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1 - Context

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 March 2023

Tony Cowan
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Summary

Explains the damage done to the German army in 1916 and its poor state at the end of the year. Then describes German remedial action before the major Entente offensive expected in spring 1917: introducing new tactics and improved training; Hindenburg Line withdrawal; increasing the number of divisions on the Western Front; new equipment and organisational structures.

Entente plans to exploit the precarious German situation by simultaneous offensives on the Western Front, Eastern Front and in Italy. After describing the Anglo-French part of this plan, the chapter outlines German foreknowledge of and countermeasures against the offensive. Gives a detailed account of the western battles – Arras including Vimy Ridge and Bullecourt; Nivelle offensive including Aisne, Chemin des Dames, Champagne and Oise; Messines. Links grand strategic, strategic, operational and tactical developments. Outlines events in Russia (Kerensky offensive) and Italy (Isonzo and Asiago), and summarises the overall results of the offensive.

Keywords

attrition1916mobile defencetrainingwithdrawal to the Hindenburg Linenew divisionsmoving divisions from the Eastern FrontHindenburg Programmemanpowerreorganisationplans for and course of Entente spring offensive
Type
Chapter
Information
Holding Out
The German Army and Operational Command in 1917
 , pp. 34 - 59
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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  • Context
  • Tony Cowan
  • Book: Holding Out
  • Online publication: 31 March 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108900553.003
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  • Context
  • Tony Cowan
  • Book: Holding Out
  • Online publication: 31 March 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108900553.003
Available formats
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Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Context
  • Tony Cowan
  • Book: Holding Out
  • Online publication: 31 March 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108900553.003
Available formats
×