Nivelle Offensive

The Nivelle Offensive was a major French military attack during World War I in April 1917, led by General Robert Nivelle. Aimed at breaking through German lines on the Western Front, it promised a quick victory and reduced soldier casualties. Initially successful, capturing significant territory, the offensive ultimately failed to deliver a decisive victory. It caused widespread dissatisfaction among French soldiers, leading to mutinies and a decline in morale. The failure highlighted the challenges of large-scale assaults in trench warfare and shifted French military strategy for the remainder of the war.