1. Reinforcements from Paris:
General Joseph Joffre, the French commander-in-chief, swiftly moved troops from Paris to reinforce his forces along the Marne. These reinforcements played a crucial role in bolstering the French defenses.
2. Arrival of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF):
The BEF arrived in France on August 17 and went into action on the left flank of the French army. Their fresh and well-equipped troops provided valuable support to the French.
3. Transportation advantage:
The French had a superior transportation system compared to the Germans, allowing them to quickly move troops and supplies to the battlefront.
4. Effective coordination:
General Joffre demonstrated effective leadership and coordination among the French armies, enabling them to launch coordinated attacks and counter-attacks.
5. German logistical issues:
The German supply lines were overstretched, and they faced difficulties in transporting food and ammunition to their troops. This affected the morale and combat effectiveness of the German soldiers.
6. French knowledge of the terrain:
The French had a better understanding of the terrain, which gave them an advantage in maneuvering their forces.
7. Weakened German right wing:
The German First Army on the right wing was weakened due to the transfer of troops to other sectors, making them more vulnerable to French attacks.
8. Tactical blunders by the German commanders:
Some German commanders, particularly General Helmuth von Moltke, made tactical errors, including underestimating the strength and determination of the French forces.
9. French morale:
The French were determined to defend their capital, Paris, and this boosted their morale and fighting spirit.
10. Russian victories on the Eastern Front:
Russian forces achieved significant victories against the Germans on the Eastern Front, which forced the Germans to divert troops from the Western Front to counter these threats. This reduced the pressure on the French at the Marne.
The combination of these factors contributed to the French success in the First Battle of the Marne, halting the German advance and marking a turning point in the early stages of World War I.