The author of Plan 17, its failure in the early years of World War I led to a loss of prestige heightened by his neglect of the defenses at Verdun and his oversights at the Somme.
Leader of an expedition to Timbuktu in 1894, he had previously served with Gallieni in Madagascar. Though his offensives to Artois and Champagne failed, he prevented German breakthrough to the Channel ports at the first battle of Ypres. The author of Plan 17, its failure in the early years of World War I led to a loss of prestige heightened by his neglect of the defenses at Verdun and his oversights at the Somme. For 10 points, name this French general known for his calmness in times of calamity who led the French armies at the beginning of the first World War and helped lead the counter- attack at the first battle of the Marne.
Leader of an expedition to Timbuktu in 1894, he had previously served with Gallieni in Madagascar.
Joseph Jacques Cesaire {Joffre}