Modern History: World War I Battle Of Tannenberg Flashcards
When was the Battle of Tannenberg?
August 26-30 1914.
Who commanded the Russians?
General Rennenkampf (First Army) and General Samsonov (Second Army).
What was involved in the Russian advance?
Rennenkampf's army were to advance from the east and Samsonov's were to advance from the south into German east Prussia.
What was wrong with the Russian advance?
Armies were too far away to support each other and the Generals did not like each other so cooperation was unlikely.
What issues did Samsonov's army encounter?
They could not keep up with the daily 16km march over rough terrain. They had insufficient food and sleep. They were stretched over a 96km front. They also encountered German ambushes which caused mass desertion and surrender.
What security breaches occurred?
Russian enciphered radio messages from Rennenkampf and Samsonov revealed that Samsonov was advancing while Rennenkampf would stay in position fell into German hands. It gave the Germans all they needed to know.
Why was the Russian military hesitant?
They only committed 2 out of 6 armies.
What was the German tactics?
Aggression and decisiveness.
Who commanded the Germans?
Paul von Hindenburg.
What caused the massive disaster for the Russians?
Ineffective and incapable leadership led to mass casualties.
What did Samsonov do as a result?
Shot himself in the woods.
Casualties
German: 20,000 dead, wounded or captured out of 166,000.Russian: 80,000 dead or wounded and 92,000 captured out of 230,000.