The Illusion of Short War

"Home before the leaves fall," soldiers promised sweethearts. This optimism reflected not just naive hope but systematic delusion. Military leaders, politicians, and press all promoted the short war myth. The influential journalist Maurice Barrès wrote: "Our soldiers' élan will shatter German methodology. Spirit conquers matter."

General Joffre's Plan XVII embodied this optimism. French forces would attack through Alsace-Lorraine, reclaiming lost provinces while German forces exhausted themselves against French fortresses. Defensive preparations were minimal; trenches were considered temporary expedients. Colonel Ferdinand Foch taught at the École de Guerre: "The offensive alone brings victory."

Economic planning assumed brief conflict. The government made no provisions for extended war production, believing existing stocks sufficient. Finance Minister Alexandre Ribot refused to impose special taxes, floating loans instead. "Why burden citizens for a war of months?" he asked parliament.