. Modern and contemporary European history (1815-1921). l the way from Verdunto Belfort as to make a rapid march in this direction well-nigh impossible. On Liege, in Belgium, fell the shock of the first Germanattack. After three days of heavy bombardment, the citywas forced to surrender, on August 7, and the Earlforts yielded soon afterward. The Belgian army Germanthen made a desperate stand at Louvain, but thisplace, too, was taken. On August 20, the Germans enteredBrussels without firing a shot. But the road to France wasnot yet open; the Belgians were joined by the French andby an expeditio
. Modern and contemporary European history (1815-1921). l the way from Verdunto Belfort as to make a rapid march in this direction well-nigh impossible. On Liege, in Belgium, fell the shock of the first Germanattack. After three days of heavy bombardment, the citywas forced to surrender, on August 7, and the Earlforts yielded soon afterward. The Belgian army Germanthen made a desperate stand at Louvain, but thisplace, too, was taken. On August 20, the Germans enteredBrussels without firing a shot. But the road to France wasnot yet open; the Belgians were joined by the French andby an expeditionary force of British under General SirJohn French, who together opposed the German forces. At 726 MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY EUROPE Namur and again at Mons (August 22-23)»the Allies werebadly defeated by General von Kluck, the commander ofthe invading army; and they were compelled to retreatfrom Mons to the main French line. Nothing now seemedable to stop von Klucks march toward Paris. City aftercity was taken; and, at one time, the Germans were within. fifteen miles of Paris. Consternation reigned in the capi-tal, and the French Government moved to Bordeaux. At this critical moment, General Joffre, the commander-in-chief of the French forces, executed a brilliant Battle A new army, which had been hurriedly pre-of the Marne parecj m Paris, was suddenly launched at theGerman right flank. By this time the Germans were across THE WORLD WAR 727 the Marne River. Von Kluck turned back to meet the new-attack, and at the same time the French General Fochdrove back the center of the German line by a bold followed the great Battle of the Marne (September6-10), in which the Germans were badly defeated; and theyretreated as rapidly as they came, with the French at theirheels. They retired as far as the Aisne River, to trencheswhich had been prepared in advance to receive them. Gen-eral Joffres great victory saved Paris and perhaps thecause of the Allies. The positio
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1920, bookpublisherbosto, bookyear1922
