First Battle of the Marne

Quick Facts: Who was First Battle of the Marne?

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First Battle of the Marne

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The pivotal battle that halted the German advance on Paris in September 1914.

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Origins & Early Life

The First Battle of the Marne or known in France as the Miracle on the Marne (French: miracle de la Marne) was a battle of the First World War fought from 5 to 12 September 1914. The German army invaded France with a plan for winning the war in 40 days by occupying Paris and destroying the French and British armies. The Germans had initial successes in August. They were victorious in the Battles of Mons and the Frontiers and overran a large area of northern France and Belgium. In what is called the Great Retreat the Germans pursued the retreating French and British forces more than 250 km (160 mi) southwards.

Career & Major Achievements

The French and British halted their retreat in the Marne River valley, while the Germans advanced to 40 km (25 miles) from Paris. With the battlefield reverses of August, Field Marshal John French, commander of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), lost faith in the French and began to plan for a British retreat to port cities on the English Channel for an evacuation to Britain. Joseph Joffre, the French commander, maintained good order in his retreating army and was able to reinforce it with troops from his eastern flank and by integrating military reserve units into the regular army. By early September, the Franco–British forces outnumbered the Germans, who were exhausted after a month-long campaign, had outrun their supply lines and were suffering shortages. On 3 September, the military governor of Paris, Joseph Gallieni, perceived that the German right flank was vulnerable and positioned his forces to attack.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

On 4 September Joffre gave the order to begin a counter-offensive. The battle took place between Paris and Verdun, along a west-to-east frontline distance of 230 km (140 mi). The point of decision and the most severe fighting was in the western half of that area. By 9 September, the success of the Franco–British left the German 1st and 2nd Armies at risk of encirclement, and they were ordered to retreat to the Aisne River. The German armies ceased their retreat after 65 km (40 mi) on a line north of the Aisne River, where they dug in on the heights and fought the First Battle of the Aisne.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1914: 1914 Milestone — The First Battle of the Marne or known in France as the Miracle on the Marne (French: miracle de la Marne) was a battle of the First World War fought from 5 to 12 September 1914.

Notable Quotes by First Battle of the Marne

“Miracle on the Marne”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: First Battle of the Marne

True or False: “Did the initial German plan for the war involve a prolonged, drawn-out campaign across multiple fronts?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Schlieffen Plan aimed to win the war quickly, specifically within six weeks, by rapidly defeating France.

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Frequently Asked Questions about First Battle of the Marne