The Guns of August

As the German army maneuvers its troops for a second decisive battle against the Russian army, a phone call from German army headquarters proposes sending reinforcements. Attempting to stir up anti-Russian feelings, the German government sends refugees from the front to several German cities and “[s]ucceed[s] in frightening itself” (293). Still suffering from a lack of supplies and now exhausted, the Russian armies need rest but are ordered to attack. Behind the lines, the Russian leaders are pessimistic not just about this battle but also about the war. Due to poor communication that causes poor planning, General Samsonov’s Russian 1st Corps is beaten soundly by German artillery at Usdau.

Unlike during other battles, however, the Russians are not beaten in a single day; the rest of the Russian forces are still attacking. For three days, the battle surges back and forth along a front of 40 miles. As the Germans come closer to victory, it becomes clear that reinforcements in the form of the 1st Army, led by General Rennenkampf, will not reach Samsonov in time. With his flanks turned, Samsonov cuts communications with the rear command, orders a general retreat, and rides into battle. The Russian retreat is a disaster, with men floundering through swamps and forests and the Germans coming inexorably closer.