74.10 The Western Front 1914

A History of Europe, Key Battles

The first main clash of the First World War was on the borders of France and Germany and in Belgium. The Belgians put up more resistance than the Germans expect. However, the Battle of the Frontiers, on the Franco-German border, from 7 August to 6 September 1914 was a disaster for the French army, who suffered very heavy casualties. Meanwhile, the British Expeditionary Force were making their way to the front.

The war was set on a grim path of attritional fighting, and with both sides able to draw on millions more men it became virtually impossible to secure an easy victory. As stalemate was reached, the dreadful realisation set in that the combatants would be in this for the long haul.

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Music composed by Sergei Rachmaninoff (Preludes, Op. 32, Lento, in B minor)

Picture - French Bayonet Charge

Theme tune for the podcast by Nico Vettese, www.wetalkofdreams.com

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