The Doullens Conference refers to a significant meeting held on March 26, 1918, in Doullens, France, during World War I. This conference was attended by senior military and political leaders from the Allies, including British and French representatives. The primary outcome was the appointment of General Ferdinand Foch as the commander-in-chief of the Allied forces on the Western Front.
-
Context and Purpose:
- The conference was convened in response to the urgent need for better coordination between the British and French military operations, especially after the German offensive that began on March 21, 1918.
- The lack of coordination had led to significant vulnerabilities, exemplified by the overwhelming of General Sir Hubert Gough’s Fifth Army.
-
Key Attendees:
- French representatives included General Philippe Pétain, President Raymond Poincaré, Premier Georges Clemenceau, General Ferdinand Foch, and General Maxime Weygand.
- British representatives included Lord Alfred Milner, Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, and Generals Henry Wilson, Herbert Lawrence, and Archibald Montgomery.
-
Decisions Made:
- The conference aimed to establish a unified command structure to enhance the effectiveness of Allied operations.
- General Foch was recognized for his leadership qualities and was appointed to lead all Allied armies on the Western Front.
-
Significance:
- The Doullens Conference marked a pivotal moment in the war, as it laid the groundwork for a more coordinated Allied response to the German offensives.
- Foch’s appointment was crucial in unifying the command and strategy of the Allied forces, ultimately contributing to their success in the later stages of the war.
This conference is often viewed as a turning point in World War I, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among the Allies to achieve victory.