Background Following the failure of the German spring offensive to end the conflict, Erich Ludendorff, Chief Quartermaster General, believed that an attack through Flanders would give Germany a decisive victory over the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). To shield his intentions and draw Allied troops away from Belgium, Ludendorff planned for a large diversionary attack along the Marne.
BackGRoUnD fOLLowIng the fAilure Of the germaN sprINg offeNsivE tO ENd the ConfliCt, erich LuDendORff, chief QUaRTERmaSTer GeNeRAL, beliEVeD thAt an AtTacK Through FlanderS Would gIve gERmaNy a dEcisIvE vicTORy oveR THe britiSH expEDitionAry forcE (bef). TO shiEld HIs iNTentIoNs aNd dRAW alLieD Troops awAY from belgium, ludendoRff pLanNed FOr a larGE diversionarY attaCk alOnG the maRNe.