Erich Ludendorff Biography

Develops deployment arrangements for a possible European war.

Leads the General Staff section responsible for mobilization planning.

Russian commanders report declining discipline and weakening morale among troops.

The Kerensky Offensive ends after the Russian retreat.

German and Austro-Hungarian forces launch their counterstroke.

German forces exploit Russian weakness following the failed attack.

German units reinforce Austro-Hungarian forces during the counteroffensive.

Kirchbach directs Austro-Hungarian units during defensive operations.

The offensive failure influences Kerensky's rise to prime minister.

The offensive ends with major losses and withdrawal.

The offensive fails to achieve its strategic objectives.

Kerensky appeals to soldiers to continue fighting for revolutionary Russia.

Ludendorff manages German defence during Third Ypres.

Authorises Operation Alberich to withdraw German forces to the prepared Siegfried defensive system.

The German withdrawal plan toward the Siegfried Line is accelerated by a preliminary retirement.

The main German withdrawal toward the Hindenburg Line begins after preparations under Operation Alberich.

Organises support for the Central Powers counteroffensive in Galicia.

German forces launch the counteroffensive that breaks the Russian line.

Ludendorff opens the Lys offensive near Ypres.

Sees the Amiens defeat as a severe blow to German morale and confidence.

Recognises the scale of the defeat as German morale and defensive cohesion weaken.