Changes

The Russians were unaware that they were entering into a trap until it was too late. The German artillery pounded the Russians and they smashed the advance, the divisions of the Tsar were soon in disarray. The commander of the 2nd army ordered his men to retreat but it was too late. The Germans had outflanked the Imperial Russian units and they had effectively trapped them. The Russian army disintegrated and suffered appalling casualties and it was every man for himself.<ref>Strachan, p. 113</ref> Many Russians escaped through the marshes and woods of East Prussia, but even more were killed or captured. Samsonov knew that his army was surrounded and that he was no longer in control, he resigned his command and went into a nearby forest and he shot himself. The Germans had secured a remarkable victory.

==Aftermath==

==Conclusion==

The Battle of Tannenberg was one of the greatest victories of the First World War. It ensured that Russia would never again to menace German territory and it allowed the Germans to concentrate their 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.

<div class="portal" style="width:85%;">

</div>

{{Mediawiki:WWI}}