The Guns Of August

This chapter details France’s plans and motivations for the war, beginning with Sedan, a town in northeastern France where Germany won a major victory against the French in 1870. The terms of surrender included annexation of the Alsace and Lorraine regions, as well as a German victory parade through the streets of Paris. Since that time, the French have lived under “the Shadow of Sedan.” They suffered amputation, indemnity, and occupation. Like Germany, France has its own visions of glory. They also fear another German invasion.

So, like Germany, France is preparing for war. Because France is smaller, with a lower birth rate, she has placed her value upon her fighting spirit, or elan. The entire nation adopts the idea of the indomitable French spirit that will carry them to victory, just as Germany believes her superiority will win her the day. Also like Germany, France has decided upon a “decisive victory” strategic plan. Ignoring intelligence that suggests Germany will attack through Belgium with a sweeping right wing, France plans to counterattack at the weak center and left. France’s generals draw up Plan 17, their strategy in the event of a war with Germany. Unlike Germany’s inflexible attack, France’s plans depend upon German offensives.