While no major battle started precisely on September 6, 1914, the First Battle of the Marne was well underway on this date, having begun the previous day, September 5, 1914.
The First Battle of the Marne: A Pivotal World War I Engagement
The First Battle of the Marne was a crucial engagement fought during the early stages of World War I on the Western Front. Although the question specifically asks about a battle starting on September 6, 1914, the battle's actual start date was September 5, 1914. Therefore, September 6, 1914, marked the second day of this historically significant conflict.
This battle was instrumental in halting the rapid German advance into France, which was part of the ambitious Schlieffen Plan. It decisively ended the German push towards Paris and ultimately led to the establishment of static trench warfare on the Western Front, profoundly changing the nature of the conflict.
Key Details of the First Battle of the Marne
The following table provides essential details of the battle:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | 5–14 September 1914 |
| Location | Marne River near Brasles, east of Paris, France (49°1′N 3°23′E) |
| Result | Allied victory |
Significance and Impact
The Allied victory at the First Battle of the Marne proved to be a strategic turning point in World War I. Its profound impacts include:
- Halted German Offensive: The battle successfully stopped the swift German invasion of France, preventing the capture of Paris and forcing a German retreat.
- End of Mobile Warfare: This engagement signaled the conclusion of the initial phase of mobile warfare on the Western Front, ushering in the era of extensive trench lines that would characterize the war for years.
- Boosted Allied Morale: The unexpected Allied success significantly uplifted the spirits of the Allied forces and populations.
- Failure of the Schlieffen Plan: The German defeat at the Marne confirmed the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, which had aimed for a swift, decisive victory over France.
For more detailed information on this battle, you can refer to the First Battle of the Marne on Wikipedia.
