Part 8/11:
The advance of the Germans along the Somme and other sectors during this week mirrored the initial German successes of September 1914, evoking the crisis and chaos of the early war period. By March 26, French and British forces conducted tactical withdrawals; Foch insisted on defending Amiens at all costs, refusing to retreat further. Rapid troop movements, reorganization, and reinforcements, including American units, were unleashed to counter the German pushes.
Despite a few territorial gains, Germans could not maintain momentum forever. Allied resistance, combined with the logistical and tactical limitations faced by the Germans—including lack of mechanized transport and insufficient supply lines—began to slow their advance.