The Miracle of the Marne

By early September, German armies approached Paris. The government fled to Bordeaux, leaving General Gallieni to defend the capital. Pessimism reigned—foreign embassies prepared evacuation, wealthy Parisians departed for southern estates. Yet Joffre, displaying remarkable calm, planned counterattack.

The First Battle of the Marne (September 5-12) saved France. Joffre's ordre du jour rang with desperate determination: "The hour has come to advance at all costs and to die where you stand rather than give way." The French army, reinforced by the Paris garrison famously transported by taxi, struck German forces extended beyond their supply lines.

The battle involved every element of French society. Colonial troops again bore heavy casualties—Moroccan divisions lost 60% of their strength holding critical positions. British forces, finally engaged, helped exploit gaps in German lines. Even Paris taxis entered military legend, though their actual contribution was modest compared to rail transport.

Individual heroism marked the battle. General Maunoury's Sixth Army, attacking from Paris, included territorials—older reservists considered unfit for mobile operations. These middle-aged men, fighting for homes and families, displayed unexpected ferocity. At Barcy, territorial units held despite 70% casualties, their commander messaging: "We are where you ordered us. We shall remain."

The German retreat from the Marne marked France's salvation but not victory. Both armies, exhausted, began entrenching. The war of movement ended; position warfare began. By October, continuous trenches stretched from Switzerland to the sea. The short war illusion died in autumn mud.