Background
When Robert Nivelle took over from Joseph Joffre as French Commander-in-Chief in December 1916 after the costly fighting at Verdun and the Somme, he argued that a massive barrage on German lines would bring French victory in 48 hours. The plan was put into action on 16 April 1917 after support from France's Prime Minister, despite strong disapproval from other high-ranking officials.
The Nivelle offensive was a huge and costly undertaking, involving around 1.2 million troops and 7,000 artillery pieces on a broad front between Roye and Reims. Its main focus was a massive assault on the German positions along the Chemin des Dames ridge, in the Second Battle of the Aisne, and an eventual linkup with other Allied forces. From the start, the plan, which had been in development since December 1916, was plagued by delays and information leaks. By the time it went into action in April 1917, the plans were well known to the German army, who took appropriate defensive measures.
Read more about this topic: Nivelle Offensive
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