The First World War: commanders. The generals and commanders of the First World War

At all times there were great battles that lasted more than one year. And always for the more successful operation of the army it was required that the soldiers were led by an experienced man. Otherwise, everyone will act as he wants, which will lead to imminent defeat. It was commanders who acted as those who took over the leadership of the troops. Someone ruled the army well, someone - bad. However, this did not affect the fact that the names of commanders-in-chief went down in history.

The names of the great generals need to know

Many people remember the First World War. The generals in the history of this period played one of the most significant roles. It is they who have repeatedly decided the fate of thousands of soldiers in numerous battles. And it was they who led the army, contributed to the fact that the battle battles ended in an unconditional victory. However, very few people know their names. And even the most beautiful commanders at the present stage are gradually forgotten.

Heroes-commanders of the First World War made many exploits. They must be remembered and honored. Therefore, in this review it was decided to consider the most famous generals who participated in a huge number of battles.

Military adviser Alekseev

Mikhail Vasilyevich Alekseev was born and raised in the family of an officer. During his studies at the gymnasium, Mikhail did not show much success. He did not even graduate from an educational institution, deciding to act as a volunteer in the 2nd Rostov Grenadier Regiment. After that, Mikhail Vasilyevich entered the Moscow Junker College and graduated from it. In the future, the famous military leader began his journey with the Russo-Turkish war. In 1904 he received the rank of major general. He also participated in the Russo-Japanese War. In 1917, it was Alekseyev who convinced Nicholas II of the necessity of abdicating the throne. For a short period, the Provisional Government appointed him to the post of Supreme Commander-in-Chief. However, in connection with the demand to restore the work of military courts, Alekseev was removed from this high post and transferred to military advisers.

Breakthrough that went down in history

What commanders of the First World War remembered their heroic breakthroughs? It should be noted Brusilov Alexei Alekseevich. He was born in the family of Lieutenant-General. The future commander lost his parents at an early age, so he was brought up by his relatives. Alexey received a fairly good education. He arrived in Petersburg in 1867. In 1872 he was recruited for the rank of ensign. For his participation in the Russian-Turkish war, he received three military orders. During the fighting, he distinguished himself in the storming of the fortress Ardagan. Brusilov also played an important role in the capture of Kars.

Why should Aleksei Alekseevich be singled out, talking about which commanders and commanders of the First World War showed themselves on the heroic side? In 1916 he was appointed commander-in-chief of one of the fronts, which gave him the opportunity to act independently. And after a short period of time in the same year, he led a relatively small force, carried out a breakthrough of the enemy's defense (Austro-German troops). In history, this fighting action came under the name Brusilovsky breakthrough. This operation was among the largest. Its result was enormous losses on the part of the enemy. After the breakthrough, the Germans had to transfer 17 divisions to the east from the Western Front.

The "Iron" Brigade

What other people glorified the First World War? Military leaders, Russian soldiers and ordinary people have committed many heroic deeds. And a significant role in the numerous victories was played by Denikin Anton Ivanovich. He was born in the province of Warsaw in the family of a retired major. In the first battle he participated in the 4th "iron" brigade of the 12th Army Corps. Under the leadership of General Kaledin, soldiers, including Anton Ivanovich, defended the passes in the Carpathians. For these battles, Denikin received the Order of St. George of the 3rd degree. In 1915, the brigade was reorganized into a division. Soldiers were constantly sent to where there could be breakthroughs and threats of encirclement.

In September 1915 Denikin in the "Iron Division" fought for the city of Lutsk. The fighting ended successfully, about 20,000 enemy soldiers were taken prisoner. After this heroic battle, Denikin was promoted to lieutenant-general. Talking about what great generals of the First World War distinguished themselves, it should be noted that Denikin took part in the battle for Czartorysk. One can not help saying that he became the hero of the Lutsk breakthrough, having valiantly accomplished his task. For military art and courage, he received a rare award - the St. George's weapon, which was decorated with diamonds.

Not only victories accompany the generals

Not only the Russian commanders remembered the First World War. Heroes-in-arms also met in the troops of other countries. One of them was Fosh Ferdinand. In 1911 he received the next general rank, after which he was appointed division commander. In 1912 he began to command the 8th Corps in Bourges. A year later, under his command, the 20th Corps moved to Nancy. After some time, the army group was decided to reorganize into the 9th French army, which became commanded by General Foch. It was this army that became heroic in the battles on the River Marne, which occurred in 1914. Under the leadership of Fosh, the soldiers resisted under the onslaught of the enemy. After suffering heavy losses, the general still managed to keep the city of Nancy. However, some time after the battle on the Somme was lost, General Ferdinand Foch was removed from his post.

Without a bloody battle, not a single battle

Great damage to France was caused by the First World War. The generals tried to defend their positions, but they did not always succeed. July 21, Germany declared war with France. The commander-in-chief of the French army was Joseph Jacques Joffre. From the very beginning of the wartime, he had to establish relations with the Union country England. In connection with the fact that all military operations took place on the territory of France and Northern Belgium, Joseph began to prepare urgently for the positional struggle. The German forces were hard on all fronts, since General Geoffre did not give up without bloody battles.

General, who was distinguished by barbarous methods of fighting

Which generals of the First World War distinguished themselves in battles? It is worth mentioning Ludendorff Eric, who, although an assistant to General Hindenborg, independently supervised the army's operations on the Eastern Front. And in 1916 he began to rule all the armed forces of Germany. Ludendorff was a supporter of ruthless methods of suppressing unrest on the part of the people. He was also credited with the most barbarous ways of fighting. It was at his insistence that Germany unleashed an unlimited underwater war. However, it should be mentioned that it was his adventurous strategy, which was designed to defeat not only the Soviet troops, but also the Entente countries, a complete failure. And it was this that led to the defeat of the German troops.

The personalities of the First World War

The generals decided the fate of millions of people. And this fully applies to the commander-in-chief of the Eastern Front, Hindenburg. He distinguished himself by the fact that at the very beginning of 1916 he managed to disrupt the offensive of Soviet troops near Lake Naroch. Commanding great forces, he went on counterattack to the advancing troops, who managed to break through the German defenses. At the end of 1916 he was appointed commander of the Field General Staff. After the defeat of Germany in the war, Hindenburg became the head of the forces that were supposed to suppress revolutionary performances. And it was thanks to him that he managed to preserve the military power necessary for the revival of the state.

Conclusion

Many losses and troubles brought with them the First World War. The generals, like ordinary soldiers, tried to lead their troops to victory. However, this was not always possible. And even the most successful at first glance, the fighting was eventually turned into a defeat. But the heroism of generals, their skillful actions in military battles are not subject to any doubt. Taking sometimes non-standard decisions, they turned back the enemy's troops, forcing them to flee from the battlefields. And although there were not so many great victories during the First World War as during the Great Patriotic War, it is absolutely necessary to remember the names of commanders. They made history of the states in the most difficult times for people.