The First Battle of the Marne: September 5, 1914

The First Battle of the Marne marked a crucial turning point during the early stages of World War I. It began on September 5, 1914, and took place in the Marne River Valley in northeastern France.

Background

The battle was a pivotal response to the German advance into France, threatening Paris. After declaring war on France in early August, the German army rapidly moved through Belgium and into northern France according to the Schlieffen Plan—a strategy that aimed to quickly defeat France and then turn to the Eastern Front against Russia.

Key Events

• Initiation of the Battle: On September 5, the French forces, under the command of General Joseph Joffre, launched a counteroffensive attack against the advancing German troops. The French army was supported by the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) under the command of Field Marshal Sir John French.

• The Role of Transportation: An important aspect of the battle was the tactical use of transportation, particularly the “Taxi de la Marne,” where Parisian taxis were requisitioned to transport French reserves to the front lines swiftly. This exemplified the mobilization efforts during the battle.

• The German Retreat: By September 9, the Allied forces had achieved a significant breakthrough, forcing the German First and Second Armies to retreat to the Aisne River. This marked the failure of the German Schlieffen Plan.

Significance and Consequences

• End of the German Advance: The Battle of the Marne effectively halted the German advance into France, saving Paris and ensuring that the war would not be won quickly by Germany.

• Entrenchment and Stalemate: The outcome of the battle marked the beginning of the trench warfare that would come to define the Western Front. Both sides dug in, creating a more static, entrenched battlefield that would last for much of the war.

• Strategic Shift: The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of coordination between the French and the British forces, setting a precedent for future Allied cooperation throughout the war.

The First Battle of the Marne thus stands as a significant event in World War I history, as it changed the course of the war from a rapid German advance to a prolonged and grueling stalemate. It underscored the significance of mobility, industrial capacity, and the emergent strategic roles countries would play in this new era of warfare.