The Rest Is History 596. The First World War: The Miracle on the Marne (Part 3)
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Aug 31, 2025 Delve into the extraordinary events of the Battle of the Marne, where the French executed a stunning counter-offensive against the German army. Discover how General Joffre's strategy turned the tide and the dramatic plea for unity that stirred the Allies. There's humor in the unexpected use of Paris taxis to transport troops, highlighting the blend of bravery and innovation. The difficult realities of trench warfare reveal a grim contrast, as both sides grappled with despair amidst the chaos of World War I.
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Scale And Stakes Of The Marne
- The Battle of the Marne in early September 1914 stopped a German drive that threatened Paris and the Allied war effort.
- About a million men per side fought across a 150-mile front, making this clash decisive for 20th-century history.
Logistics Broke The German Drive
- The Schlieffen-style German advance became overstretched and logistically fragile after rapid gains.
- The plan failed to account for human limits like exhausted troops, broken wagons and blistered feet.
The Found Map That Exposed Kluck
- On 1 September the French found a German officer's map in a bloody pack revealing Kluck's inward turn.
- The map showed a vulnerable gap that Joffre used to plan his counterattack.
