The Allied war plans for 1916, prompted by the disasters of the previous year, focused on attacks that would drive into and crush the Central Powers from both east and west. But the Germans struck first, and the Russians were once again forced to come to the aid of the French by launching a virtually suicidal offensive near Lake Narotch. All they had in their favour was numbers, and their efforts were further hampered when the spring thaw set in, making any advance a painful task and destroying vital lines of communication.

This article is located in the History of the First World War Volume 3 (REF D522 .H58 1969 V.3).