Podcasts about bef

VO₂ Max gilt als einer der stärksten Indikatoren für Gesundheit, Leistungsfähigkeit und Langlebigkeit. In dieser Folge erklärt Dr. Lutz Graumann, Arzt für Sportmedizin und Experte für Regeneration, warum dieser Wert mehr über dein Leben aussagt, als du denkst. Erfahre, wie du deinen VO₂-Max-Wert misst, was ihn beeinflusst und mit welchen Trainings-, Schlaf- und Lifestyle-Strategien du ihn gezielt verbessern kannst. Eine Folge über echte Fitness, Prävention und das Geheimnis eines langen, gesunden Lebens.Das sind Unsere TOP 3 Tools auf buddhaweisheit.de :⭐️ Mind Mirror App: 10 Fragen für Selbstreflexion: https://buddhaweisheit.de/mind-mirror-app/⭐️ Engelkarten Orakel Online: https://buddhaweisheit.de/engelkarte-ziehen-tageskarte-online-und-kostenlos/⭐️ Sternzeichen Kompatibilität: https://buddhaweisheit.de/sternzeichen-kompatibilitaet-erfahre-sofort-welche-sternzeichen-zusammenpassen/⭐ Kostenloses Meditationsalbum - https://bit.ly/3vLHrsh ❤️Video: Inhalte von buddhaweisheit CopyrightAudio: Inhalte von buddahweisheit CopyrightHaftungsausschluss / Disclaimer Die in diesem Podcast geäußerten Meinungen, Erfahrungen und Aussagen stammen ausschließlich von den jeweiligen Gästen und spiegeln nicht notwendigerweise die Haltung oder Meinung des Moderators bzw. des Podcast-Teams wider. Dieser Podcast dient ausschließlich zu Informations- und Diskussionszwecken und ersetzt in keiner Weise eine medizinische, rechtliche oder anderweitige fachliche Beratung. Insbesondere bei gesundheitlichen Fragen wird ausdrücklich empfohlen, sich an qualifiziertes medizinisches Fachpersonal zu wenden. Wir übernehmen keine Verantwortung für mögliche Konsequenzen, die sich aus der Anwendung der im Podcast besprochenen Inhalte ergeben könnten. Jede:r Hörer:in ist selbst dafür verantwortlich, kritisch mit den Informationen umzugehen und gegebenenfalls weitere Quellen zu konsultieren. Die Erwähnung oder Darstellung bestimmter Behandlungen, Therapien oder Heilmethoden bedeutet keine Empfehlung oder Befürwortung durch die Podcast-Redaktion.

Kaum eine Stellungnahme von Kriegsgegnern oder Befürwortern einer Kooperation mit Russland aus den Oppositionsparteien kommt ohne den Kotau vor der Wortverbindung "völkerrechtswidriger Angriffskrieg" aus. Zeit, endlich davon Abstand zu nehmen.  Von Astrid Sigena 

Eine Volksinitiative der Juso verlangt, dass Erbschaften ab 50 Millionen Franken besteuert werden. Damit sollen Klimaschutzmassnahmen finanziert werden. Doch Unternehmerinnen und Unternehmer befürchten, die Initiative könnte negative Auswirkungen auf KMU haben. Die Jungsozialistinnen und Jungsozialisten Juso wollen mehr Geld in den Klimaschutz investieren. Geld, das aus einer nationalen Erbschaftssteuer auf hohe Vermögen kommen soll. Wird ihre Initiative am 30. November angenommen, soll der Bund eine Steuer von 50 Prozent auf den Nachlass und die Schenkungen einer Person erheben, wobei die ersten 50 Millionen Franken nicht besteuert werden. Die linken Parteien unterstützen das Anliegen, doch der Bundesrat, die bürgerlichen Parteien und Wirtschaftsverbände bezeichnen die Volksinitiative als schädlich. Etwa bei der Nachfolgeregelung von KMU-Betrieben würden die hohen Steuern anfallen. Die Erben könnten gezwungen sein, die Firma zu verkaufen, um die Steuer zu bezahlen. Die Konsequenz: Um die Erbschaftssteuer zu umgehen, könnten Wohlhabende aus der Schweiz wegziehen, so die Befürchtung. Gäste im «Forum» Über die Vor- und Nachteile der Juso-Erbschaftssteuer-Initiative diskutieren am Donnerstag, 30. Oktober, die folgenden Gäste: - Mirjam Hostetmann, Präsidentin der Jungsozialistinnen und Jungsozialisten Juso. Sie setzt sich für die Initiative ein. - Silvan Wildhaber, Textilunternehmer im Kanton St. Gallen und FDP-Mitglied. Er bekämpft die Initiative.

Jahrelang träumte Sarah von einer Karriere in der Finanzbranche. Nach langem Studium und harter Arbeit kam dann endlich die Beförderung, die sie sich gewünscht hat. Doch mit einem Mal stellte Sarah all das infrage und kündigte von heute auf morgen ihren Job. Was sie dazu bewegt hat und warum sie heute in ihrer eigenen gemütlichen Lodge im Schwarzwald sitzt, erzählt sie in dieser Folge.

In dieser Folge spreche ich mit Ulrike von Aufschnaiter über das Thema Kreidezähne (MIH), Kindergesundheit und die Frage,ob sich der Zustand betroffener Zähne und des Körpers durch Ernährung, Lebensstil und Aufklärung positiv beeinflussen lässt.

Beförderungen passieren nicht zufällig – sie folgen klaren Mustern.In dieser Episode spricht Jan Nordh über die wahren Mechanismen hinter Karriereschritten: Warum Leistung allein heute nicht mehr reicht, weshalb Wahrnehmung, Vertrauen und Mut entscheidend sind – und wie Unternehmen durch zögerliches Handeln Top-Talente verlieren.Aus über 40 Jahren Erfahrung in der IT-Branche teilt Jan seine Beobachtungen aus beiden Perspektiven:Was erfolgreiche Mitarbeiter anders machen – und warum Führungskräfte oft selbst den größten Karriere-Engpass verursachen.Ein Deep Dive über Beförderungslogik, Entscheidungsangst, Mut zur Verantwortung und die Kunst, Chancen zu erkennen – bevor sie vorbeiziehen.https://www.nordh.de

Timothy Schuster hat es nicht leicht: er verliert seinen Job und seine Frau lässt sich von ihm scheiden. Als seine Brieftasche, seine Schlüssel und sein Handy in seinem Zuhause gefunden werden und auch sein Auto noch dort steht, vermuten seine Freunde das Schlimmste. Fünf Tage später bestätigen sich diese Befürchtungen, als Tim gefunden wird. Doch womit niemand gerechnet hat, ist, WIE er gefunden wird. Oder wo. Und Sebastian und Tommy vom Podcast ok.kult erzählen eine Geschichte von einem möglicherweise verfluchten Bild, das zahlreiche Häuser in Flammen aufgehen lässt...Werde Komplizi und unterstütze diese Arbeit! ** Hier findest du alle Rabatte und Promocodes "Darf's ein bisserl Mord sein?" ist der #1 True Crime Podcast aus Österreich. Egal ob deutsche, österreichische oder internationale Fälle: mit Flair, Charme und Wiener Schmäh spricht Franziska Singer über kuriose, ungelöste und längst vergessene Kriminalfälle aus der ganzen Welt. Ob Serienmörder, Entführungen, ein Bankraub oder Femizide - bei Darf's ein bisserl Mord sein? wird jeden Montag je ein Kriminalfall ausführlich behandelt und durchleutet. Von diesen Verbrechen habt ihr bestimmt noch nie gehört! Darf's ein bisserl Mord sein? ist eine Produktion der Wake Word Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olympische Spiele in München: Für manche Wunschtraum, für andere Horrorvorstellung. Ob sich München überhaupt noch mal als Austragungsort ins Rennen bringen soll, darüber können die Münchner Bürgerinnen und Bürger am Wochenende abstimmen. Befürworter sehen darin eine Chance zum Beispiel für wirtschaftliches Wachstum, und auch für ein positives Gemeinschaftserlebnis. Kritiker weisen aber auch daraufhin, dass die Stadtkasse leer ist und dass die Natur zu Schaden kommen könnte. Astrid Uhr fasst Pro und Contra vor der Abstimmung zusammen.

"Ich hab seit kurzem einen neuen Job und es läuft super! Mein Chef hat mir sogar schon eine Beförderung angeboten. Damit würden aber andere Kollegen, die schon länger dort arbeiten, durch die Finger schauen und ich hab Angst, dass sich das dann auf das Arbeitsklima schlägt. Wie soll ich mich entscheiden?"

MALINTZI, CHORIZOS DEL PILAR y VIEJO VAGO BRUJO presentan WANZ TALKS con BEFUn día, cuando era niño, Bernardo se encontró con una hoja en blanco y con la sugerente instrucción de parte de su madre: hagamos una historia. Ese momento, dice, le cambió la vida. Ya de adulto, dibujar y contar historias se ha transformado en una terapia, lo conecta con ese niño solitario, alejado de las preocupaciones que conlleva crecer. Pero sobre todo se convierte en un acto de posibilidades.Bernardo Fernández BEF nació en la Ciudad de México y tiene más de treinta años como dibujante profesional. Es también escritor y un apasionado de la ciencia ficción, pero sobre todo es un soñador y un imaginante, una persona que constantemente piensa en la creación de otros mundos, universos coherentes con la ficción y siempre fieles a sus convicciones personales y políticas.En este episodio, BEF comparte su relación con We Are Not Zombies a lo largo de su historia, su experiencia como novelista de criminal y como creador de universos literarios, su enamoramiento con la contracultura y la resistencia, su vida como padre de una hija autista, su obsesión por los dinosaurios, su decisión de vivir en sobriedad, y reflexiona en torno a temas como la existencia, el talento y la creación.WANZ Talks, el podcast de We Are Not Zombies que recopila las historias de humanas y humanos excepcionales que nos inspiran y que nos motivan a repensar el mundo. Conducido por Ramiro Medina Flores, fundador de We Are Not Zombies.Conecta con BEF: Instagram / Facebook

"Ich hab seit kurzem einen neuen Job und es läuft super! Mein Chef hat mir sogar schon eine Beförderung angeboten. Damit würden aber andere Kollegen, die schon länger dort arbeiten, durch die Finger schauen und ich hab Angst, dass sich das dann auf das Arbeitsklima schlägt. Wie soll ich mich entscheiden?"

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Was ist bidirektionales Laden und warum gilt es als Schlüsseltechnologie für die Energiewende? Wie wird mein Fahrzeug zur Powerbank? Was verbirgt sich hinter V2G? Diese und weitere Fragen beantworten Host Wolfgang Schulz und sein Gast Stephanie Danners, Leitung BMW i / Befähigung Elektromobilität, in der heutigen Folge von „Was uns bewegt“.

Ob in der Ergotherapie, Logopädie oder Physiotherapie: Auch im Therapieraum spielt der Umgang mit digitalen Medien längst eine Rolle. Doch wie können wir Kinder und Jugendliche unterstützen, Medien selbstbestimmt und sicher zu nutzen? Wie sensibilisieren wir Familien für sinnvolle Medienerziehung – ohne nur Grenzen zu setzen? Und worauf sollten wir als Therapeut:innen achten, wenn Kinder Medienüberforderung, Bildschirmstress oder digitalen Peer-Druck mit in die Praxis bringen?

Die Chefs müssen die dümmsten Leute im Unternehmen sein Diese Aussage klingt provokant – aber sie trifft den Kern eines weit verbreiteten Führungsproblems. Lassen Sie mich erklären, warum gute Führungskräfte fachlich nicht die Besten sein sollten. Das klassische Beförderungsdilemma In den meisten Unternehmen läuft es immer gleich ab: Die beste Fachkraft wird zur Führungskraft befördert.... ----------------------------------------------------------- Lesen Sie den kompletten Beitrag: 557 Der Chef muss der dööfste sein ----------------------------------------------------------- Hinweise zum Anmeldeverfahren, Versanddienstleister, statistischer Auswertung und Widerruf finden Sie in der Datenschutzerklärung.

https://www.cornelia-maria-mohr.comHerzlich Willkommen zu dem MeditationsMedley von Anfang August 2025 bis Ende Oktober 2025. In jeder dieser Wochen, an jedem Montag und Mittwoch, stehen dir zwei Meditationen zur Vefügung. Nr.21  Engel Meditation - Vertrauen in das LebenMit Erzengel Chamuel emotionalen Schmerz und Ängste mit Liebe heilenIn dieser Meditation aktivierst du und energetisierst du den Raum deines Herzens, indem du dich mit der heilsamen Kraft von Erzengel Chamuel verbindest. Du berichtest Erzengel Chamuel von einem Schmerz, Angst, Furcht oder Verletzung, die dich daran hindern können, wieder dir selbst oder anderen Menschen zu vertrauen. Du bittest ihn und erlaubst ihm, dein Herz und deine Energiefelder von negativen Gefühlen, Befürchtungen und Ängsten zu befreien. Erzengel Chamuel erfüllt dein Herz mit Liebe, Leichtigkeit, Geborgenheit und Frieden. Du beginnst nun wieder dir und dem Leben zu vertrauen. Du bist gut mit Mutter Erde verbunden. Das liebende Licht der Quelle aktiviert und stärkt dein Herzlicht.  Der liebevolle dunkelblaue Mantel des göttlichen Lichts von Erzengel Michael umgibt dich. Dein Schutzengel und Erzengel Chamuel, der Engel der Liebe sind an deiner Seite.Gehalten in bedingungsloser Liebe atmest du langsam und achtsam in dein Herz Chakra und entspannst dich immer tiefer in deinem wundervollen und einzigartigen inneren Raum des Herzens. Du berichtest Erzengel Chamuel von einem Schmerz, Angst, Furcht oder Verletzung, die dich daran hindern können, dir selbst oder anderen Menschen zu vertrauen. Du wendest dich mit der Bitte an Erzengel Chamuel, dich darin zu unterstützen, deinen emotionalen Schmerz loszulassen und in Liebe und Vertrauen umzuwandeln.In Stille und Achtsamkeit nimmst du wahr, wie Erzengel Chamuel dein Herz mit Liebe, Leichtigkeit, Geborgenheit und Frieden erfüllt. Du öffnest dich langsam immer mehr dafür, Liebende/er zu sein. Du öffnest dich langsam immer mehr dafür, dir selbst und dem Leben Vertrauen entgegenzubringen.Viel Freude und Glück!Alle Meditationen in diesem Zeitrahmen sind Replay von euren meist geliebten Meditationen in diesem Podcast Show Notes:https://cornelia-maria-mohr.com/#newsletterhttps://cornelia-maria-mohr.com/https://cornelia-maria-mohr.com/engel-lehrerin-ausbildung-in-kretaSelbstliebe- Kraft- Kompakt Paket/Audio zum Download: https://cornelia-maria-mohr.com/download-kursehttps://cornelia-maria-mohr.com/buecher/das-innere-zuhausehttps://cornelia-maria-mohr.com/buecher/lieben-kann-man-uebenhttps://cornelia-maria-mohr.com/buecher/kartendeckhttps://cornelia-maria-mohr.comMeisterlehrerin der Diana Cooper School of White LightSpiritiuelle LehrerinAutorinParr-und FamilientherapeutinHeilpraktikerin

Gumo ihr Lieben, die große Frage, die sich heute stellt: Sind unsere Toppromis auf Abwegen oder sind ihre Aktivitäten im Großen und Ganzen noch bowacore? Die eine dreht eine Serie für ein Beföderungsunternehmen, der andere lässt sein Gesicht auf Teepackungen drucken, um das Thema Hydration ganzjährig relevant zu halten. Dax und Moritz argumentieren wie immer präzise und wohlwollend.  Tickets für die Volksshow mit Rebekka Endler und Gian Alba. Musik unter dem ersten Beispiel für Unternehmenskommunikation im Mittelstand: Sad Piano & Cello by Lowtone Music is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Und hier geht's natürlich wie immer zum BoWa-Discord! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Die neue SRG-Chefin Susanne Wille steht unter Druck: Anfang Jahr hat die SRG mit dem UKW-Ausstieg hunderttausende Radiohörerinnen und -hörer verloren. Der Spardruck wirkt sich aufs Angebot aus. Und die Abstimmung über die 200-Franken-Initiative steht vor der Tür. Der Einbruch bei den Radios der SRG sind markant: Hundertausende Menschen haben nach dem Ende der UKW-Übertragung zu privaten oder ausländische Radiostationen gewechselt. War der vorzeitige Ausstieg ein Fehler? Und wie reagiert die SRG, wenn das Parlament UKW noch einmal verlängert? Kritische Fragen an Susanne Wille. Ohnehin hatte die neue Generaldirektorin kein geruhsames erstes Amtsjahr. Gleich am ersten Tag als oberste SRG-Chefin stimmte sie Personal und Öffentlichkeit auf ein umfangreiches Sparprogramm ein. Hintergrund sind sinkende Werbeeinnahmen aber vor allem die bevorstehende Senkung der Radio- und Fernseh-Abgabe von 335 auf 300 Franken pro Haushalt und Jahr. Kritiker allerdings nehmen der SRG den Sparwillen immer noch nicht ab – was ist da dran? Und: Wie einschneidend wird der kommende Abbau beim Angebot? Die für die SRG wohl grösste Bedrohung ist die SRG-Initiative «200 Franken sind genug», auch Halbierungsinitiative genannt. In wenigen Monaten stimmen wir ab. Wie kontert Susanne Wille die Argumente der Befürworterinnen und Befürworter? Vor wenigen Monaten hat die SRG – auch im Hinblick auf die Abstimmung – mit den Verlegern eine Vereinbarung getroffen: Sie sieht zahlreiche Zugeständnisse an die privaten Verlage vor. Hat sich die SRG erpressen lassen, wie Kritiker sagen? SRG-Generaldirektorin Susanne Wille ist Gast bei Dominik Meier. Ergänzend zum Tagesgespräch finden Sie jeden Samstag in unserem Kanal die aktuelle Samstagsrundschau.

Die neue SRG-Chefin Susanne Wille steht unter Druck: Anfang Jahr hat die SRG mit dem UKW-Ausstieg hunderttausende Radiohörerinnen und -hörer verloren. Der Spardruck wirkt sich aufs Angebot aus. Und die Abstimmung über die 200-Franken-Initiative steht vor der Tür. Der Einbruch bei den Radios der SRG sind markant: Hundertausende Menschen haben nach dem Ende der UKW-Übertragung zu privaten oder ausländische Radiostationen gewechselt. War der vorzeitige Ausstieg ein Fehler? Und wie reagiert die SRG, wenn das Parlament UKW noch einmal verlängert? Kritische Fragen an Susanne Wille. Ohnehin hatte die neue Generaldirektorin kein geruhsames erstes Amtsjahr. Gleich am ersten Tag als oberste SRG-Chefin stimmte sie Personal und Öffentlichkeit auf ein umfangreiches Sparprogramm ein. Hintergrund sind sinkende Werbeeinnahmen aber vor allem die bevorstehende Senkung der Radio- und Fernseh-Abgabe von 335 auf 300 Franken pro Haushalt und Jahr. Kritiker allerdings nehmen der SRG den Sparwillen immer noch nicht ab – was ist da dran? Und: Wie einschneidend wird der kommende Abbau beim Angebot? Die für die SRG wohl grösste Bedrohung ist die SRG-Initiative «200 Franken sind genug», auch Halbierungsinitiative genannt. In wenigen Monaten stimmen wir ab. Wie kontert Susanne Wille die Argumente der Befürworterinnen und Befürworter? Vor wenigen Monaten hat die SRG – auch im Hinblick auf die Abstimmung – mit den Verlegern eine Vereinbarung getroffen: Sie sieht zahlreiche Zugeständnisse an die privaten Verlage vor. Hat sich die SRG erpressen lassen, wie Kritiker sagen? SRG-Generaldirektorin Susanne Wille ist Gast bei Dominik Meier.

Der Unternehmer Giorgio Behr zerlegt die Rahmenverträge mit der EU: Die Schweizer Wirtschaft ist gar nicht so darauf angewiesen, wie die Befürworter sagen.

Seit Jahren will die EU die Verfolgung sexueller Gewalt gegen Kinder erleichtern. Nun wurde erneut ein Kompromiss verworfen. Befürworter wollten Messengerdienste zu Kontrollen verpflichten. Kritiker sprechen von „anlassloser Chatkontrolle“. Loll, Anna www.deutschlandfunk.de, Hintergrund

In dieser spannenden Folge des CULTiTALK begrüßt Host Georg die beiden Gäste Ilona Indra und Julia Käser von FTI Consulting, um gemeinsam das aktuell brennende Thema „AI and Data Culture“ zu beleuchten. Wie verändert künstliche Intelligenz nicht nur die technischen und fachlichen Abläufe, sondern vor allem auch die Unternehmenskultur, Führung und den Arbeitsalltag – vom individuellen Mindset über Teamarbeit bis hin zur gesamten Organisation?Ilona, Managing Director und Practice Lead People and Transformation bei FTI Consulting, bringt ihre langjährige Erfahrung sowohl aus der Unternehmens- als auch der Beratungswelt ein und nimmt die Hörer:innen mit auf eine Reise durch systemische und kulturelle Veränderungsprozesse. Julia, Director im selben Bereich, gibt zudem praxisnahe Einblicke in internationale Transformationsprojekte, bei denen vor allem das Mitnehmen und Befähigen der Mitarbeiter:innen im Mittelpunkt steht.Im Gespräch wird deutlich, dass technologische Veränderungen ohne eine nachhaltige Begleitung der Menschen oft scheitern. Es reicht eben nicht, nur Prozesse oder Tools zu implementieren – entscheidend ist, wie Angst, Unsicherheit und Widerstände im Unternehmen adressiert werden. Eine gelungene AI- und Data-Kultur braucht laut Julia und Ilona einen Blumenstrauß an Angeboten: Von Trainings bis zur Bewusstseinsbildung, von systemischer Veränderung bis zu konsequenter Führungskräfte-Einbindung.Highlights sind die praxisnahen Beispiele und Herausforderungen rund um die Einführung von KI-Tools, die Gefahr des „einsamen Promptens“ und der sensible Umgang mit Skepsis und Datenschutz. Das Gespräch ermutigt dazu, Unternehmenskultur, Veränderungsprozesse und KI-Einführung ganzheitlich zu denken und neue Räume für gemeinsames Lernen sowie Experimente zu schaffen.Wer wissen will, wie Unternehmen wirklich AI-ready werden und welche Rolle Kultur, Leadership und Teamwork dabei spielen, findet in dieser Folge reichlich Anregungen, praktische Impulse und Inspiration. Alle Links zu Julia Käser:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-k%C3%A4ser-872557131/Unternehmen: http://www.fticonsulting.com Alle Links zu Ilona Indra:LinkedIn:https: //www.linkedin.com/in/ilona-indra-967548116/Unternehmen: http://www.fticonsulting.com Alle Links zu Georg und dem Culturizer:Georg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georg-wolfgangCulturizer: https://culturizer.appCULTiTALK: https://cultitalk.de

gefallenDas Bedürfnis, zu gefallen und es anderen immer recht zu machen, kennen viele Frauen. Auch Katrin. Es könnte einfach nur eine nette Eigenschaft netter Menschen sein, wenn es nicht regelmäßig zu Selbstverleugnung und Selbstverlust führen würde. In der Psychologie gibt es dafür sogar einen Begriff: fawning. Statt zu kämpfen, Reißaus zu nehmen oder zu erstarren (fight, flight, freeze), versuchen wir, durch rehäugige Freundlichkeiten die Situation zu entschärfen. Kurzfristig mag das wirksam sein, doch es lohnt sich, einen genauen Blick auf die Ursachen und langfristigen Konsequenzen dieses Verhaltens zu werfen.FaschismusFaschismus ist ein starkes Wort und wird bisweilen als „Nazi-Keule“ benutzt. Doch mit Blick auf die USA sollten wir die Fraglichkeit des Begriffs nochmal überdenken, findet Alexandra. Denn die offene Befürwortung von Gewalt, der Versuch, Demokratie und Rechtsstaatlichkeit auszuhöhlen und eine fast religiöse Verehrung von Technologie waren seit jeher Merkmale faschistischer Systeme. Gerade KI-Ideologien in Verbindung mit dem Wirken rechter politischer Kräfte könnten uns in Schwierigkeiten bringen, wenn wir nicht aktiv ein Mitspracherecht fordern. Bitte und DankeNoch immer kostet die Produktion von anekdotisch evident mehr, als wir derzeit einnehmen. Wenn ihr könnt, werft doch gern ein paar Euro in einen unserer Hüte. DANKE an alle, die schon dabei sind

Der Eigenmietwert wird abgeschafft und alle Schweizerinnen und Schweizer können in Zukunft eine digitale ID beziehen und diese über eine App auf ihrem Handy hinterlegen. So hat die Bevölkerung am Sonntag abgestimmt. Ein doppeltes Ja.Dabei war das Ja zur Abschaffung des Eigenmietwerts erstaunlich deutlich. Umfragen hatten ein viel knapperes Resultat vorausgesagt. Das Ja zur E-ID hingegen war hauchdünn. Es kam zu einem Krimi - mit einem knapp besserem Ausgang für die Befürworterinnen und Befürworter.Wie kam es zu diesen Resultaten? Und was bedeuten diese Entscheide nun konkret?In einer neuen Folge des täglichen Podcasts «Apropos» ordnet Larissa Rhyn, Bundeshauschefin von Tamedia, die Resultate des Abstimmungssonntags ein.Host: Philipp LoserProduktion: Sara SpreiterDiverse Artikel zum Abstimmungssonntag: Politgeograf über das Aus des Eigenmietwerts: «Die Jungen sind selbst schuld, wenn sie finanzielle Zusammenhänge zu wenig verstehen»Trotz Ja zur Abschaffung: Der Eigenmietwert wird nicht so schnell fallenInterview zur Eigenmietwert-Abschaffung: Steigen nach dem Ja des Volks die Hauspreise? «Sie sind schon an der oberen Grenze»Kommentar: Knappes Ja zur E-ID: Beat Jans und das Parlament sind mit einem blauen Auge davongekommenWas kann die E-ID überhaupt? Das müssen Sie jetzt wissenTicker zur E-ID-Abstimmung  Unser Tagi-Spezialangebot für Podcast-Hörer:innen: tagiabo.chHabt ihr Feedback, Ideen oder Kritik zu «Apropos»? Schreibt uns an podcasts@tamedia.ch Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Neue Gaskraftwerke, verändertes Heizungsgesetz, CO2-Preis-Kritik: Die Entscheidungen der neuen Bundesregierung geben Klimaschützern Anlass, um Deutschlands Ausstieg aus fossiler Energie zu bangen. Was ist an den Befürchtungen dran?

Ab Montag ist die Zugstrecke im Laufental wieder befahrbar, sie war für fünf Monate gesperrt. Im Vorfeld waren die Befürchtungen gross, dass es mehr Stau geben könnte, falls die Pendlerinnen und Pendler aufs Auto umsteigen. Die Bilanz zeigt nun: die Befürchtungen sind nur beschränkt eingetreten. Ausserdem: - Basler Pharmakonzerne an rundem Tisch mit Bundesrat.

Der bundesnahe Betrieb Swisscom hat mit einem namhaften Betrag ein Abstimmungskomitee unterstützt, das sich für ein Ja zur elektronischen Identität einsetzt. Das sorgt für Stirnrunzeln – sogar bei einigen Befürwortern der E-ID. Weitere Themen: Derzeit debattiert das Parlament über das Zivildienstgesetz. Mit der Reform soll der Wechsel von der Armee zum Zivildienst erschwert werden. Damit will der Bundesrat der Armee zu mehr Personal verhelfen. Doch braucht es das überhaupt? Schweizer Behörden wie auch viele Firmen sind von US-Techfirmen abhängig und etwa angewiesen auf Microsoft. Deshalb hat das neu gegründete Netzwerk für eine "Souveräne Digitale Schweiz" konkrete Ideen, wie unsere Verwaltung digital unabhängig werden kann.

Es gibt dieses Gefühl… man weiß es nicht, aber man ahnt es. Irgendwas stimmt hier nicht. Da schleicht sich Misstrauen ein, Eifersucht und die Befürchtung, dass der andere oder die andere fremdgeht. Man spricht nicht gerne darüber, weil es verletzend ist und einen Riss in die Beziehungen reißt. Deswegen entscheiden sich manche, das alles mit sich selber auszumachen und womöglich nicht mal innerhalb der Beziehung offen darüber zu reden. Und andere sprechen es an, platzen vor Wut. Paula Lambert erzählt, wie sie selbst zur Furie wurde und vor allem zur Detektivin. Paula ist Beziehungs-Expertin und hat die Gabe, selbst Abgründe des menschlichen Zusammenlebens mit Humor und Leichtigkeit zu besprechen. Wir kennen uns seit wir sehr jung waren und auch deswegen ist sie genau die Richtige, um sich mal sehr ehrlich dieses schmerzhafte Thema vorzunehmen. Und zu ergründen, wie man bestmöglich damit umgeht. Übrigens, wir beide kennen auch die andere Seite und sind nicht stolz drauf. Aber auch das will besprochen werden. Manchmal hat die Beziehung danach noch eine Chance und manchmal sollte man gehen. Wenn Ihr diese Gefühle kennt, wird Euch die Folge sicher sehr guttun.

Der Mindestlohn wird erhöht, das gilt auch für ausländische Wanderarbeiter, die auf deutschen Feldern Erdbeeren, Spargel oder Äpfel ernten. Das macht vielen Landwirten Angst. Sie befürchten, dass der Mindestlohn die Preise für Obst und Gemüse aus Deutschland so sehr nach oben treibt, dass die Käufer lieber zu günstigen Erzeugnissen aus dem Ausland greifen. Zumal deren Qualität nicht schlechter ist als die heimischer Produkte. Wie berechtigt sind diese Befürchtungen? Sorgt der Mindestlohn tatsächlich dafür, dass sich der Anbau bestimmter Kulturen in Deutschland bald nicht mehr lohnt? Dominik Bartoschek diskutiert mit Dr. Hildegard Garming – Agrarökonomin, Thünen-Institut für Betriebswirtschaft, Braunschweig; Benjamin Luig – Fachreferent für Agrarwirtschaft bei der Industriegewerkschaft Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt, Berlin; Simon Schumacher – Vorstandssprecher und Geschäftsführer des Verbands Süddeutscher Spargel- und Erdbeeranbauer e.V.

Olympische Spiele in München. Das könnte wieder Wirklichkeit werden. Am 26. Oktober findet dazu ein Bürgerentscheid statt, jetzt hat das Wahlamt damit begonnen, die Unterlagen dazu zu versenden. Rund 1,1 Millionen Menschen in München sollen darüber abstimmen, ob sich die Stadt um Olympische und Paralympische Spiele in den Jahren 2036, 2040 oder 2044 bewerben soll. Irene Esmann erklärt, wie die Abstimmung erfolgt. Befürworter und Gegner kommen zu Wort und Martin Raspe aus der BR24 Sportredaktion erklärt, was nach einem positiven Bürgerentscheid die nächsten Schritte sind und wie wahrscheinlich es überhaupt ist, dass München wieder Olympia-Stadt wird. Moderation : Theresia Graw

Die europäischen Unterstützer der Ukraine versuchen mit Begriffen wie „Friedensordnung“, „Friedenssicherung“ und „Friedenstruppen“, ihren eigenen Bevölkerungen einzureden, es ginge ihnen um eine baldige friedliche Lösung des Konflikts mit Russland. Das tatsächliche Frontgeschehen der letzten zweieinhalb Jahre offenbart jedoch die offensichtlich wahren Absichten hinter den „Friedensbemühungen“. Die Formulierungen der Befürworter einer Eskalation des Krieges in derWeiterlesen

Nick Lloyd's "The Western Front: The History of the Great War, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive narrative of the Great War in Belgium and France from 1914 to 1918. As the first volume of a planned trilogy, this work aims to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal theater, moving beyond common myths and focusing on the operational perspective of senior commanders across all involved powers. 1914-1918 US MERCHANT NAVY Here's a summary of the key aspects, figures, and events covered: Lloyd's Ambition and Approach Comprehensive Narrative: Lloyd, a reader in military and imperial history at King's College London, undertook this "big project" to create a grand narrative of the entire Western Front, encompassing the French sector, American sector, and the German story, alongside the often-emphasized British perspective. Focus on Senior Commanders: A primary goal was to view the war from the lens of senior commanders, challenging the traditional portrayal of them as "donkeys or butchers and bunglers." Lloyd aims to help readers appreciate the immense pressures and difficulties these individuals faced, offering a "cooler perspective" on their successes and errors. Trilogy: This book is the first of three volumes; future volumes will cover the Eastern Front and global warfare in the Middle East and Africa. Lloyd emphasizes that while other fronts are mentioned, the Western Front remained the decisive theater where Germany, France, Britain, and America determined the war's outcome. British Involvement and Leadership Initial Reluctance: Britain initially entered the conflict with a limited commitment, deploying only four infantry divisions and one cavalry division as the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), a "small army" compared to the French (80 divisions) and Germans (over 100 divisions). This reflected a desire for "limited liability" to the Western Front, contrasting sharply with French demands for more manpower. Early Leaders: H.H. Asquith (Prime Minister) was reportedly distracted by personal affairs at the war's outset. Lord Kitchener (Minister of War) was a professional soldier and hero of the empire, wary of deep British involvement but committed to supporting the French. Field Marshal Sir John French (Commander-in-Chief, BEF) was a Boer War hero who found himself "out of his depth" by 1914, struggling with the war's scale and intensity. During the August 1914 retreat, French considered pulling the BEF out of the line due to immense losses and pressure, a move Kitchener personally intervened to prevent, ordering French to stay and fight. Frencheventually "breaks down" due to losses and pressure and is sent home at the end of 1915. Later Leadership and Strategy: David Lloyd George (Prime Minister from late 1916) is credited as "the prime minister that wins the war" in Britain. He showed great energy in revitalizing British industry and re-equipping the army, despite having poor relations with his top generals. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaced French as Commander-in-Chief of the BEF. Haig and Lloyd George had fundamentally different strategic outlooks, leading to "constant arguments and backstabbing". At the Battle of the Somme (1916), Haig favored a breakthrough strategy, aiming for maneuver and cavalry deployment to defeat the German army. However, his army commander, Rawlinson, advocated a "bite and hold" strategy, focusing on concentrated artillery to smash enemy lines, take ground, then consolidate before repeating, acknowledging that a grand breakthrough was not yet feasible for the largely "green" British army. German Strategy and Commanders Initial Invasion: The German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914 was based on the ambitious Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a massive attack through Belgium to outflank French defenses and destroy their army in a grand battle of envelopment. Helmuth von Moltke the Younger (Chief of the General Staff) was under immense pressure and altered the Schlieffen Plan, weakening its critical right wing, and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown by mid-September 1914. Moltke's controversial decision to order General Kluck's First Army to turn southeast instead of enveloping Paris contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, despite Kluck initially ignoring the order. Kaiser Wilhelm: His character was inconsistent, often described as a "weather vane," and he gradually became a less central figure as Hindenburg and Ludendorff gained influence from 1916. Erich von Falkenhayn (replaces Moltke in 1914) was the architect of the Verdun Offensive (1916). His vision was unique, aiming not for territorial gains but for attrition: to "kill Frenchmen" and exhaust them. Political Interference: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg often opposed Falkenhayn's desire for unrestricted submarine warfare due to diplomatic concerns (e.g., fear of American entry), illustrating the German military's tendency to prioritize tactical effectiveness over political and strategic issues, which was ultimately "fatal". French Efforts and Leadership Joseph Joffre (Commander of French Forces): Described as a "great hero" of the French army, Joffrepossessed remarkable calmness and an ability to absorb punishment and react quickly. His leadership was crucial in defeating the Schlieffen Plan and counterattacking at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, preventing a German victory. Raymond Poincaré (President of the French Republic): A nationalist deeply involved in military analysis, Poincaré was central to the political efforts to reassert civilian primacy over the army and secure British manpower commitments. General Castelnau (Joffre's chief of staff): A deeply religious man who personally lost three sons in the war, Castelnau exemplifies the human cost and personal horror experienced by some senior commanders, helping to humanize these figures in Lloyd's narrative. Robert Nivelle: An artillery officer who rose rapidly due to his successes at Verdun, Nivelle replaced Joffrein December 1916. He attempted a decisive breakthrough in his Nivelle Offensive in April 1917 with a "formula" for success, but it failed catastrophically due to his being "out of his depth" at the command-in-chief level, leading to French army issues including mutiny. Philippe Pétain: Replaced Nivelle, Pétain became a "savior of France." He was renowned for his deep understanding of battlefield realities and a strong connection with his troops. At Verdun, he innovated by rotating divisions out of the line for rest and recuperation, contrasting with the German practice of fighting units "until basically there's not a lot left". Ferdinand Foch (Supreme Allied Commander from April 1918): Foch is widely regarded as one of the most important generals of the war. He was an energetic and charismatic leader who successfully coordinated the American, British, and French forces in 1918, leading them to victory in the multinational war. His reputation continues to strengthen over time. American Involvement Entry into War: The United States declared war on Germany and Austria in April 1917. General John J. Pershing arrived in Paris in June 1917 to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), despite having only 113,000 men in the army at the time. Rejection of Amalgamation: Pershing steadfastly resisted French and British desires to "amalgamate" American manpower into their existing divisions, insisting that American soldiers fight as an independent army. He argued that the Allies had a poor record of "not killing your own troops". German Miscalculation: Germany severely underestimated how quickly the United States could build and deploy an army, believing it would take years. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to their defeat once the Americans demonstrated their seriousness in 1918. American involvement became "crucial" by 1917, changing the atmosphere. Evolution of Warfare on the Western Front From Movement to Stalemate: The initial German invasion failed to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the establishment of trench warfare after the Battle of the Marne. Realization of No Breakthrough: After the Second Battle of Champagne (1915), Allied and Germancommanders like Joffre and Falkenhayn began to recognize that a "grand shattering breakthrough" was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Constant Adaptation: This realization led to a continuous arms race. As Allied artillery and tactics improved, German defenses evolved from single lines to complex "zones of pill boxes," making progress difficult and bloody. The war became an intense exercise in violence where commanders constantly adapted to a "cauldron of war". Key Battles and Their Significance Battle of the Marne (September 1914): Joffre's successful counterattack forced the Germans to retreat, effectively ending the Schlieffen Plan and leading to the beginning of trench warfare. Second Battle of Champagne (September-October 1915): A major French offensive that, despite immense effort and casualties, failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, solidifying the understanding that trench deadlock could not be easily broken. Verdun (1916): Falkenhayn's attrition battle, designed to "kill Frenchmen," concentrated immense firepower in a small area, creating a "moonscape effect." While not decisive in destroying the French, it was a moment where "things start to go wrong for Germany," from which she never truly recovers. Somme (1916): A British and French offensive intended to relieve pressure on Verdun, but also driven by Haig's ambition for a breakthrough. The debate between breakthrough and Rawlinson's "bite and hold" strategy highlighted the dilemmas of Western Front warfare. Nivelle Offensive (April 1917): A disastrous French attempt at a breakthrough, which highlighted Nivelle'soverreach and led to significant disillusionment and mutiny within the French army. End of the War and its Legacy German Defeat: Lloyd's book argues that the German army was "falling apart" and "defeated rapidly in 1918" despite the persistent "stab in the back" myth that claimed they were betrayed at home. Armistice Decision: The decision by the Allies not to invade Germany was primarily political, as the British and French were "totally exhausted," while the Americans were "much fresher" and more keen to continue. Lloyd considers the armistice "fair on all sides". Lloyd's work underscores that the Western Front was a complex, multinational struggle marked by evolving strategies, immense pressures on commanders, and profound human costs, which ultimately determined the course of the Great War and cast a long shadow over the 20th century.

Nick Lloyd's "The Western Front: The History of the Great War, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive narrative of the Great War in Belgium and France from 1914 to 1918. As the first volume of a planned trilogy, this work aims to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal theater, moving beyond common myths and focusing on the operational perspective of senior commanders across all involved powers. 1919 LONDON CHURCHILL Z PERSHING Here's a summary of the key aspects, figures, and events covered: Lloyd's Ambition and Approach Comprehensive Narrative: Lloyd, a reader in military and imperial history at King's College London, undertook this "big project" to create a grand narrative of the entire Western Front, encompassing the French sector, American sector, and the German story, alongside the often-emphasized British perspective. Focus on Senior Commanders: A primary goal was to view the war from the lens of senior commanders, challenging the traditional portrayal of them as "donkeys or butchers and bunglers." Lloyd aims to help readers appreciate the immense pressures and difficulties these individuals faced, offering a "cooler perspective" on their successes and errors. Trilogy: This book is the first of three volumes; future volumes will cover the Eastern Front and global warfare in the Middle East and Africa. Lloyd emphasizes that while other fronts are mentioned, the Western Front remained the decisive theater where Germany, France, Britain, and America determined the war's outcome. British Involvement and Leadership Initial Reluctance: Britain initially entered the conflict with a limited commitment, deploying only four infantry divisions and one cavalry division as the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), a "small army" compared to the French (80 divisions) and Germans (over 100 divisions). This reflected a desire for "limited liability" to the Western Front, contrasting sharply with French demands for more manpower. Early Leaders: H.H. Asquith (Prime Minister) was reportedly distracted by personal affairs at the war's outset. Lord Kitchener (Minister of War) was a professional soldier and hero of the empire, wary of deep British involvement but committed to supporting the French. Field Marshal Sir John French (Commander-in-Chief, BEF) was a Boer War hero who found himself "out of his depth" by 1914, struggling with the war's scale and intensity. During the August 1914 retreat, French considered pulling the BEF out of the line due to immense losses and pressure, a move Kitchener personally intervened to prevent, ordering French to stay and fight. Frencheventually "breaks down" due to losses and pressure and is sent home at the end of 1915. Later Leadership and Strategy: David Lloyd George (Prime Minister from late 1916) is credited as "the prime minister that wins the war" in Britain. He showed great energy in revitalizing British industry and re-equipping the army, despite having poor relations with his top generals. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaced French as Commander-in-Chief of the BEF. Haig and Lloyd George had fundamentally different strategic outlooks, leading to "constant arguments and backstabbing". At the Battle of the Somme (1916), Haig favored a breakthrough strategy, aiming for maneuver and cavalry deployment to defeat the German army. However, his army commander, Rawlinson, advocated a "bite and hold" strategy, focusing on concentrated artillery to smash enemy lines, take ground, then consolidate before repeating, acknowledging that a grand breakthrough was not yet feasible for the largely "green" British army. German Strategy and Commanders Initial Invasion: The German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914 was based on the ambitious Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a massive attack through Belgium to outflank French defenses and destroy their army in a grand battle of envelopment. Helmuth von Moltke the Younger (Chief of the General Staff) was under immense pressure and altered the Schlieffen Plan, weakening its critical right wing, and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown by mid-September 1914. Moltke's controversial decision to order General Kluck's First Army to turn southeast instead of enveloping Paris contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, despite Kluck initially ignoring the order. Kaiser Wilhelm: His character was inconsistent, often described as a "weather vane," and he gradually became a less central figure as Hindenburg and Ludendorff gained influence from 1916. Erich von Falkenhayn (replaces Moltke in 1914) was the architect of the Verdun Offensive (1916). His vision was unique, aiming not for territorial gains but for attrition: to "kill Frenchmen" and exhaust them. Political Interference: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg often opposed Falkenhayn's desire for unrestricted submarine warfare due to diplomatic concerns (e.g., fear of American entry), illustrating the German military's tendency to prioritize tactical effectiveness over political and strategic issues, which was ultimately "fatal". French Efforts and Leadership Joseph Joffre (Commander of French Forces): Described as a "great hero" of the French army, Joffrepossessed remarkable calmness and an ability to absorb punishment and react quickly. His leadership was crucial in defeating the Schlieffen Plan and counterattacking at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, preventing a German victory. Raymond Poincaré (President of the French Republic): A nationalist deeply involved in military analysis, Poincaré was central to the political efforts to reassert civilian primacy over the army and secure British manpower commitments. General Castelnau (Joffre's chief of staff): A deeply religious man who personally lost three sons in the war, Castelnau exemplifies the human cost and personal horror experienced by some senior commanders, helping to humanize these figures in Lloyd's narrative. Robert Nivelle: An artillery officer who rose rapidly due to his successes at Verdun, Nivelle replaced Joffrein December 1916. He attempted a decisive breakthrough in his Nivelle Offensive in April 1917 with a "formula" for success, but it failed catastrophically due to his being "out of his depth" at the command-in-chief level, leading to French army issues including mutiny. Philippe Pétain: Replaced Nivelle, Pétain became a "savior of France." He was renowned for his deep understanding of battlefield realities and a strong connection with his troops. At Verdun, he innovated by rotating divisions out of the line for rest and recuperation, contrasting with the German practice of fighting units "until basically there's not a lot left". Ferdinand Foch (Supreme Allied Commander from April 1918): Foch is widely regarded as one of the most important generals of the war. He was an energetic and charismatic leader who successfully coordinated the American, British, and French forces in 1918, leading them to victory in the multinational war. His reputation continues to strengthen over time. American Involvement Entry into War: The United States declared war on Germany and Austria in April 1917. General John J. Pershing arrived in Paris in June 1917 to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), despite having only 113,000 men in the army at the time. Rejection of Amalgamation: Pershing steadfastly resisted French and British desires to "amalgamate" American manpower into their existing divisions, insisting that American soldiers fight as an independent army. He argued that the Allies had a poor record of "not killing your own troops". German Miscalculation: Germany severely underestimated how quickly the United States could build and deploy an army, believing it would take years. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to their defeat once the Americans demonstrated their seriousness in 1918. American involvement became "crucial" by 1917, changing the atmosphere. Evolution of Warfare on the Western Front From Movement to Stalemate: The initial German invasion failed to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the establishment of trench warfare after the Battle of the Marne. Realization of No Breakthrough: After the Second Battle of Champagne (1915), Allied and Germancommanders like Joffre and Falkenhayn began to recognize that a "grand shattering breakthrough" was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Constant Adaptation: This realization led to a continuous arms race. As Allied artillery and tactics improved, German defenses evolved from single lines to complex "zones of pill boxes," making progress difficult and bloody. The war became an intense exercise in violence where commanders constantly adapted to a "cauldron of war". Key Battles and Their Significance Battle of the Marne (September 1914): Joffre's successful counterattack forced the Germans to retreat, effectively ending the Schlieffen Plan and leading to the beginning of trench warfare. Second Battle of Champagne (September-October 1915): A major French offensive that, despite immense effort and casualties, failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, solidifying the understanding that trench deadlock could not be easily broken. Verdun (1916): Falkenhayn's attrition battle, designed to "kill Frenchmen," concentrated immense firepower in a small area, creating a "moonscape effect." While not decisive in destroying the French, it was a moment where "things start to go wrong for Germany," from which she never truly recovers. Somme (1916): A British and French offensive intended to relieve pressure on Verdun, but also driven by Haig's ambition for a breakthrough. The debate between breakthrough and Rawlinson's "bite and hold" strategy highlighted the dilemmas of Western Front warfare. Nivelle Offensive (April 1917): A disastrous French attempt at a breakthrough, which highlighted Nivelle'soverreach and led to significant disillusionment and mutiny within the French army. End of the War and its Legacy German Defeat: Lloyd's book argues that the German army was "falling apart" and "defeated rapidly in 1918" despite the persistent "stab in the back" myth that claimed they were betrayed at home. Armistice Decision: The decision by the Allies not to invade Germany was primarily political, as the British and French were "totally exhausted," while the Americans were "much fresher" and more keen to continue. Lloyd considers the armistice "fair on all sides". Lloyd's work underscores that the Western Front was a complex, multinational struggle marked by evolving strategies, immense pressures on commanders, and profound human costs, which ultimately determined the course of the Great War and cast a long shadow over the 20th century.

Nick Lloyd's "The Western Front: The History of the Great War, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive narrative of the Great War in Belgium and France from 1914 to 1918. As the first volume of a planned trilogy, this work aims to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal theater, moving beyond common myths and focusing on the operational perspective of senior commanders across all involved powers. 1918 JOHN MONASH Here's a summary of the key aspects, figures, and events covered: Lloyd's Ambition and Approach Comprehensive Narrative: Lloyd, a reader in military and imperial history at King's College London, undertook this "big project" to create a grand narrative of the entire Western Front, encompassing the French sector, American sector, and the German story, alongside the often-emphasized British perspective. Focus on Senior Commanders: A primary goal was to view the war from the lens of senior commanders, challenging the traditional portrayal of them as "donkeys or butchers and bunglers." Lloyd aims to help readers appreciate the immense pressures and difficulties these individuals faced, offering a "cooler perspective" on their successes and errors. Trilogy: This book is the first of three volumes; future volumes will cover the Eastern Front and global warfare in the Middle East and Africa. Lloyd emphasizes that while other fronts are mentioned, the Western Front remained the decisive theater where Germany, France, Britain, and America determined the war's outcome. British Involvement and Leadership Initial Reluctance: Britain initially entered the conflict with a limited commitment, deploying only four infantry divisions and one cavalry division as the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), a "small army" compared to the French (80 divisions) and Germans (over 100 divisions). This reflected a desire for "limited liability" to the Western Front, contrasting sharply with French demands for more manpower. Early Leaders: H.H. Asquith (Prime Minister) was reportedly distracted by personal affairs at the war's outset. Lord Kitchener (Minister of War) was a professional soldier and hero of the empire, wary of deep British involvement but committed to supporting the French. Field Marshal Sir John French (Commander-in-Chief, BEF) was a Boer War hero who found himself "out of his depth" by 1914, struggling with the war's scale and intensity. During the August 1914 retreat, French considered pulling the BEF out of the line due to immense losses and pressure, a move Kitchener personally intervened to prevent, ordering French to stay and fight. Frencheventually "breaks down" due to losses and pressure and is sent home at the end of 1915. Later Leadership and Strategy: David Lloyd George (Prime Minister from late 1916) is credited as "the prime minister that wins the war" in Britain. He showed great energy in revitalizing British industry and re-equipping the army, despite having poor relations with his top generals. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaced French as Commander-in-Chief of the BEF. Haig and Lloyd George had fundamentally different strategic outlooks, leading to "constant arguments and backstabbing". At the Battle of the Somme (1916), Haig favored a breakthrough strategy, aiming for maneuver and cavalry deployment to defeat the German army. However, his army commander, Rawlinson, advocated a "bite and hold" strategy, focusing on concentrated artillery to smash enemy lines, take ground, then consolidate before repeating, acknowledging that a grand breakthrough was not yet feasible for the largely "green" British army. German Strategy and Commanders Initial Invasion: The German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914 was based on the ambitious Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a massive attack through Belgium to outflank French defenses and destroy their army in a grand battle of envelopment. Helmuth von Moltke the Younger (Chief of the General Staff) was under immense pressure and altered the Schlieffen Plan, weakening its critical right wing, and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown by mid-September 1914. Moltke's controversial decision to order General Kluck's First Army to turn southeast instead of enveloping Paris contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, despite Kluck initially ignoring the order. Kaiser Wilhelm: His character was inconsistent, often described as a "weather vane," and he gradually became a less central figure as Hindenburg and Ludendorff gained influence from 1916. Erich von Falkenhayn (replaces Moltke in 1914) was the architect of the Verdun Offensive (1916). His vision was unique, aiming not for territorial gains but for attrition: to "kill Frenchmen" and exhaust them. Political Interference: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg often opposed Falkenhayn's desire for unrestricted submarine warfare due to diplomatic concerns (e.g., fear of American entry), illustrating the German military's tendency to prioritize tactical effectiveness over political and strategic issues, which was ultimately "fatal". French Efforts and Leadership Joseph Joffre (Commander of French Forces): Described as a "great hero" of the French army, Joffrepossessed remarkable calmness and an ability to absorb punishment and react quickly. His leadership was crucial in defeating the Schlieffen Plan and counterattacking at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, preventing a German victory. Raymond Poincaré (President of the French Republic): A nationalist deeply involved in military analysis, Poincaré was central to the political efforts to reassert civilian primacy over the army and secure British manpower commitments. General Castelnau (Joffre's chief of staff): A deeply religious man who personally lost three sons in the war, Castelnau exemplifies the human cost and personal horror experienced by some senior commanders, helping to humanize these figures in Lloyd's narrative. Robert Nivelle: An artillery officer who rose rapidly due to his successes at Verdun, Nivelle replaced Joffrein December 1916. He attempted a decisive breakthrough in his Nivelle Offensive in April 1917 with a "formula" for success, but it failed catastrophically due to his being "out of his depth" at the command-in-chief level, leading to French army issues including mutiny. Philippe Pétain: Replaced Nivelle, Pétain became a "savior of France." He was renowned for his deep understanding of battlefield realities and a strong connection with his troops. At Verdun, he innovated by rotating divisions out of the line for rest and recuperation, contrasting with the German practice of fighting units "until basically there's not a lot left". Ferdinand Foch (Supreme Allied Commander from April 1918): Foch is widely regarded as one of the most important generals of the war. He was an energetic and charismatic leader who successfully coordinated the American, British, and French forces in 1918, leading them to victory in the multinational war. His reputation continues to strengthen over time. American Involvement Entry into War: The United States declared war on Germany and Austria in April 1917. General John J. Pershing arrived in Paris in June 1917 to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), despite having only 113,000 men in the army at the time. Rejection of Amalgamation: Pershing steadfastly resisted French and British desires to "amalgamate" American manpower into their existing divisions, insisting that American soldiers fight as an independent army. He argued that the Allies had a poor record of "not killing your own troops". German Miscalculation: Germany severely underestimated how quickly the United States could build and deploy an army, believing it would take years. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to their defeat once the Americans demonstrated their seriousness in 1918. American involvement became "crucial" by 1917, changing the atmosphere. Evolution of Warfare on the Western Front From Movement to Stalemate: The initial German invasion failed to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the establishment of trench warfare after the Battle of the Marne. Realization of No Breakthrough: After the Second Battle of Champagne (1915), Allied and Germancommanders like Joffre and Falkenhayn began to recognize that a "grand shattering breakthrough" was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Constant Adaptation: This realization led to a continuous arms race. As Allied artillery and tactics improved, German defenses evolved from single lines to complex "zones of pill boxes," making progress difficult and bloody. The war became an intense exercise in violence where commanders constantly adapted to a "cauldron of war". Key Battles and Their Significance Battle of the Marne (September 1914): Joffre's successful counterattack forced the Germans to retreat, effectively ending the Schlieffen Plan and leading to the beginning of trench warfare. Second Battle of Champagne (September-October 1915): A major French offensive that, despite immense effort and casualties, failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, solidifying the understanding that trench deadlock could not be easily broken. Verdun (1916): Falkenhayn's attrition battle, designed to "kill Frenchmen," concentrated immense firepower in a small area, creating a "moonscape effect." While not decisive in destroying the French, it was a moment where "things start to go wrong for Germany," from which she never truly recovers. Somme (1916): A British and French offensive intended to relieve pressure on Verdun, but also driven by Haig's ambition for a breakthrough. The debate between breakthrough and Rawlinson's "bite and hold" strategy highlighted the dilemmas of Western Front warfare. Nivelle Offensive (April 1917): A disastrous French attempt at a breakthrough, which highlighted Nivelle'soverreach and led to significant disillusionment and mutiny within the French army. End of the War and its Legacy German Defeat: Lloyd's book argues that the German army was "falling apart" and "defeated rapidly in 1918" despite the persistent "stab in the back" myth that claimed they were betrayed at home. Armistice Decision: The decision by the Allies not to invade Germany was primarily political, as the British and French were "totally exhausted," while the Americans were "much fresher" and more keen to continue. Lloyd considers the armistice "fair on all sides". Lloyd's work underscores that the Western Front was a complex, multinational struggle marked by evolving strategies, immense pressures on commanders, and profound human costs, which ultimately determined the course of the Great War and cast a long shadow over the 20th century.

Nick Lloyd's "The Western Front: The History of the Great War, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive narrative of the Great War in Belgium and France from 1914 to 1918. As the first volume of a planned trilogy, this work aims to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal theater, moving beyond common myths and focusing on the operational perspective of senior commanders across all involved powers. Here's a summary of the key aspects, figures, and events covered: Lloyd's Ambition and Approach Comprehensive Narrative: Lloyd, a reader in military and imperial history at King's College London, undertook this "big project" to create a grand narrative of the entire Western Front, encompassing the French sector, American sector, and the German story, alongside the often-emphasized British perspective. Focus on Senior Commanders: A primary goal was to view the war from the lens of senior commanders, challenging the traditional portrayal of them as "donkeys or butchers and bunglers." Lloyd aims to help readers appreciate the immense pressures and difficulties these individuals faced, offering a "cooler perspective" on their successes and errors. Trilogy: This book is the first of three volumes; future volumes will cover the Eastern Front and global warfare in the Middle East and Africa. Lloyd emphasizes that while other fronts are mentioned, the Western Front remained the decisive theater where Germany, France, Britain, and America determined the war's outcome. British Involvement and Leadership Initial Reluctance: Britain initially entered the conflict with a limited commitment, deploying only four infantry divisions and one cavalry division as the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), a "small army" compared to the French (80 divisions) and Germans (over 100 divisions). This reflected a desire for "limited liability" to the Western Front, contrasting sharply with French demands for more manpower. Early Leaders: H.H. Asquith (Prime Minister) was reportedly distracted by personal affairs at the war's outset. Lord Kitchener (Minister of War) was a professional soldier and hero of the empire, wary of deep British involvement but committed to supporting the French. Field Marshal Sir John French (Commander-in-Chief, BEF) was a Boer War hero who found himself "out of his depth" by 1914, struggling with the war's scale and intensity. During the August 1914 retreat, French considered pulling the BEF out of the line due to immense losses and pressure, a move Kitchener personally intervened to prevent, ordering French to stay and fight. Frencheventually "breaks down" due to losses and pressure and is sent home at the end of 1915. Later Leadership and Strategy: David Lloyd George (Prime Minister from late 1916) is credited as "the prime minister that wins the war" in Britain. He showed great energy in revitalizing British industry and re-equipping the army, despite having poor relations with his top generals. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaced French as Commander-in-Chief of the BEF. Haig and Lloyd George had fundamentally different strategic outlooks, leading to "constant arguments and backstabbing". At the Battle of the Somme (1916), Haig favored a breakthrough strategy, aiming for maneuver and cavalry deployment to defeat the German army. However, his army commander, Rawlinson, advocated a "bite and hold" strategy, focusing on concentrated artillery to smash enemy lines, take ground, then consolidate before repeating, acknowledging that a grand breakthrough was not yet feasible for the largely "green" British army. German Strategy and Commanders Initial Invasion: The German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914 was based on the ambitious Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a massive attack through Belgium to outflank French defenses and destroy their army in a grand battle of envelopment. Helmuth von Moltke the Younger (Chief of the General Staff) was under immense pressure and altered the Schlieffen Plan, weakening its critical right wing, and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown by mid-September 1914. Moltke's controversial decision to order General Kluck's First Army to turn southeast instead of enveloping Paris contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, despite Kluck initially ignoring the order. Kaiser Wilhelm: His character was inconsistent, often described as a "weather vane," and he gradually became a less central figure as Hindenburg and Ludendorff gained influence from 1916. Erich von Falkenhayn (replaces Moltke in 1914) was the architect of the Verdun Offensive (1916). His vision was unique, aiming not for territorial gains but for attrition: to "kill Frenchmen" and exhaust them. Political Interference: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg often opposed Falkenhayn's desire for unrestricted submarine warfare due to diplomatic concerns (e.g., fear of American entry), illustrating the German military's tendency to prioritize tactical effectiveness over political and strategic issues, which was ultimately "fatal". French Efforts and Leadership Joseph Joffre (Commander of French Forces): Described as a "great hero" of the French army, Joffrepossessed remarkable calmness and an ability to absorb punishment and react quickly. His leadership was crucial in defeating the Schlieffen Plan and counterattacking at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, preventing a German victory. Raymond Poincaré (President of the French Republic): A nationalist deeply involved in military analysis, Poincaré was central to the political efforts to reassert civilian primacy over the army and secure British manpower commitments. General Castelnau (Joffre's chief of staff): A deeply religious man who personally lost three sons in the war, Castelnau exemplifies the human cost and personal horror experienced by some senior commanders, helping to humanize these figures in Lloyd's narrative. Robert Nivelle: An artillery officer who rose rapidly due to his successes at Verdun, Nivelle replaced Joffrein December 1916. He attempted a decisive breakthrough in his Nivelle Offensive in April 1917 with a "formula" for success, but it failed catastrophically due to his being "out of his depth" at the command-in-chief level, leading to French army issues including mutiny. Philippe Pétain: Replaced Nivelle, Pétain became a "savior of France." He was renowned for his deep understanding of battlefield realities and a strong connection with his troops. At Verdun, he innovated by rotating divisions out of the line for rest and recuperation, contrasting with the German practice of fighting units "until basically there's not a lot left". Ferdinand Foch (Supreme Allied Commander from April 1918): Foch is widely regarded as one of the most important generals of the war. He was an energetic and charismatic leader who successfully coordinated the American, British, and French forces in 1918, leading them to victory in the multinational war. His reputation continues to strengthen over time. American Involvement Entry into War: The United States declared war on Germany and Austria in April 1917. General John J. Pershing arrived in Paris in June 1917 to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), despite having only 113,000 men in the army at the time. Rejection of Amalgamation: Pershing steadfastly resisted French and British desires to "amalgamate" American manpower into their existing divisions, insisting that American soldiers fight as an independent army. He argued that the Allies had a poor record of "not killing your own troops". German Miscalculation: Germany severely underestimated how quickly the United States could build and deploy an army, believing it would take years. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to their defeat once the Americans demonstrated their seriousness in 1918. American involvement became "crucial" by 1917, changing the atmosphere. Evolution of Warfare on the Western Front From Movement to Stalemate: The initial German invasion failed to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the establishment of trench warfare after the Battle of the Marne. Realization of No Breakthrough: After the Second Battle of Champagne (1915), Allied and Germancommanders like Joffre and Falkenhayn began to recognize that a "grand shattering breakthrough" was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Constant Adaptation: This realization led to a continuous arms race. As Allied artillery and tactics improved, German defenses evolved from single lines to complex "zones of pill boxes," making progress difficult and bloody. The war became an intense exercise in violence where commanders constantly adapted to a "cauldron of war". Key Battles and Their Significance Battle of the Marne (September 1914): Joffre's successful counterattack forced the Germans to retreat, effectively ending the Schlieffen Plan and leading to the beginning of trench warfare. Second Battle of Champagne (September-October 1915): A major French offensive that, despite immense effort and casualties, failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, solidifying the understanding that trench deadlock could not be easily broken. Verdun (1916): Falkenhayn's attrition battle, designed to "kill Frenchmen," concentrated immense firepower in a small area, creating a "moonscape effect." While not decisive in destroying the French, it was a moment where "things start to go wrong for Germany," from which she never truly recovers. Somme (1916): A British and French offensive intended to relieve pressure on Verdun, but also driven by Haig's ambition for a breakthrough. The debate between breakthrough and Rawlinson's "bite and hold" strategy highlighted the dilemmas of Western Front warfare. Nivelle Offensive (April 1917): A disastrous French attempt at a breakthrough, which highlighted Nivelle'soverreach and led to significant disillusionment and mutiny within the French army. End of the War and its Legacy German Defeat: Lloyd's book argues that the German army was "falling apart" and "defeated rapidly in 1918" despite the persistent "stab in the back" myth that claimed they were betrayed at home. Armistice Decision: The decision by the Allies not to invade Germany was primarily political, as the British and French were "totally exhausted," while the Americans were "much fresher" and more keen to continue. Lloyd considers the armistice "fair on all sides". Lloyd's work underscores that the Western Front was a complex, multinational struggle marked by evolving strategies, immense pressures on commanders, and profound human costs, which ultimately determined the course of the Great War and cast a long shadow over the 20th century.

Nick Lloyd's "The Western Front: The History of the Great War, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive narrative of the Great War in Belgium and France from 1914 to 1918. As the first volume of a planned trilogy, this work aims to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal theater, moving beyond common myths and focusing on the operational perspective of senior commanders across all involved powers. 1916 VERDUN Here's a summary of the key aspects, figures, and events covered: Lloyd's Ambition and Approach Comprehensive Narrative: Lloyd, a reader in military and imperial history at King's College London, undertook this "big project" to create a grand narrative of the entire Western Front, encompassing the French sector, American sector, and the German story, alongside the often-emphasized British perspective. Focus on Senior Commanders: A primary goal was to view the war from the lens of senior commanders, challenging the traditional portrayal of them as "donkeys or butchers and bunglers." Lloyd aims to help readers appreciate the immense pressures and difficulties these individuals faced, offering a "cooler perspective" on their successes and errors. Trilogy: This book is the first of three volumes; future volumes will cover the Eastern Front and global warfare in the Middle East and Africa. Lloyd emphasizes that while other fronts are mentioned, the Western Front remained the decisive theater where Germany, France, Britain, and America determined the war's outcome. British Involvement and Leadership Initial Reluctance: Britain initially entered the conflict with a limited commitment, deploying only four infantry divisions and one cavalry division as the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), a "small army" compared to the French (80 divisions) and Germans (over 100 divisions). This reflected a desire for "limited liability" to the Western Front, contrasting sharply with French demands for more manpower. Early Leaders: H.H. Asquith (Prime Minister) was reportedly distracted by personal affairs at the war's outset. Lord Kitchener (Minister of War) was a professional soldier and hero of the empire, wary of deep British involvement but committed to supporting the French. Field Marshal Sir John French (Commander-in-Chief, BEF) was a Boer War hero who found himself "out of his depth" by 1914, struggling with the war's scale and intensity. During the August 1914 retreat, French considered pulling the BEF out of the line due to immense losses and pressure, a move Kitchener personally intervened to prevent, ordering French to stay and fight. Frencheventually "breaks down" due to losses and pressure and is sent home at the end of 1915. Later Leadership and Strategy: David Lloyd George (Prime Minister from late 1916) is credited as "the prime minister that wins the war" in Britain. He showed great energy in revitalizing British industry and re-equipping the army, despite having poor relations with his top generals. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaced French as Commander-in-Chief of the BEF. Haig and Lloyd George had fundamentally different strategic outlooks, leading to "constant arguments and backstabbing". At the Battle of the Somme (1916), Haig favored a breakthrough strategy, aiming for maneuver and cavalry deployment to defeat the German army. However, his army commander, Rawlinson, advocated a "bite and hold" strategy, focusing on concentrated artillery to smash enemy lines, take ground, then consolidate before repeating, acknowledging that a grand breakthrough was not yet feasible for the largely "green" British army. German Strategy and Commanders Initial Invasion: The German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914 was based on the ambitious Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a massive attack through Belgium to outflank French defenses and destroy their army in a grand battle of envelopment. Helmuth von Moltke the Younger (Chief of the General Staff) was under immense pressure and altered the Schlieffen Plan, weakening its critical right wing, and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown by mid-September 1914. Moltke's controversial decision to order General Kluck's First Army to turn southeast instead of enveloping Paris contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, despite Kluck initially ignoring the order. Kaiser Wilhelm: His character was inconsistent, often described as a "weather vane," and he gradually became a less central figure as Hindenburg and Ludendorff gained influence from 1916. Erich von Falkenhayn (replaces Moltke in 1914) was the architect of the Verdun Offensive (1916). His vision was unique, aiming not for territorial gains but for attrition: to "kill Frenchmen" and exhaust them. Political Interference: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg often opposed Falkenhayn's desire for unrestricted submarine warfare due to diplomatic concerns (e.g., fear of American entry), illustrating the German military's tendency to prioritize tactical effectiveness over political and strategic issues, which was ultimately "fatal". French Efforts and Leadership Joseph Joffre (Commander of French Forces): Described as a "great hero" of the French army, Joffrepossessed remarkable calmness and an ability to absorb punishment and react quickly. His leadership was crucial in defeating the Schlieffen Plan and counterattacking at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, preventing a German victory. Raymond Poincaré (President of the French Republic): A nationalist deeply involved in military analysis, Poincaré was central to the political efforts to reassert civilian primacy over the army and secure British manpower commitments. General Castelnau (Joffre's chief of staff): A deeply religious man who personally lost three sons in the war, Castelnau exemplifies the human cost and personal horror experienced by some senior commanders, helping to humanize these figures in Lloyd's narrative. Robert Nivelle: An artillery officer who rose rapidly due to his successes at Verdun, Nivelle replaced Joffrein December 1916. He attempted a decisive breakthrough in his Nivelle Offensive in April 1917 with a "formula" for success, but it failed catastrophically due to his being "out of his depth" at the command-in-chief level, leading to French army issues including mutiny. Philippe Pétain: Replaced Nivelle, Pétain became a "savior of France." He was renowned for his deep understanding of battlefield realities and a strong connection with his troops. At Verdun, he innovated by rotating divisions out of the line for rest and recuperation, contrasting with the German practice of fighting units "until basically there's not a lot left". Ferdinand Foch (Supreme Allied Commander from April 1918): Foch is widely regarded as one of the most important generals of the war. He was an energetic and charismatic leader who successfully coordinated the American, British, and French forces in 1918, leading them to victory in the multinational war. His reputation continues to strengthen over time. American Involvement Entry into War: The United States declared war on Germany and Austria in April 1917. General John J. Pershing arrived in Paris in June 1917 to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), despite having only 113,000 men in the army at the time. Rejection of Amalgamation: Pershing steadfastly resisted French and British desires to "amalgamate" American manpower into their existing divisions, insisting that American soldiers fight as an independent army. He argued that the Allies had a poor record of "not killing your own troops". German Miscalculation: Germany severely underestimated how quickly the United States could build and deploy an army, believing it would take years. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to their defeat once the Americans demonstrated their seriousness in 1918. American involvement became "crucial" by 1917, changing the atmosphere. Evolution of Warfare on the Western Front From Movement to Stalemate: The initial German invasion failed to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the establishment of trench warfare after the Battle of the Marne. Realization of No Breakthrough: After the Second Battle of Champagne (1915), Allied and Germancommanders like Joffre and Falkenhayn began to recognize that a "grand shattering breakthrough" was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Constant Adaptation: This realization led to a continuous arms race. As Allied artillery and tactics improved, German defenses evolved from single lines to complex "zones of pill boxes," making progress difficult and bloody. The war became an intense exercise in violence where commanders constantly adapted to a "cauldron of war". Key Battles and Their Significance Battle of the Marne (September 1914): Joffre's successful counterattack forced the Germans to retreat, effectively ending the Schlieffen Plan and leading to the beginning of trench warfare. Second Battle of Champagne (September-October 1915): A major French offensive that, despite immense effort and casualties, failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, solidifying the understanding that trench deadlock could not be easily broken. Verdun (1916): Falkenhayn's attrition battle, designed to "kill Frenchmen," concentrated immense firepower in a small area, creating a "moonscape effect." While not decisive in destroying the French, it was a moment where "things start to go wrong for Germany," from which she never truly recovers. Somme (1916): A British and French offensive intended to relieve pressure on Verdun, but also driven by Haig's ambition for a breakthrough. The debate between breakthrough and Rawlinson's "bite and hold" strategy highlighted the dilemmas of Western Front warfare. Nivelle Offensive (April 1917): A disastrous French attempt at a breakthrough, which highlighted Nivelle'soverreach and led to significant disillusionment and mutiny within the French army. End of the War and its Legacy German Defeat: Lloyd's book argues that the German army was "falling apart" and "defeated rapidly in 1918" despite the persistent "stab in the back" myth that claimed they were betrayed at home. Armistice Decision: The decision by the Allies not to invade Germany was primarily political, as the British and French were "totally exhausted," while the Americans were "much fresher" and more keen to continue. Lloyd considers the armistice "fair on all sides". Lloyd's work underscores that the Western Front was a complex, multinational struggle marked by evolving strategies, immense pressures on commanders, and profound human costs, which ultimately determined the course of the Great War and cast a long shadow over the 20th century.

Nick Lloyd's "The Western Front: The History of the Great War, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive narrative of the Great War in Belgium and France from 1914 to 1918. As the first volume of a planned trilogy, this work aims to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal theater, moving beyond common myths and focusing on the operational perspective of senior commanders across all involved powers. 1914 ROYAL FLYING CORPS Here's a summary of the key aspects, figures, and events covered: Lloyd's Ambition and Approach Comprehensive Narrative: Lloyd, a reader in military and imperial history at King's College London, undertook this "big project" to create a grand narrative of the entire Western Front, encompassing the French sector, American sector, and the German story, alongside the often-emphasized British perspective. Focus on Senior Commanders: A primary goal was to view the war from the lens of senior commanders, challenging the traditional portrayal of them as "donkeys or butchers and bunglers." Lloyd aims to help readers appreciate the immense pressures and difficulties these individuals faced, offering a "cooler perspective" on their successes and errors. Trilogy: This book is the first of three volumes; future volumes will cover the Eastern Front and global warfare in the Middle East and Africa. Lloyd emphasizes that while other fronts are mentioned, the Western Front remained the decisive theater where Germany, France, Britain, and America determined the war's outcome. British Involvement and Leadership Initial Reluctance: Britain initially entered the conflict with a limited commitment, deploying only four infantry divisions and one cavalry division as the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), a "small army" compared to the French (80 divisions) and Germans (over 100 divisions). This reflected a desire for "limited liability" to the Western Front, contrasting sharply with French demands for more manpower. Early Leaders: H.H. Asquith (Prime Minister) was reportedly distracted by personal affairs at the war's outset. Lord Kitchener (Minister of War) was a professional soldier and hero of the empire, wary of deep British involvement but committed to supporting the French. Field Marshal Sir John French (Commander-in-Chief, BEF) was a Boer War hero who found himself "out of his depth" by 1914, struggling with the war's scale and intensity. During the August 1914 retreat, French considered pulling the BEF out of the line due to immense losses and pressure, a move Kitchener personally intervened to prevent, ordering French to stay and fight. Frencheventually "breaks down" due to losses and pressure and is sent home at the end of 1915. Later Leadership and Strategy: David Lloyd George (Prime Minister from late 1916) is credited as "the prime minister that wins the war" in Britain. He showed great energy in revitalizing British industry and re-equipping the army, despite having poor relations with his top generals. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaced French as Commander-in-Chief of the BEF. Haig and Lloyd George had fundamentally different strategic outlooks, leading to "constant arguments and backstabbing". At the Battle of the Somme (1916), Haig favored a breakthrough strategy, aiming for maneuver and cavalry deployment to defeat the German army. However, his army commander, Rawlinson, advocated a "bite and hold" strategy, focusing on concentrated artillery to smash enemy lines, take ground, then consolidate before repeating, acknowledging that a grand breakthrough was not yet feasible for the largely "green" British army. German Strategy and Commanders Initial Invasion: The German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914 was based on the ambitious Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a massive attack through Belgium to outflank French defenses and destroy their army in a grand battle of envelopment. Helmuth von Moltke the Younger (Chief of the General Staff) was under immense pressure and altered the Schlieffen Plan, weakening its critical right wing, and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown by mid-September 1914. Moltke's controversial decision to order General Kluck's First Army to turn southeast instead of enveloping Paris contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, despite Kluck initially ignoring the order. Kaiser Wilhelm: His character was inconsistent, often described as a "weather vane," and he gradually became a less central figure as Hindenburg and Ludendorff gained influence from 1916. Erich von Falkenhayn (replaces Moltke in 1914) was the architect of the Verdun Offensive (1916). His vision was unique, aiming not for territorial gains but for attrition: to "kill Frenchmen" and exhaust them. Political Interference: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg often opposed Falkenhayn's desire for unrestricted submarine warfare due to diplomatic concerns (e.g., fear of American entry), illustrating the German military's tendency to prioritize tactical effectiveness over political and strategic issues, which was ultimately "fatal". French Efforts and Leadership Joseph Joffre (Commander of French Forces): Described as a "great hero" of the French army, Joffrepossessed remarkable calmness and an ability to absorb punishment and react quickly. His leadership was crucial in defeating the Schlieffen Plan and counterattacking at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, preventing a German victory. Raymond Poincaré (President of the French Republic): A nationalist deeply involved in military analysis, Poincaré was central to the political efforts to reassert civilian primacy over the army and secure British manpower commitments. General Castelnau (Joffre's chief of staff): A deeply religious man who personally lost three sons in the war, Castelnau exemplifies the human cost and personal horror experienced by some senior commanders, helping to humanize these figures in Lloyd's narrative. Robert Nivelle: An artillery officer who rose rapidly due to his successes at Verdun, Nivelle replaced Joffrein December 1916. He attempted a decisive breakthrough in his Nivelle Offensive in April 1917 with a "formula" for success, but it failed catastrophically due to his being "out of his depth" at the command-in-chief level, leading to French army issues including mutiny. Philippe Pétain: Replaced Nivelle, Pétain became a "savior of France." He was renowned for his deep understanding of battlefield realities and a strong connection with his troops. At Verdun, he innovated by rotating divisions out of the line for rest and recuperation, contrasting with the German practice of fighting units "until basically there's not a lot left". Ferdinand Foch (Supreme Allied Commander from April 1918): Foch is widely regarded as one of the most important generals of the war. He was an energetic and charismatic leader who successfully coordinated the American, British, and French forces in 1918, leading them to victory in the multinational war. His reputation continues to strengthen over time. American Involvement Entry into War: The United States declared war on Germany and Austria in April 1917. General John J. Pershing arrived in Paris in June 1917 to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), despite having only 113,000 men in the army at the time. Rejection of Amalgamation: Pershing steadfastly resisted French and British desires to "amalgamate" American manpower into their existing divisions, insisting that American soldiers fight as an independent army. He argued that the Allies had a poor record of "not killing your own troops". German Miscalculation: Germany severely underestimated how quickly the United States could build and deploy an army, believing it would take years. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to their defeat once the Americans demonstrated their seriousness in 1918. American involvement became "crucial" by 1917, changing the atmosphere. Evolution of Warfare on the Western Front From Movement to Stalemate: The initial German invasion failed to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the establishment of trench warfare after the Battle of the Marne. Realization of No Breakthrough: After the Second Battle of Champagne (1915), Allied and Germancommanders like Joffre and Falkenhayn began to recognize that a "grand shattering breakthrough" was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Constant Adaptation: This realization led to a continuous arms race. As Allied artillery and tactics improved, German defenses evolved from single lines to complex "zones of pill boxes," making progress difficult and bloody. The war became an intense exercise in violence where commanders constantly adapted to a "cauldron of war". Key Battles and Their Significance Battle of the Marne (September 1914): Joffre's successful counterattack forced the Germans to retreat, effectively ending the Schlieffen Plan and leading to the beginning of trench warfare. Second Battle of Champagne (September-October 1915): A major French offensive that, despite immense effort and casualties, failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, solidifying the understanding that trench deadlock could not be easily broken. Verdun (1916): Falkenhayn's attrition battle, designed to "kill Frenchmen," concentrated immense firepower in a small area, creating a "moonscape effect." While not decisive in destroying the French, it was a moment where "things start to go wrong for Germany," from which she never truly recovers. Somme (1916): A British and French offensive intended to relieve pressure on Verdun, but also driven by Haig's ambition for a breakthrough. The debate between breakthrough and Rawlinson's "bite and hold" strategy highlighted the dilemmas of Western Front warfare. Nivelle Offensive (April 1917): A disastrous French attempt at a breakthrough, which highlighted Nivelle'soverreach and led to significant disillusionment and mutiny within the French army. End of the War and its Legacy German Defeat: Lloyd's book argues that the German army was "falling apart" and "defeated rapidly in 1918" despite the persistent "stab in the back" myth that claimed they were betrayed at home. Armistice Decision: The decision by the Allies not to invade Germany was primarily political, as the British and French were "totally exhausted," while the Americans were "much fresher" and more keen to continue. Lloyd considers the armistice "fair on all sides". Lloyd's work underscores that the Western Front was a complex, multinational struggle marked by evolving strategies, immense pressures on commanders, and profound human costs, which ultimately determined the course of the Great War and cast a long shadow over the 20th century.

Nick Lloyd's "The Western Front: The History of the Great War, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive narrative of the Great War in Belgium and France from 1914 to 1918. As the first volume of a planned trilogy, this work aims to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal theater, moving beyond common myths and focusing on the operational perspective of senior commanders across all involved powers. 1914 HINDENBERG Here's a summary of the key aspects, figures, and events covered: Lloyd's Ambition and Approach Comprehensive Narrative: Lloyd, a reader in military and imperial history at King's College London, undertook this "big project" to create a grand narrative of the entire Western Front, encompassing the French sector, American sector, and the German story, alongside the often-emphasized British perspective. Focus on Senior Commanders: A primary goal was to view the war from the lens of senior commanders, challenging the traditional portrayal of them as "donkeys or butchers and bunglers." Lloyd aims to help readers appreciate the immense pressures and difficulties these individuals faced, offering a "cooler perspective" on their successes and errors. Trilogy: This book is the first of three volumes; future volumes will cover the Eastern Front and global warfare in the Middle East and Africa. Lloyd emphasizes that while other fronts are mentioned, the Western Front remained the decisive theater where Germany, France, Britain, and America determined the war's outcome. British Involvement and Leadership Initial Reluctance: Britain initially entered the conflict with a limited commitment, deploying only four infantry divisions and one cavalry division as the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), a "small army" compared to the French (80 divisions) and Germans (over 100 divisions). This reflected a desire for "limited liability" to the Western Front, contrasting sharply with French demands for more manpower. Early Leaders: H.H. Asquith (Prime Minister) was reportedly distracted by personal affairs at the war's outset. Lord Kitchener (Minister of War) was a professional soldier and hero of the empire, wary of deep British involvement but committed to supporting the French. Field Marshal Sir John French (Commander-in-Chief, BEF) was a Boer War hero who found himself "out of his depth" by 1914, struggling with the war's scale and intensity. During the August 1914 retreat, French considered pulling the BEF out of the line due to immense losses and pressure, a move Kitchener personally intervened to prevent, ordering French to stay and fight. Frencheventually "breaks down" due to losses and pressure and is sent home at the end of 1915. Later Leadership and Strategy: David Lloyd George (Prime Minister from late 1916) is credited as "the prime minister that wins the war" in Britain. He showed great energy in revitalizing British industry and re-equipping the army, despite having poor relations with his top generals. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaced French as Commander-in-Chief of the BEF. Haig and Lloyd George had fundamentally different strategic outlooks, leading to "constant arguments and backstabbing". At the Battle of the Somme (1916), Haig favored a breakthrough strategy, aiming for maneuver and cavalry deployment to defeat the German army. However, his army commander, Rawlinson, advocated a "bite and hold" strategy, focusing on concentrated artillery to smash enemy lines, take ground, then consolidate before repeating, acknowledging that a grand breakthrough was not yet feasible for the largely "green" British army. German Strategy and Commanders Initial Invasion: The German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914 was based on the ambitious Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a massive attack through Belgium to outflank French defenses and destroy their army in a grand battle of envelopment. Helmuth von Moltke the Younger (Chief of the General Staff) was under immense pressure and altered the Schlieffen Plan, weakening its critical right wing, and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown by mid-September 1914. Moltke's controversial decision to order General Kluck's First Army to turn southeast instead of enveloping Paris contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, despite Kluck initially ignoring the order. Kaiser Wilhelm: His character was inconsistent, often described as a "weather vane," and he gradually became a less central figure as Hindenburg and Ludendorff gained influence from 1916. Erich von Falkenhayn (replaces Moltke in 1914) was the architect of the Verdun Offensive (1916). His vision was unique, aiming not for territorial gains but for attrition: to "kill Frenchmen" and exhaust them. Political Interference: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg often opposed Falkenhayn's desire for unrestricted submarine warfare due to diplomatic concerns (e.g., fear of American entry), illustrating the German military's tendency to prioritize tactical effectiveness over political and strategic issues, which was ultimately "fatal". French Efforts and Leadership Joseph Joffre (Commander of French Forces): Described as a "great hero" of the French army, Joffrepossessed remarkable calmness and an ability to absorb punishment and react quickly. His leadership was crucial in defeating the Schlieffen Plan and counterattacking at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, preventing a German victory. Raymond Poincaré (President of the French Republic): A nationalist deeply involved in military analysis, Poincaré was central to the political efforts to reassert civilian primacy over the army and secure British manpower commitments. General Castelnau (Joffre's chief of staff): A deeply religious man who personally lost three sons in the war, Castelnau exemplifies the human cost and personal horror experienced by some senior commanders, helping to humanize these figures in Lloyd's narrative. Robert Nivelle: An artillery officer who rose rapidly due to his successes at Verdun, Nivelle replaced Joffrein December 1916. He attempted a decisive breakthrough in his Nivelle Offensive in April 1917 with a "formula" for success, but it failed catastrophically due to his being "out of his depth" at the command-in-chief level, leading to French army issues including mutiny. Philippe Pétain: Replaced Nivelle, Pétain became a "savior of France." He was renowned for his deep understanding of battlefield realities and a strong connection with his troops. At Verdun, he innovated by rotating divisions out of the line for rest and recuperation, contrasting with the German practice of fighting units "until basically there's not a lot left". Ferdinand Foch (Supreme Allied Commander from April 1918): Foch is widely regarded as one of the most important generals of the war. He was an energetic and charismatic leader who successfully coordinated the American, British, and French forces in 1918, leading them to victory in the multinational war. His reputation continues to strengthen over time. American Involvement Entry into War: The United States declared war on Germany and Austria in April 1917. General John J. Pershing arrived in Paris in June 1917 to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), despite having only 113,000 men in the army at the time. Rejection of Amalgamation: Pershing steadfastly resisted French and British desires to "amalgamate" American manpower into their existing divisions, insisting that American soldiers fight as an independent army. He argued that the Allies had a poor record of "not killing your own troops". German Miscalculation: Germany severely underestimated how quickly the United States could build and deploy an army, believing it would take years. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to their defeat once the Americans demonstrated their seriousness in 1918. American involvement became "crucial" by 1917, changing the atmosphere. Evolution of Warfare on the Western Front From Movement to Stalemate: The initial German invasion failed to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the establishment of trench warfare after the Battle of the Marne. Realization of No Breakthrough: After the Second Battle of Champagne (1915), Allied and Germancommanders like Joffre and Falkenhayn began to recognize that a "grand shattering breakthrough" was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Constant Adaptation: This realization led to a continuous arms race. As Allied artillery and tactics improved, German defenses evolved from single lines to complex "zones of pill boxes," making progress difficult and bloody. The war became an intense exercise in violence where commanders constantly adapted to a "cauldron of war". Key Battles and Their Significance Battle of the Marne (September 1914): Joffre's successful counterattack forced the Germans to retreat, effectively ending the Schlieffen Plan and leading to the beginning of trench warfare. Second Battle of Champagne (September-October 1915): A major French offensive that, despite immense effort and casualties, failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, solidifying the understanding that trench deadlock could not be easily broken. Verdun (1916): Falkenhayn's attrition battle, designed to "kill Frenchmen," concentrated immense firepower in a small area, creating a "moonscape effect." While not decisive in destroying the French, it was a moment where "things start to go wrong for Germany," from which she never truly recovers. Somme (1916): A British and French offensive intended to relieve pressure on Verdun, but also driven by Haig's ambition for a breakthrough. The debate between breakthrough and Rawlinson's "bite and hold" strategy highlighted the dilemmas of Western Front warfare. Nivelle Offensive (April 1917): A disastrous French attempt at a breakthrough, which highlighted Nivelle'soverreach and led to significant disillusionment and mutiny within the French army. End of the War and its Legacy German Defeat: Lloyd's book argues that the German army was "falling apart" and "defeated rapidly in 1918" despite the persistent "stab in the back" myth that claimed they were betrayed at home. Armistice Decision: The decision by the Allies not to invade Germany was primarily political, as the British and French were "totally exhausted," while the Americans were "much fresher" and more keen to continue. Lloyd considers the armistice "fair on all sides". Lloyd's work underscores that the Western Front was a complex, multinational struggle marked by evolving strategies, immense pressures on commanders, and profound human costs, which ultimately determined the course of the Great War and cast a long shadow over the 20th century.

Nick Lloyd's "The Western Front: The History of the Great War, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive narrative of the Great War in Belgium and France from 1914 to 1918. As the first volume of a planned trilogy, this work aims to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal theater, moving beyond common myths and focusing on the operational perspective of senior commanders across all involved powers. 1914 BELGIUM Here's a summary of the key aspects, figures, and events covered: Lloyd's Ambition and Approach Comprehensive Narrative: Lloyd, a reader in military and imperial history at King's College London, undertook this "big project" to create a grand narrative of the entire Western Front, encompassing the French sector, American sector, and the German story, alongside the often-emphasized British perspective. Focus on Senior Commanders: A primary goal was to view the war from the lens of senior commanders, challenging the traditional portrayal of them as "donkeys or butchers and bunglers." Lloyd aims to help readers appreciate the immense pressures and difficulties these individuals faced, offering a "cooler perspective" on their successes and errors. Trilogy: This book is the first of three volumes; future volumes will cover the Eastern Front and global warfare in the Middle East and Africa. Lloyd emphasizes that while other fronts are mentioned, the Western Front remained the decisive theater where Germany, France, Britain, and America determined the war's outcome. British Involvement and Leadership Initial Reluctance: Britain initially entered the conflict with a limited commitment, deploying only four infantry divisions and one cavalry division as the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), a "small army" compared to the French (80 divisions) and Germans (over 100 divisions). This reflected a desire for "limited liability" to the Western Front, contrasting sharply with French demands for more manpower. Early Leaders: H.H. Asquith (Prime Minister) was reportedly distracted by personal affairs at the war's outset. Lord Kitchener (Minister of War) was a professional soldier and hero of the empire, wary of deep British involvement but committed to supporting the French. Field Marshal Sir John French (Commander-in-Chief, BEF) was a Boer War hero who found himself "out of his depth" by 1914, struggling with the war's scale and intensity. During the August 1914 retreat, French considered pulling the BEF out of the line due to immense losses and pressure, a move Kitchener personally intervened to prevent, ordering French to stay and fight. Frencheventually "breaks down" due to losses and pressure and is sent home at the end of 1915. Later Leadership and Strategy: David Lloyd George (Prime Minister from late 1916) is credited as "the prime minister that wins the war" in Britain. He showed great energy in revitalizing British industry and re-equipping the army, despite having poor relations with his top generals. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaced French as Commander-in-Chief of the BEF. Haig and Lloyd George had fundamentally different strategic outlooks, leading to "constant arguments and backstabbing". At the Battle of the Somme (1916), Haig favored a breakthrough strategy, aiming for maneuver and cavalry deployment to defeat the German army. However, his army commander, Rawlinson, advocated a "bite and hold" strategy, focusing on concentrated artillery to smash enemy lines, take ground, then consolidate before repeating, acknowledging that a grand breakthrough was not yet feasible for the largely "green" British army. German Strategy and Commanders Initial Invasion: The German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914 was based on the ambitious Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a massive attack through Belgium to outflank French defenses and destroy their army in a grand battle of envelopment. Helmuth von Moltke the Younger (Chief of the General Staff) was under immense pressure and altered the Schlieffen Plan, weakening its critical right wing, and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown by mid-September 1914. Moltke's controversial decision to order General Kluck's First Army to turn southeast instead of enveloping Paris contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, despite Kluck initially ignoring the order. Kaiser Wilhelm: His character was inconsistent, often described as a "weather vane," and he gradually became a less central figure as Hindenburg and Ludendorff gained influence from 1916. Erich von Falkenhayn (replaces Moltke in 1914) was the architect of the Verdun Offensive (1916). His vision was unique, aiming not for territorial gains but for attrition: to "kill Frenchmen" and exhaust them. Political Interference: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg often opposed Falkenhayn's desire for unrestricted submarine warfare due to diplomatic concerns (e.g., fear of American entry), illustrating the German military's tendency to prioritize tactical effectiveness over political and strategic issues, which was ultimately "fatal". French Efforts and Leadership Joseph Joffre (Commander of French Forces): Described as a "great hero" of the French army, Joffrepossessed remarkable calmness and an ability to absorb punishment and react quickly. His leadership was crucial in defeating the Schlieffen Plan and counterattacking at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, preventing a German victory. Raymond Poincaré (President of the French Republic): A nationalist deeply involved in military analysis, Poincaré was central to the political efforts to reassert civilian primacy over the army and secure British manpower commitments. General Castelnau (Joffre's chief of staff): A deeply religious man who personally lost three sons in the war, Castelnau exemplifies the human cost and personal horror experienced by some senior commanders, helping to humanize these figures in Lloyd's narrative. Robert Nivelle: An artillery officer who rose rapidly due to his successes at Verdun, Nivelle replaced Joffrein December 1916. He attempted a decisive breakthrough in his Nivelle Offensive in April 1917 with a "formula" for success, but it failed catastrophically due to his being "out of his depth" at the command-in-chief level, leading to French army issues including mutiny. Philippe Pétain: Replaced Nivelle, Pétain became a "savior of France." He was renowned for his deep understanding of battlefield realities and a strong connection with his troops. At Verdun, he innovated by rotating divisions out of the line for rest and recuperation, contrasting with the German practice of fighting units "until basically there's not a lot left". Ferdinand Foch (Supreme Allied Commander from April 1918): Foch is widely regarded as one of the most important generals of the war. He was an energetic and charismatic leader who successfully coordinated the American, British, and French forces in 1918, leading them to victory in the multinational war. His reputation continues to strengthen over time. American Involvement Entry into War: The United States declared war on Germany and Austria in April 1917. General John J. Pershing arrived in Paris in June 1917 to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), despite having only 113,000 men in the army at the time. Rejection of Amalgamation: Pershing steadfastly resisted French and British desires to "amalgamate" American manpower into their existing divisions, insisting that American soldiers fight as an independent army. He argued that the Allies had a poor record of "not killing your own troops". German Miscalculation: Germany severely underestimated how quickly the United States could build and deploy an army, believing it would take years. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to their defeat once the Americans demonstrated their seriousness in 1918. American involvement became "crucial" by 1917, changing the atmosphere. Evolution of Warfare on the Western Front From Movement to Stalemate: The initial German invasion failed to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the establishment of trench warfare after the Battle of the Marne. Realization of No Breakthrough: After the Second Battle of Champagne (1915), Allied and Germancommanders like Joffre and Falkenhayn began to recognize that a "grand shattering breakthrough" was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Constant Adaptation: This realization led to a continuous arms race. As Allied artillery and tactics improved, German defenses evolved from single lines to complex "zones of pill boxes," making progress difficult and bloody. The war became an intense exercise in violence where commanders constantly adapted to a "cauldron of war". Key Battles and Their Significance Battle of the Marne (September 1914): Joffre's successful counterattack forced the Germans to retreat, effectively ending the Schlieffen Plan and leading to the beginning of trench warfare. Second Battle of Champagne (September-October 1915): A major French offensive that, despite immense effort and casualties, failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, solidifying the understanding that trench deadlock could not be easily broken. Verdun (1916): Falkenhayn's attrition battle, designed to "kill Frenchmen," concentrated immense firepower in a small area, creating a "moonscape effect." While not decisive in destroying the French, it was a moment where "things start to go wrong for Germany," from which she never truly recovers. Somme (1916): A British and French offensive intended to relieve pressure on Verdun, but also driven by Haig's ambition for a breakthrough. The debate between breakthrough and Rawlinson's "bite and hold" strategy highlighted the dilemmas of Western Front warfare. Nivelle Offensive (April 1917): A disastrous French attempt at a breakthrough, which highlighted Nivelle'soverreach and led to significant disillusionment and mutiny within the French army. End of the War and its Legacy German Defeat: Lloyd's book argues that the German army was "falling apart" and "defeated rapidly in 1918" despite the persistent "stab in the back" myth that claimed they were betrayed at home. Armistice Decision: The decision by the Allies not to invade Germany was primarily political, as the British and French were "totally exhausted," while the Americans were "much fresher" and more keen to continue. Lloyd considers the armistice "fair on all sides". Lloyd's work underscores that the Western Front was a complex, multinational struggle marked by evolving strategies, immense pressures on commanders, and profound human costs, which ultimately determined the course of the Great War and cast a long shadow over the 20th century.

Mitte Juni hat Aussenminister Ignazio Cassis die neuen Verträge zwischen der Schweiz und der Europäischen Union in die Vernehmlassung geschickt. Ob das neue Vertragspaket dann auch tatsächlich angenommen wird, ist noch völlig offen. Klar ist aber, dass eine Partei dabei eine besonders wichtige Rolle spielen wird – auch aus historischen Gründen: die FDP.Innerhalb des Freisinns ist man sich uneinig. In der Romandie ist die Zustimmung zum Paket gross, in der Innerschweiz überwiegt die Skepsis. Cassis, selbst FDP-Bundesrat, wirbt öffentlich dafür, doch längst nicht alle in seiner Partei folgen ihm.Auf welche Seite kippt der Freisinn schlussendlich? Warum ist die Position der FDP historisch gesehen überhaupt so wichtig? Und wie ist die Stimmung in der Basis, wenn es um Europa geht?Diese Fragen beantwortet Larissa Rhyn, Bundeshauschefin von Tamedia, in einer neuen Folge des täglichen Podcasts «Apropos».Host: Philipp LoserProduzentin: Jacqueline WechslerMehr zum Thema:Bundesrat und Befürworter planen Turbo­behandlung der EU-Verträge – SVP will das verhindernCassis: «Die Unabhängigkeit der Schweiz wird gestärkt» Unser Tagi-Spezialangebot für Podcast-Hörer:innen: tagiabo.chHabt ihr Feedback, Ideen oder Kritik zu «Apropos»? Schreibt uns an podcasts@tamedia.ch Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher und Benjamin Mühlemann wollen die FDP im Co-Präsidium führen – doch ausgerechnet in der Europafrage sind sie sich uneins. Kann das gut gehen? Halten sie die FDP auf Rechtskurs? Und: Wie sichern sie die zwei Bundesratssitze? Sie kennen sich erst seit anderthalb Jahren und werden im Oktober aller Voraussicht nach gemeinsam eines der schwierigsten politischen Ämter der Schweiz übernehmen. In der «Samstagsrundschau» antworten FDP-Nationalrätin Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher und Ständerat Benjamin Mühlemann auf kritische Fragen: Wie verhindern sie, dass sie sich auseinanderdividieren lassen? Wie gehen sie mit Differenzen um – schliesslich gilt Mühlemann gerade in der Gesellschaftspolitik als konservativer als Vincenz-Stauffacher. Eine der grössten Herausforderungen wartet bereits am Tag ihrer Wahl durch die FDP-Delegierten auf das Duo: Am selben Tag nämlich legt die FDP ihre Haltung zum Vertragspaket mit der EU fest. Vincenz-Stauffacher ist eine Befürworterin, Mühlemann hat Bedenken wegen der Souveränität – eine oder einer der beiden also wird als «Verlierer» ins Co-Präsidium starten. Kommt das gut? Die FDP steht zurzeit mit dem Rücken zur Wand. Bei den letzten nationalen Wahlen lag sie nur noch 0,2 Prozentpunkte vor der Mitte-Partei, der Trend bei den kantonalen Wahlen seither war mehrheitlich negativ – kurz: Die Wahlen in zwei Jahren werden entscheidend sein, auch für den zweiten Bundesratssitz der FDP. Wie will das künftige Führungsduo die Partei wieder auf die Siegerstrasse führen? Hat sich der pointierte Rechtskurs des bisherigen Präsidenten Thierry Burkart tatsächlich bewährt? Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher und Benjamin Mühlemann sind zu Gast bei Dominik Meier. Ergänzend zum «Tagesgespräch» finden Sie jeden Samstag in unserem Kanal die aktuelle «Samstagsrundschau».

Am 28. September 2025 entscheidet die Stimmbevölkerung über einen Systemwechsel bei der Besteuerung von Wohneigentum. Wird die kantonale Liegenschaftssteuer auf Zweitliegenschaften eingeführt, fällt der Eigenmietwert. Was bedeutet das für Eigentümerinnen und Mieter? Wer in seinem eigenen Haus oder in seiner eigenen Wohnung lebt, muss den Eigenmietwert versteuern. Dieser Wert orientiert sich am Betrag, der bei einer Vermietung der Liegenschaft eingenommen werden könnte. Diese Besteuerung soll nun abgeschafft werden. Im gleichen Schritt sollen die geltenden Abzugsmöglichkeiten – etwa bei Schuldzinsen oder beim Unterhalt – stark eingeschränkt werden. Im Gegenzug sollen die Kantone die Möglichkeit erhalten, eine Liegenschaftssteuer auf Zweitliegenschaften einzuführen. Dafür ist eine Verfassungsänderung nötig. Über diese stimmt die Bevölkerung am 28. September 2025 ab. Bei einem Ja tritt auch die damit verknüpfte Gesetzesvorlage zur Abschaffung der Besteuerung des Eigenmietwerts in Kraft. Wer profitiert, wer verliert? Die vom Parlament beschlossene Reform sorgt bereits im Vorfeld der Abstimmung für hitzige Diskussionen. Für die Befürworterinnen und Befürworter ist klar, dass mit dem Eigenmietwert die Eigentümer gegenüber den Mietenden benachteiligt werden. Die Abschaffung der Eigenmietwertbesteuerung vereinfache das Steuersystem und reduziere die Anreize zur privaten Verschuldung. Die Reform sei ausgewogen und fair. Die Gegnerinnen und Gegner der Vorlage warnen hingegen vor massiv weniger Steuereinnahmen für den Staat. Ausserdem komme die Abschaffung des Eigenmietwerts primär Eigenheimbesitzern zugute. Weil Hausbesitzerinnen ihre Unterhaltskosten und Energiesparmassnahmen kaum mehr von den Steuern abziehen könnten, sei zudem die Energiewende gefährdet. Welche Auswirkungen hätte die Abschaffung des Eigenmietwerts? Droht tatsächlich ein massiver Steuerausfall oder tritt genau das Gegenteil ein? Und was bedeutet die Vorlage für die Energiewende? Zu diesen Fragen begrüsst Mario Grossniklaus am 12. September 2025 in der «Abstimmungs-Arena» als Befürworterinnen und Befürworter der Vorlage: – Gregor Rutz, Nationalrat SVP/ZH und Präsident HEV Schweiz; – Brigitte Häberli-Koller, Ständerätin Die Mitte/TG und Vizepräsidentin HEV Schweiz; – Markus Ritter, Nationalrat Die Mitte/SG und Präsident Schweizer Bauernverband; und – Peter Schilliger, Nationalrat FDP/LU. Gegen die Vorlage treten an: – Eva Herzog, Ständerätin SP/BS; – Mathias Zopfi, Ständerat Grüne/GL und Präsident Schweizerischer Gemeindeverband; – Martin Bühler, Leitender Ausschuss Konferenz der Kantonsregierungen, Regierungsrat GR/FDP; und – Martin Wyss, Vorstand Schweizerischer Maler- und Gipserunternehmer-Verband.

Die Bundesregierung weist Befürchtungen einer tiefgreifenden Deindustrialisierung in Deutschland zurück. In ihrer Antwort auf eine Kleine Anfrage betont sie, dass das jüngste EU-US-Zollabkommen keine gravierenden Nachteile für die deutsche Industrie bringe. Dennoch bleiben Fragen nach milliardenschweren Energieimporten und Investitionen in die USA offen.

Jenny Strom hat alles, was nach einem perfekten Lebenslauf klingt: BWL in Fulda, Master in Peking, Top-Job bei BearingPoint. Doch mitten auf der Karriereleiter sagt sie plötzlich Nein – zur großen Beförderung, zum sicheren Weg nach oben. Stattdessen entscheidet sie sich fürs Theater, fürs Ausprobieren, fürs Bauchgefühl. In dieser Folge "Female Businnes - Der nushu podcast" erzählt Jenny, warum „Pläne verbrennen“ manchmal die beste Strategie ist, wie man den Mut findet, gegen Erwartungen zu handeln – und warum Offenheit und Netzwerken wichtiger sein können als ein geradliniger Plan.

Braucht die Schweiz eine digitale Identitätskarte? Über diese Frage entscheidet die Stimmbevölkerung am 28. September. Die Befürworter betonen, es handle sich um eine einfache und sichere Lösung, die den Alltag erleichtere. Die Gegenseite warnt vor mangelndem Datenschutz und drohender Überwachung. Mit dem E-ID-Gesetz soll ein elektronischer Identitätsnachweis eingeführt werden. Nutzerinnen und Nutzer sollen sich damit im digitalen Raum gegenüber Behörden und Unternehmen ausweisen können – etwa bei der Eröffnung eines Bankkontos. Im Gegensatz zur 2021 abgelehnten Vorlage sieht das neue Gesetz vor, dass die E-ID nicht von privaten Unternehmen, sondern vom Bund herausgegeben und betrieben wird. Gegen die Vorlage haben mehrere Organisationen das Referendum ergriffen. Sie warnen vor Überwachung durch grosse Techkonzerne, einer Einschränkung der Privatsphäre und mangelndem Datenschutz. Die Befürworterinnen und Befürworter hingegen betonen: Mit der E-ID könnten viele Dienstleistungen unkomplizierter abgewickelt werden, die neue E-ID sei sicher und stärke den Wirtschaftsstandort Schweiz. Braucht die Schweiz die E-ID? Ist die neue E-ID sicher oder ist der Datenschutz gefährdet? Und wie freiwillig ist sie? Zu diesen Fragen begrüsst Sandro Brotz am 5. September 2025 in der «Abstimmungs-Arena» als Befürworterinnen und Befürworter der Vorlage: – Beat Jans, Bundesrat und Vorsteher EJPD; – Maya Bally, Nationalrätin Die Mitte/AG; – Gerhard Andrey, Nationalrat Grüne/FR; und – Vanessa Grand, Inklusions-Aktivistin. Gegen die Vorlage treten an: – Monica Amgwerd, Kampagnenleiterin «E-ID-Gesetz Nein»; – Lukas Reimann, Nationalrat SVP/SG; – Markus Zollinger, Vorstandsmitglied Bewegung «Mass-voll»; und – Jorgo Ananiadis, Präsident Piratenpartei.

Markus Will, heise-online-Chefredakteur Dr. Volker Zota und Malte Kirchner sprechen in dieser Ausgabe der #heiseshow unter anderem über folgende Themen: - Geben ist seliger denn Nehmen: Google darf Chrome und Android behalten – Google muss nach einem Gerichtsurteil seine Suchdaten mit der Konkurrenz teilen, darf aber Chrome und Android weiterhin betreiben. Das Urteil stellt einen Kompromiss dar zwischen den Forderungen nach einer Zerschlagung des Tech-Konzerns und den Argumenten Googles für den Erhalt seiner integrierten Dienste. Welche Auswirkungen wird die verpflichtende Datenteilung auf den Suchmaschinenmarkt haben? Reichen diese Maßnahmen aus, um echten Wettbewerb zu schaffen? Und wie könnte sich das Geschäftsmodell von Google durch diese Entscheidung verändern? - Nicht auf einer Wellenlänge: Was hilft gegen die zunehmende GPS-Sabotage? Nach GPS-Störungen auf einem Flug mit EU-Kommissionspräsidentin Ursula von der Leyen an Bord setzt die EU verstärkt auf Verschlüsselung gegen GPS-Spoofing. Die Sabotage von GPS-Signalen nimmt weltweit zu und betrifft nicht nur die zivile Luftfahrt, sondern auch kritische Infrastrukturen. Wie groß ist die reale Bedrohung durch GPS-Jamming und -Spoofing? Welche technischen Lösungen können das europäische Galileo-System und andere Navigationssysteme widerstandsfähiger machen? Und welche geopolitischen Dimensionen stecken hinter den zunehmenden Störungen? - Alles im Auge: Sollten Plätze und Bahnhöfe per KI überwacht werden? Die Diskussion um KI-gestützte Videoüberwachung an öffentlichen Plätzen und Bahnhöfen gewinnt an Fahrt. Während Befürworter auf verbesserte Sicherheit und schnellere Reaktionszeiten bei Notfällen setzen, warnen Kritiker vor einem Überwachungsstaat und Datenschutzverletzungen. Bringt KI-Überwachung tatsächlich messbare Sicherheitsverbesserungen? Wie lassen sich Sicherheitsbedürfnisse mit Grundrechten und Privatsphäre in Einklang bringen? Und welche Rolle sollten Transparenz und demokratische Kontrolle bei solchen Systemen spielen? Außerdem wieder mit dabei: ein Nerd-Geburtstag, das WTF der Woche und knifflige Quizfragen.

In Colombier ist eine Beförderungsfeier für Rekruten ausgeartet. 22 junge Männer wurden verletzt, weil ihnen heftige Schläge auf Schulter und Schlüsselbein verpasst wurden. Tragen solche Rituale tatsächlich zum Zusammenhalt der Truppen bei oder geht es nur um Belustigung und Demütigung? Zwei Rekruten erlitten beim Vorfall 2018 Rippenbrüche, andere wurden tagelang wegen Schmerzen krankgeschrieben. Nun hat die Militärjustiz die verantwortliche Kommandantin und zwölf Offiziere verurteilt. Warum gibt es solche Rituale? Welche psychologischen Faktoren spielen eine Rolle und können sich Rekruten diesen teils fragwürdigen Praktiken auch verweigern? ____________________ Habt Ihr Fragen oder Themen-Inputs? Schreibt uns gerne per Mail an newsplus@srf.ch oder sendet uns eine Sprachnachricht an 076 320 10 37. ____________________ In dieser Episode zu hören - Hubert Annen, Dozent für Militärpsychologie und Militärpädagogik, Militärakademie an der ETH ____________________ Links - https://www.srf.ch/audio ____________________ Team - Moderation: Dominik Rolli - Produktion: Marc Allemann - Mitarbeit: Peter Hanselmann ____________________ Das ist «News Plus»: In einer Viertelstunde die Welt besser verstehen – ein Thema, neue Perspektiven und Antworten auf eure Fragen. Unsere Korrespondenten und Expertinnen aus der Schweiz und der Welt erklären, analysieren und erzählen, was sie bewegt. «News Plus» von SRF erscheint immer von Montag bis Freitag um 16 Uhr rechtzeitig zum Feierabend.

Muss die Ukraine Gebiete, die Russland aktuell besetzt hält, offiziell abgeben, um den Weg frei zu machen für eine Friedensvereinbarung? Völkerrechtler Aaron Dumont erklärt im Gespräch, unter welchen Bedingungen eine solche Abmachung durch das Völkerrecht gedeckt wäre. (00:00) Intro und Schlagzeilen (06:24) Ukrainekrieg: Wären Gebietsabtretungen völkerrechtskonform? (14:22) Yvonne Bürgin will Mitte-Fraktionspräsidium übernehmen (18:18) Sexueller Missbrauch: Prozess gegen Tessiner Priester (23:05) Wie Gegner zu Befürwortern der E-ID werden (28:01) US-Zölle: Wirtschaftshistoriker macht Unternehmen Mut (32:54) Ostkongo: Nach Idengos Tod kam das Schweigen