Robert Nivelle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Nivelle
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General Nivelle c. 1917
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| 24th Chief of the Army Staff | |
| In office 14 December 1916 – 30 April 1917 |
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| Preceded by | Joseph Joffre |
| Succeeded by | Philippe Pétain |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 October 1856 Tulle, French Empire |
| Died | 22 March 1924 (aged 67) Paris, French Republic |
| Nationality | French |
| Alma mater | École Polytechnique |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Third Republic |
| Branch/service | French Army |
| Years of service | 1878 – 1921 |
| Rank | Division general |
| Commands |
List
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| Battles/wars | |
Robert Georges Nivelle (15 October 1856 – 22 March 1924) was a French artillery general. He served in the Boxer Rebellion and during the First World War. In May 1916, he took command of the French Second Army at the Battle of Verdun. He led successful counter-attacks that pushed back German forces.
After his successes at Verdun, Nivelle became the commander-in-chief of the French armies on the Western Front in December 1916. He was good at convincing French and British leaders because he spoke English well. He planned a large attack called the Nivelle Offensive at the Chemin des Dames. This attack was very costly and did not achieve its goals. After its failure, many French soldiers refused to fight, leading to a major mutiny. Nivelle was replaced as commander-in-chief in May 1917.
Contents
Robert Nivelle: A French General
Early Life and Military Start
Robert Georges Nivelle was born on 15 October 1856 in Tulle, France. His father was French, and his mother was English. He joined the French Army in 1878 after finishing school at the École Polytechnique. Nivelle started as an artillery officer. By December 1913, he became a colonel in the artillery. During these years, he served in Algeria, Tunisia, and China during the Boxer Rebellion (1898–1901).
World War I Role
Early Battles (1914–1915)
Nivelle was known as a very confident artillery expert. He played a key part in stopping German attacks during the Alsace Offensive, the First Battle of the Marne, and the First Battle of the Aisne. He did this by organizing strong artillery fire against the enemy. Because of his success, he was promoted to general in October 1914.
The Battle of Verdun (1916)
In 1916, the long and brutal Battle of Verdun took place. Nivelle served under General Philippe Pétain during this battle. When Pétain was promoted, Nivelle took command of the French Second Army on 1 May 1916. This army was fighting hard against the Germans at Verdun.
Some people believed Nivelle wasted soldiers' lives with his counter-attacks at Verdun. On 23 June, after the Germans captured Fleury, Nivelle gave a famous order: "Ils ne passeront pas!" (They shall not pass!). He used a new tactic called a "creeping barrage" for French attacks. This meant artillery fire moved forward just ahead of the infantry, keeping enemy troops down. These tactics worked well. French troops retook Fleury and Fort Douaumont in October. Nivelle's successful actions at Verdun helped him become commander-in-chief of the French armies on 12 December 1916.
Commander-in-Chief (1917)
As commander-in-chief, Nivelle had less power than his predecessor, Joseph Joffre. His authority did not cover all fronts. Nivelle's main idea was: "the artillery conquers; the infantry occupies." He believed that a huge artillery bombardment, followed by a creeping barrage and strong infantry attacks, could break through enemy lines quickly. He thought this could lead to a major breakthrough within two days.
Nivelle's plan for 1917 involved British forces taking over more of the front line to free up French troops. Then, the French would launch a surprise attack on the Aisne. This attack would be stopped if it didn't break through the German front within 48 hours. British and French political leaders supported his plan, hoping to avoid more long, costly battles.
Doubts About the Offensive
As the offensive approached, some French generals had serious concerns. General Joseph Alfred Micheler, who was to lead the breakthrough, worried that the French might not break through as fast as Nivelle hoped. He pointed out that the Germans had strong defenses and reserves. Other commanders also had doubts, but Nivelle did not change his plan much.
On 6 April, Nivelle met with his generals and politicians, including President Raymond Poincaré. The Minister of War, Paul Painlevé, suggested delaying the attack. He noted that the Russian Revolution meant Russia might not help much, and they should wait for American forces. Micheler and Pétain also suggested a smaller attack. Nivelle, however, threatened to resign if his plan was not accepted. The politicians then said they fully trusted him. Nivelle's plan went forward, putting him under great pressure to succeed.
The Nivelle Offensive (1917)
The Nivelle Offensive began on 16 April 1917. Nivelle had told his troops: "The hour has come! Confidence! Courage! Long live France!" He even suggested the German army would run away.
However, the artillery bombardment was not as effective as planned. The French did not have enough heavy guns. Because of this, the hoped-for breakthrough did not happen on the first day. German troops were surprised by the attacks but held their ground.
From 16 April to 25 April, the French suffered 134,000 casualties. Nivelle had predicted only about 10,000. Despite the heavy losses, Nivelle ordered the attacks to continue. By 20 April, the French had taken 20,000 prisoners and 147 guns, which was a good result compared to earlier battles. But a decisive breakthrough was not achieved. The offensive also caused a shortage of artillery shells and problems with medical services.
By the end of the first week, the attack had stalled. Nivelle started losing control. His authority was weakened when Pétain was appointed Chief of the General Staff on 29 April. Even though the French captured parts of the Chemin des Dames in early May, it was not enough to save Nivelle's reputation.
Dismissal and Later Life
The Nivelle Offensive ended on 9 May 1917. The French had suffered 187,000 casualties. Nivelle had promised a great success, so the country was very disappointed. Philippe Pétain replaced Nivelle as Commander-in-Chief on 15 May.
In December 1917, Nivelle was sent to command the French Army in North Africa. This move effectively removed him from the main war effort. He returned to France after the war ended in November 1918 and retired from the army in 1921. He received many honors, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. Robert Nivelle died on 22 March 1924 and was buried in Les Invalides in Paris.
Nivelle's Legacy
Historians have different views on Nivelle. Some say the offensive failed but that the French did gain some ground and prisoners. Others are less positive. Some historians, like Julian Thompson, believe Nivelle was "careless of casualties" and a "disastrous choice" for commander-in-chief. The Nivelle Offensive has been called "murderous" and a "disaster" by some.
However, Nivelle is also seen positively in some ways. He is described as a "competent tactician" in 1914. His "creeping barrage" tactics were considered "innovative." He was also able to boost public spirits in France in late 1916. Some believe his push for better tanks helped improve them by 1918, and he was a "gifted artilleryman."
Many historians agree that the heavy casualties from the Nivelle Offensive led to the French army mutinies of 1917.
Mount Nivelle in the Canadian Rockies was named after him in 1918. Other nearby mountains are named after other French generals.
Decorations
- Légion d'honneur
- Knight (9 July 1895)
- Officer (21 December 1912)
- Commander (10 April 1915)
- Grand Officer (13 September 1916)
- Grand Cross (28 December 1920)
- Médaille militaire (30 December 1921)
- Croix de guerre 1914–1918 with 3 palms
- Médaille Interalliée de la Victoire
- 1901 China expedition commemorative medal
- Médaille commémorative du Maroc with "Oudjda" and "Haut-Guir" clasps
- Médaille commémorative de la guerre 1914–1918
- Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold (Belgium)
- Croix de guerre (Belgium)
- Officer of the Nicham Iftikhar (Tunisia)
- Distinguished Service Medal (US)
Other Honours
In 1993, a flowering plant from Morocco was named Nivellea nivellei in his honor.
See also
In Spanish: Robert Nivelle para niños
- Battle of Verdun
- Nivelle Offensive
- Second Battle of the Aisne
- Philippe Pétain
- Chemin des Dames
