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Battle of Tannenberg
Lead-up: Germany aimed to counter Russia’s advance into East Prussia.
Casualties: Around 50,000 Russian and 13,000 German casualties.
Outcome: Decisive German victory.
Consequences: Russian forces were heavily defeated, affecting Eastern Front dynamics and giving Germany early momentum. -
First Battle of the Marne
What Led Up: After Germany invaded France through Belgium, the German army advanced toward Paris. The Allies, primarily the French and British forces, managed to halt the German advance.
Casualties:Allies suffered around 250,000 casualties, the Germans lost 200,000.
Outcome: The Allies won, forcing a German retreat.
Consequences: The battle marked the end of the German attempt to quickly defeat France and led to the development of trench warfare. It also prevented a German occupation of Paris. -
Second Battle of Ypres
What Led Up: The Germans launched the first large-scale use of poison gas in warfare at Ypres, Belgium, in an attempt to break through the Allied lines.
Casualties: Approximately 105,000 casualties on both sides.
Outcome: The battle was a German tactical success, but the Allies held most of the ground.
Consequences: The use of chemical warfare horrified the world and led to international agreements on the prohibition of gas in future conflicts. -
Battle of Cambrai
The British launched a large-scale attack using tanks for the first time, aiming to break through German defenses in northern France. British casualties were 44,000, with 50,000 German losses. The initial British success turned into a German counterattack. The battle marked a major shift in military technology, though it ended without a decisive victory. -
Battle of Verdun
The Germans launched an offensive on Verdun to inflict heavy casualties on France. French casualties totaled 377,000, while Germany suffered 337,000. The French held Verdun, making it a symbol of resistance and endurance. The battle exhausted both armies and became a powerful symbol of French determination and sacrifice. -
Battle of Gallipoli
The Allies, including Britain and France, attempted to capture Constantinople (Istanbul) by invading the Gallipoli Peninsula. Allied casualties totaled around 250,000, while Ottoman losses were about 150,000. The Ottoman Empire successfully repelled the invasion, damaging Allied morale and political support, while boosting Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's rise as a national hero in Turkey. -
Battle of Jutland
The British Royal Navy and the German Imperial Navy clashed in the North Sea, each seeking to break the blockade and dominate the seas. The British lost 14 ships and 6,000 men, while the Germans lost 11 ships and 2,500 men. The outcome was indecisive, but the British maintained control of the North Sea, and the Germans showed naval strength. This led to a stalemate at sea for the rest of the war. -
Brusilov Offensive
Russian General Aleksei Brusilov launched an offensive against Austria-Hungary, exploiting weaknesses in their defenses. Russia suffered 500,000 casualties, while Austria-Hungary lost over 1 million. The initial Russian victory temporarily crippled Austria-Hungary and destabilized the Eastern Front but ultimately exhausted Russian forces, contributing to their army's collapse later in the war. -
Battle of the Somme
The British and French launched an offensive to relieve pressure at Verdun and break the trench warfare stalemate. The battle resulted in over 1 million casualties: 420,000 British, 200,000 French, and 500,000 German. Though tactically inconclusive, the Allies gained some ground. The high casualties highlighted the futility of trench warfare and led to changes in military tactics. It became one of the bloodiest battles in history. -
Second Battle of the Marne
The Germans launched a final offensive in the Marne to split the French and British forces. German casualties were around 200,000, with 100,000 for the Allies. The Allies decisively won, marking the start of the German retreat and a turning point in the war. -
Battle of Passchendaele
The British-led Allies sought to break through German defenses in Flanders to reach submarine bases. The battle saw 300,000 Allied and 200,000 German casualties. Despite horrendous conditions and heavy losses, the Allies captured Passchendaele, gaining little ground but maintaining pressure on Germany. -
Battle of Caporetto
The Austro-Hungarians and Germans launched a successful offensive against Italy in northern Italy. Italy suffered 700,000 casualties, while the Central Powers lost about 70,000. The decisive Central Powers victory devastated the Italian Army, collapsing the front and forcing Italy to establish a new defensive line. -
Spring Offensive
In spring 1918, the Germans launched offensives, capitalizing on Russia’s exit from the war. German casualties reached 250,000, while the Allies lost around 300,000. Although Germany initially gained ground, Allied forces halted the advance. The offensives exhausted German resources, leading to their military's eventual collapse as the Allies, reinforced by American troops, began counteroffensives. -
Battle of Belleau Wood
American and French forces fought to repel a German offensive near Belleau Wood in France. The Americans suffered 9,000 casualties, and the Germans around 10,000. The Allies won, pushing the Germans back. This battle marked a significant moment for the U.S. military, showcasing their combat effectiveness. -
Hundred Days Offensive
Lead-up: Allied forces launched a series of offensives to break German lines.
Casualties: Approximately 1.2 million German and Allied casualties combined.
Outcome: Decisive Allied victory, ending the war.
Consequences: Led to German surrender and the end of World War I.