Reading time:

1–2 minutes

Germany and Austria were outnumbered in terms of troops and cavalry by nearly 2:1 in 1914 and desperately needed to win a rapid war on the western front if they stood any chance of victory. For both powers a long drawn out conflict would result in social unrest, economic ruin and revolution. For both powers, following the failure to encircle and destroy the French and British armies in 1914, this was the inevitable outcome. Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critic


Let’s stay in touch

Subscribe to the Explaining History Podcast

Discover more from Explaining History Podcast

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading