HIS280 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Paul Von Hindenburg, Joseph Joffre, Robert Nivelle
Document Summary
Field marshal sir douglas haig the only senior officer to serve throughout the entire war. Coc joseph joffre fired because the civilian government thought he was becoming too powerful (joffre cake) Robert nivelle large offensive that was a major failure leading to mutiny and his removal. Field marshall erich vol falkenhayn fired after the losses at marne. Paul von hindenburg extraordinarily powerful figure both before and after the war. Hindenburg excapes most criticism from the war due to his political skill. Shifts the blame to jews & communist sympathizers. Some german soldiers were unhappy with him, but the rest of society overlooks his faults and shortcomings. Senseless slaughter/attrition: no clear goal, no cause, goal to inflict the most casualties, should have been to take territory, not to bleed the enemy. Lack of creativity: same failed plans over and over resulting in needless deaths, we"re here because we"re here because we"re here.
