On September 9, Bülow learned that the British had turned and were advancing towards him and Kluck, so he ordered the 2nd Army to retreat.
The French 6th and 5th armies' counterattack turned into a general attack by the entire French army. The German retreat was extended to the other German troops on September 11.
In a nutshell, the Battle of the Marne Valley lasted from 6th to 12th September 1914. This Battle led to the culmination of the Retreat of Mons. The Franco-British pursuits, which were followed by the Battle of Frontiers in August, also concluded.
Battle of Marne Significance
The First Battle of Marne had a great significance in the history of the First World War. This strategic victory of the French prevented the capture of Paris. It almost crushed the wholehearted effort of the Germans to drive France out of the war. Even though the French were able to push back the German offensive 40-50 miles back, they had lost a significant part of north-eastern France. The victory of the French provided them with a boost in the morale and confidence to continue in the war. However, the loss of the large north-eastern parts affected the French as it was a heavily industrialised region.
The First Battle of Marne was the second most crucial Battle on the Western front after the Battle of Frontiers. Even though the Allied powers emerged victoriously, the Germans were able to capture a considerable portion of northern France and Belgium. That is why there is still debate among historians regarding the extent of the French victory. It is generally seen as a battle that saved Paris and kept France in the war. On the other hand, the Belgian Army had fallen back to the city of Antwerp, which was later captured by the Germans after a heavy bombardment on September 28.
Casualties Of the First Battle of Marne
There is no exact estimate of the casualties. It is estimated to be over 500,000 killed or wounded for all armies on the Marne frontier. It can be said that over two million soldiers fought in the Battle of the Marne valley. The French casualties were nearly 250,000, out of which around 80,000 were killed. The Battle of Marne witnessed the deaths of many influential men among which, Charles Peguy is a notable one.
The BEF suffered comparatively fewer casualties as compared to the German and French. As per the estimation of historians like Herwig and Tuchman, the German casualties were about 250,000. By the end of 1914, the French casualties count rose to 380,000 killed and 600,000 wounded. It can be said that the First Battle of the Marne witnessed one of the most devastating battles on the western front.
Interesting Facts About the First Battle of Marne
The French used taxis in Paris to move their troops quickly. Those taxis came to be known as “ Taxis of the Marne.” These taxis became a symbol of the French willpower to win the Battle.
This Battle gave away a lot of strategic enemy positions and helped the Allied Forces to position their troops.
FAQs on The First Battle of the Marne
1. Who won the first Battle of Marne?
This war was led by General J.S. Gallieni, the military governor of Paris, decided to take advantage of the exposed right flank of the German forces. M.J Manoury, under the leadership of Gallieni, led the charge along with the British troops. This caused the German generals Karl von Bülow and Alexander Von Kluck to retreat and direct their course towards Marne. This counterattack is known as the First Battle of the Marne. The Allied powers emerged victoriously. Even though the French were able to push back the German offensive, they had lost a significant part of north-eastern France. The victory of the French provided them with a morale boost and safeguarded Paris from the German invasion. Due to the loss of a large portion of northern France, there is still some debate among historians regarding the French victory.
2. Describe the significance of the Battle of Marne.
The First Battle of Marne had a great significance in the history of the First World War. This strategic victory of the French prevented the capture of Paris. The First Battle of Marne was the second most important Battle on the Western front after the Battle of Frontiers. Even though the Allied powers emerged victoriously, the Germans were able to capture a considerable portion of northern France and Belgium. The French casualties were nearly 250,000, out of which around 80,000 were killed. The Belgian Army had fallen back to the city of Antwerp, which was later captured by the Germans after a heavy bombardment on September 28. By the end of 1914, the French casualties count rose up to 380,000 killed and 600,000 wounded. It can be said that the First Battle of Marne witnessed one of the most devastating battles on the western front.
