Sample Solution

because the battle lines do not move that drastically. However, the commanders would be startled to find out that the war was only halfway over; they expected it to end sooner than four years. Sir Douglas Haig commented in his dispatch, “The enemy’s power has not yet been broken, nor is it yet possible to form an estimate of the time the war may last before the objects for which the Allies are fighting have been attained. But the Somme battle has placed beyond doubt the ability of the Allies to gain those objects” (“Sir Douglas Haig, British Commander-in-Chief in France and Flanders, 2nd Dispatch”, 37). The mentality of the Allies was that the Battle of the Somme was a precursor to an end for the war because the Battle of the Somme had thoroughly extended German manpower and resources. The Allies also had a renewed confidence in their abilities that heightened their determination to eventually overpower Germany and the rest of the Central Powers. Crown Prince Rupprecht had a similar opinion to Sir Douglas Haig regarding when the war was going to be won. He said, “The offensive will certainly not be at an end very soon. One may well look forward to an offensive of great endurance” (“The Battle of the Somme by Crown Prince Rupprecht”, 39). This statement demonstrates the generally accepted belief that fighting would continue for some time. Crown Prince Rupprecht also firmly stated, “I am of the opinion that the enemy is seeking a decision here and this year, and in this he has failed” (“The Battle of the Somme by Crown Prince Rupprecht”, 39). Both Sir Douglas Haig and Crown Prince Rupprecht agreed that the war was not over following the Battle of the Somme, but cannot comprehend the war lasting another two years. It is reasonable to think that they believed World War I would be over sometime during 1917.

World War I was a long, complex series of battles of which only an armistice was accomplished, and one of its bloodiest battles was the Battle of the Somme. The Allies were very effective during this battle through their utilization of the frontal attack, sheer willpower, a well-planned combined offensive, and new military technology. The Allies achieved their goals and proved that they were a powerful force against the well-equipped, well-trained Germans. Ultimately, the Battle of the Somme did not mea