Lions Led by Donkeys? V By Mr RJ Huggins 2006

Lesson Objectives Examine the process by which historians gather their evidence or facts in order to make a judgement. To assess John Laffin’s interpretation of General Haig in Source F, by comparing it to Sources G & H. Make a judgement on whether Sources G & H prove Source F (Laffin) wrong.

How do historians gather their evidence in order to make a judgement? There are two ways of writing history. One is to read and research, gathering facts and eventually coming to a weighed conclusion based on the burden of evidence. The other is to approach the subject with an idea in mind, and then to look for facts which prove the case. This quotation was borrowed from John D Clare’s brilliant website: http://www.johndclare.net/wwi3_laffin_polemic.htm Which one do you think is the best method?

The Battle of the Somme, 1916 In July 1916, the French army was close to collapse. After the high casualty rate at the Battle of Verdun many troops were refusing to fight. If the Germans attacked again then the French Army would be defeated and the allies would lose the war. General Haig was ordered to divert the Germans away from Verdun by launching an attack on the Somme. Why did Haig launch an attack on the Somme in 1916??

Interpretation: Popular Image Historians who criticize Haig’s tactics argue that he didn’t care about sacrificing the lives of his men. They argue that his tactics were poor and that the Battle of the Somme was a waste of lives. The popular image is that the British army only captured a few feet of soil and that Haig continued his tactics even when it was clear that they were not going to be successful. However, these historians often do not take into account the bigger picture or in this case the Battle of Verdun, 1916. By the end of the Battle of the Somme, the British Army had captured 70 square miles and the French had had just enough time to reorganise their army.

The Task / Question Study Sources F, G & H. Do Sources G & H prove F wrong ‘You are going to look at three historians views of General Haig’s tactics at the Battle of the Somme. You are then going to look at the origin, nature and purpose of these sources to make a judgement on Source F.’

Source F: ‘Haig was as stubborn as a donkey and as unthinking as a donkey. The principle which guided him was if he could kill more Germans than the Germans could kill his own men, then he would at some point win the win. That is an appalling kind of strategy. Its not a strategy at all, its slaughter. The Somme was criminal negligence. He knew that he had no chance of a breakthrough, but he still sent his men to their deaths.’ From a recent book called: Butchers and Bunglers of World War. What does the title of the book suggest about the authors aims? What is the author’s view of Haig’s tactics?

Origin, Nature & Purpose of Source F Does not have a history degree ‘Butchers & Bunglers’ is an eye grabbing title An Australian tour guide John Laffin Laffin presents one side only. He does not discuss the situation at Vedun. The author’s parents both served with the Australians in Gallipoli and France The book aims to expose the ‘guilt’ of the ‘uncaring and stupid’ generals

Source G: ‘If the Battle of the Somme had no great importance in the strategic sense, its consequences were great, particularly regards morale. It gave the Western Powers confidence. Their armies had accomplished an achievement that gave good promise for the future. The confidence of the German troops in victory was no longer as great as before. A great part of the best, most experienced and most reliable officers and men were no longer in their places. This was the more marked as the heavy losses had made it necessary to send to the front a great number of young soldiers whose training was poor. Taken from The Official German History of the FWW What is the aim of an official history?

Origin, Nature & Purpose of Source G Based upon interviews with generals, soldiers and politicians. Written & published in the 1930s. Not written for commercial reasons or profit The Official German History of the FWW Understands the bigger picture and refers indirectly to Verdun. Points out both the good and the bad points of the Battle of the Somme Written to inform the German people. Does it have a reason to lie or exaggerate?

Written by a British General in 1973. He fought in both world wars. Source H ‘Germany’s spirit of resistance was broken by the courage and resolution of Haig’s armies, which had complete confidence in the leadership of their Commander. They were inspired by his determination, for he never wavered from his purpose of breaking down the powers of resistance of the enemy, both morally and physically. Had Haig not had the moral courage to shoulder the main burden of the struggle in the Somme battles of 1916, French resistance would have crumbled. Haig was one of the main architects of the Allied victory.’ Written by a British General in 1973. He fought in both world wars. What points does this historian make about Haig’s tactics?

Origin, Nature & Purpose of Source H He had fought in both world wars. Written by a British General in 1973 He had witnessed Haig’s tactics at first hand. British General Was not writing to make money, just wanted to set the record straight As a military commander he understood the problems facing Haig in 1916. Takes into account what was happening at Verdun & points out that Haig’s tactics eventually won the war.

Source F Source G Source H Brilliant General Butcher British General Haig is a donkey who slaughtered his men The Somme didn’t achieve very much tactically, but it damaged German morale and helped to boost the allies morale – hints the French - and win the war. The Somme was an evil necessity. If Haig hadn’t attacked then the French would have crumbled. Haig’s tactics won the war. Brilliant General Butcher

Making a Judgement Do Sources G & H prove F wrong? Prove Disprove

Mark Scheme