World War I General

>>3197299
First for the German fatherland.

>>3197299
It was possible, but the Germans would have had to make operational errors or the Russians would have had to correct doctrinal problems before the war (namely their radio discipline so that they don't broadcast their orders in clear).

If the Germans lost, they wouldn't be defeated in 1914 because their reinforcements are already en route, but they might lose East Prussia at least temporarily. The threat may panic the Kaiser enough to strip additional corps from the West, reducing the pressure on France.

Most importantly, Russia's good-quality first line formations are not annihilated and their army remains effective in 1915. In the long term this could change their fortunes substantially.

>>3197358
>Most importantly, Russia's good-quality first line formations are not annihilated and their army remains effective in 1915. In the long term this could change their fortunes substantially.
Are we talking possibly remaining in the war until the end? Or just delaying the inevitable?

>>3197373
Nobody's first line formations survived past 1915. But retaining that force of well equipped and trained personnel for even a few months longer means they can keep fighting effectively while raising new armies.