Joseph Joffre

Side: France (allies)

Significant battles:
Battle of the frontiers (French defending their territory against Germans)
Battle of the Marne
Offensives in Artois and Champagne
Strengths:
Optimistic outlook
Nicknamed Hero of the Marne
Appealing character likeable, Clear Blue eyes, young looking face for
his age of 65
Capable leader shrewd and calm
Wouldnt panic easily
Well spoken, good motivational speaker to army
Weaknesses:
Didnt have the killer instinct
French offensive beaten within a few days on the frontier battles
In the battle of the Marne, his outflanking moves were too slow resulting
in Germans building trench lines before they got there therefore a
stalemate was formed
Blamed for the failure to break though on the Western Front and the losses
at Verdun
Quotes from him:
At the moment when the battle upon which hangs the fate of France is
about to begin.
Get rid of me! Not Castelnau. I need him for six months; then Ill give him
a corps command.
The hour has come to advance at all costs and to die where you stand
rather than give way
Critic Quotes:
In this moment of supreme trial his best qualities came to the fore; his
imperturbability, force of character, and courage saved the situation.
French generals were unable to formulate an effective response to the
German assault at Verdun, and with the French army at risk of
annihilation, Joffre began to show signs of strain.
Joffres leadership was enhanced by his response to the Schlieffen Plan
What does this say about him?
From the above quotes, we see that Joffre was a smart, capable leader, who was
able to stand his own ground, and had strong opinions. However, he didnt have
the ambitious killer instinct, and many thought he was too friendly for his role.

He was motivational to his troops and courageous in the earlier parts of the war,
but it was evident that by 1916, he was worn out by the French losses,
especially Verdun. Joffres greatest achievement was his ability to save dire
situations through ingenuity and audacity.
Serena & Maimu