The Battle of the Marne, Pierre Miquel

By the great historian of the First World War, the essential book for the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Marne.

The Marne is to France what the Battle of Britain would be to the English in 1940: a defensive battle where all the forces of a nation engage against invasion. This is why we speak of the Miracle of the Marne. In late August 1914, France was invaded, Joffre's soldiers had been retreating for two weeks, the government had left for Bordeaux, three German armies were marching on Paris. The war was lost. And then came the miracle. Over 245 kilometers, from Meaux to Verdun, resistance was organized. Civilians helped the soldiers, cared for them, buried them, provided information, fed them, hid them. Five atrocious days, during which the "red trousers" took their revenge and won. The miracle was their courage and that of the population. The "Poilus" of the Marne saved the country. They did not know that they still had four more years to go.

Pierre Miquel, author of numerous and famous works, is considered the best specialist on the First World War.