Changes

The Battle of Tannenberg was one of the greatest victories of the First World War. It ensured that Russia was never again to menace German territory and it allowed the Germans to concentrate its forces on the western front. It was also important as it was the beginning of the rise of Ludendorff and Von Hindenburg, who eventually came to control the Germany army. They had been able to defeat the Russians because of their superior tactics and strategy. The superior German guns and intelligence were also a factor. However, the failings of the Russian army also contributed to its defeat. The Russian 1st army was poorly led and poorly coordinated and was also very immobile and very slow to take the initiative. Perhaps the greatest single reason for the success of the German 8th army at Tannenberg despite being outnumbered was the leadership and vision of Ludendorff and Von Hindenburg.