The Generals’ War: Operational Level Command on the Western Front in 1918 (Twentieth-Century Battles)

De: David T. Zabecki

Narrado por: Doug Greene

Duración: 14 h y 35 m

Resumen del Editor

World War I was the stage for a new form of mass destruction and violent chemical warfare. When the Bolsheviks pulled Russia out of the war in 1917, the Germans turned their offensive moves to the eastern front in hopes of winning the war in 1918. But as fresh American troops entered the front, the scales tipped against Germany.

Some of the most critical factors in the outcome of World War I were decisions made by the key commanders in Germany and in the Ally troops. The Generals' War explores the military strategies of the most senior generals of the last year of the Great War. These six very different men included Germany's Field Marshals Paul Von Hindenburg and General Erich Ludendorff; France's Marshals Ferdinand Foch and Philippe Petain; Great Britain's Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig; and the United States' General John Pershing. Although they may have not been known as great captains at the time, these six men determined how World War I played out on the battlefields of the western front between November 1917 and November 1918.

A landmark analysis of the generalship that resulted in a casualty count of one and a quarter million soldiers, The Generals' War is an intimate look at the senior commanders of the Great War.

The book is published by Indiana University Press. The audiobook will be published by University Press Audiobooks.

“Offers keen insights into the operational art of the forces, technology, logistics, and military culture of the armies that the six Allied and German generals headed.” (Holger Herwig, author of Long Night of the Tankers)

“The finest study of the operational aspects of the five German tactical actions that constituted the 1918 Ludendorff Offensive on the Western Front.” (Spencer C. Tucker, author of World War I: The Essential Reference Guide)

©2018 David T. Zabecki (P)2018 Redwood Audiobooks

Great evaluation of the operational level of war during WW I

Great overview of the generals who lead the operational level of war during WW I on the Western Front. It did much to help expand my understanding of its importance and how when ignored can lead to tactical success but overall mission failure (German Spring Offensive).

If I had a criticism, the author seemed too aligned to the USAWC’s dogma on warfare—often felt I was at Carlisle Barracks getting a lecture from a resident professor.

Overall an excellent analysis of generalship at the operational level.