First Battle of Artois facts for kids

Quick facts for kids First Battle of Artois
Part of the Western Front of the First World War
Area of operations, 1914
Date 17 December 1914 – 13 January 1915 Location Artois, France 50°30′N 02°30′E / 50.500°N 2.500°E / 50.500; 2.500 Result Indecisive
Belligerents
France  United Kingdom	German Empire
Commanders and leaders
Joseph Joffre	Erich von Falkenhayn Rupprecht of Bavaria

The First Battle of Artois was a major fight during World War I. It happened between 17 December 1914 and 13 January 1915. French and German armies faced off in the Artois region of France. This battle was the first big attack by either side on the Western Front after a period of trench warfare.

Why This Battle Happened

At the start of World War I, armies tried to outflank each other. This led to a period called the Race to the Sea. Both sides extended their lines of trenches. They tried to get around the enemy's side. This race ended when the trenches reached the North Sea.

The Western Front Stalemate

By late 1914, the Western Front was a long line of trenches. It stretched from the North Sea to Switzerland. Neither side could easily move forward. This created a "stalemate," meaning no one could win. The First Battle of Ypres in November 1914 was part of this. After that, the front lines became very still.

French Plans for Attack

The French army wanted to break this stalemate. They planned an attack in the Artois region. Their goal was to push back the German forces. They hoped to start moving the front lines again. This battle was their first big try.

What Happened During the Battle

The battle began on 17 December 1914. French troops launched their attack. They aimed to break through the German defenses. The fighting was fierce and difficult.

Trench Warfare Challenges

The soldiers faced tough conditions. Trenches were muddy and dangerous. Machine guns and artillery made attacks very hard. It was difficult for either side to gain much ground.

The Outcome

The battle lasted for almost a month. Despite the French efforts, they could not break the German lines. The fighting ended on 13 January 1915. The result was "indecisive," meaning neither side won a clear victory. The stalemate on the Western Front continued.

What Happened Next

Even though the First Battle of Artois did not break the stalemate, fighting continued in the region.

Later Battles in Artois

Later in 1915, there were more battles in the same area.

• The Second Battle of Artois took place in May 1915.
• The Third Battle of Artois happened from 25 September to 15 October 1915. This one is sometimes called the Artois–Loos Offensive.

These later battles also aimed to break the trench warfare. They showed how hard it was to win on the Western Front.