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Let's talk about General Edouard de Castelnau, the forgotten Great General of 14-18. From the First World War we remember the names of Pétain, Foch, Joffre, Nivelle, all associated with great victories and great disasters: the miracle of the Marne, Verdun, the Chemin des Dames, and the final Hundred Days Offensive in 1918 which led to the German collapse. But there is one name that has remained under the bushel for a very long time, a name that probably means nothing to the majority of history lovers. A man who probably suffered from the turmoil of his time, but whose name has been coming out more and more in recent years. Because this shadowy general demonstrated tactical competence, strategic foresight, composure in times of crisis, and resilience in the face of misfortune. 0:00 Intro 1:00 Youth, Franco-Prussian War 3:23 The Dreyfus Affair and its consequences 6:40 Preparation for the First World War in the General Staff 9:30 From 1914 to 1916 18:51 Chief of Staff: Verdun and the Somme 23:20 End of the war and secondary role 24:20 Post-war 26:00 Outro Sources: The French Army: Two Centuries of Engagement De Castelnau: Le Maréchal Escamoté - Jean-Louis Thiériot Films: All Quiet on the Western Front A Very Long Engagement The Dreyfus Affair (1995) Music Jo Wandrini - Sciophobia The Descent Johannes Bornlöf - The Marshes Scott Buckley - Filaments