The first Battle of Marnes was the first face-off between the Central Powers and the Allies. This is why the first Battle of Marnes is so crucial. I am very eager to tell you the whole story right now but I don’t want to spoil it. So let’s start.
Before the Battle of Marnes
It’s much easier to understand why the first Battle of Marnes occurred after knowing what happened before it. Which is why I have decided to show you what happened before the First Battle of Marnes.
As an ally to Austria-Hungary, Germany declared war on Serbia’s ally Russia and Russia’s ally France, as Germany was waiting for a moment to capture both countries’ territory.
But since Russia was to the east of Germany and France to the west, they would have to fight on two fronts so they developed The Schlieffen Plan. Basically, the plan stated that if a war broke out, Germany would first deploy most of its troops to France to maim it. Meanwhile a few troops would be sent to Russia’s border to keep the Russians at bay. They estimated Russian troops would deploy in 6 weeks.
How the Battle of Marnes was won
Germany couldn’t penetrate the French border as their defences were strong, so they decided to use Belgium as their passage-way towards France.
The British weren’t happy when Germany invaded neutral Belgium. It was enough for Britain to declare war on Germany and begin to aid the French in securing their land and keeping out the Germans.
Germany had, won 2 battles. The Battle of Mons and the Battle of the Frontiers. Following the Battle of the Frontiers, the French and British retreated and were pursued by the Germans.
The British and the French retreated until they reached the river Marnes. The French then brought in additional manpower from their eastern flank as well as integrating military reserve units into the regular army. So the Allied army outnumbered the Germans.
On September 3, a military governor spotted the right flank vulnerable. So on September 4th the French attacked. Just like mammals, flanks are weak spots. Due to the French attack, the Germans decided to turn around and fight. However, when they did that, they opened up a gap between their first and second armies.
If a gap opens up, the opponent can use it to pass through it and surround you. Then they will slowly close in, chewing you out.
Because they were being encircled, the Germans retreated and dug into defensive positions. So the Allies did the same. This led to Trench Warfare.
Funny enough, World War One started with the First Battle of Marnes and ended with the Second Battle of Marnes.