World War I (1914–1919)

Summary

Germany’s Assault on France

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Summary Germany’s Assault on France

Reasons for Germany’s Failure

The German invasion of France failed for several reasons, although historians disagree about which was the most important. First, the unexpectedly early Russian attack in the east forced Germany to divert some of its troops from the west in order to help fight the Russians.

Second, the Germans did not foresee Britain’s entry into the war and did not alter their plans when Britain did so. The British Expeditionary Force in France reinforced the French armies and gave them an edge, especially since Germany was fighting with fewer troops than originally planned.

Third, Germany overextended itself by advancing too far with the limited forces it had at its disposal. The farther into France the Germans pushed, the longer their supply line became. Ultimately, troop rotation became impossible—a crucial factor considering that by the end of the Battle of the Marne, the German armies had been marching on foot for more than a month with little if any sleep.

Finally, the diversion of the German First Army to the southeast split Germany’s forces in two, thus increasing their vulnerability to attack. The Allies were able to exploit this division and force Germany backward, stopping German momentum and miring the war in an entrenched front.