Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast Episode 250 - The Battle of Tannenberg Part 1: Deadly German Swamp Ass
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Mar 6, 2023 In a humorous kickoff to a legendary WWI battle, the hosts dive into the sensory connections of smell and its quirky memories, including odd scents from the NYC subway. They tackle the often-overlooked narratives of the Eastern Front and the complex history between Germany and Russia. A lighthearted take on the bizarre pickle halberd adds comedy while contrasting military strategies and the geopolitical tensions leading to Tannenberg. The dysfunctional state of the Russian military before the battle offers a chaotic glimpse into what’s to come.
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Eastern Front Was Still A War Of Maneuver
- The Battle of Tannenberg occurred in August 1914 during the war of maneuver before trench stalemate set in.
- The Eastern Front stayed fluid due to its vast length, making breakthroughs and large movements easier than in the West.
Why The East Stayed Mobile
- The Western Front's trench myth shapes our memory of WWI but doesn't represent the whole war.
- The Eastern Front's length lowered troop density and made defensive depth harder to maintain.
Tannenberg Built Political Power For Generals
- Hindenburg and Ludendorff became legendary after Tannenberg and later used that prestige in Weimar politics.
- Their wartime fame helped pave the way for authoritarian influence in Germany's postwar politics.