Lions Led by Donkeys?Lions Led by Donkeys?

By Mr RJ Huggins

2006

V

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.

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 is the author’s view of Haig’s tactics?

What does the title of the book

suggest about the authors aims?

Origin, Nature & Purpose of Source F

John Laffin

An Australian tour guide

Does not have a history degree ‘Butchers &

Bunglers’ is an eye

grabbing title

The book aims to expose the ‘guilt’ of the ‘uncaring

and stupid’ generals

The author’s parents both

served with the Australians in Gallipoli and

France

Laffin presents one side only. He

does not discuss the situation at

Vedun.

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

The Official German History of the FWW

Written & published in the

1930s.

Based upon interviews with generals, soldiers

and politicians. Not written for commercial reasons or

profit

Points out both the good and the bad points of the Battle of

the SommeWritten to inform the German people. Does it have

a reason to lie or exaggerate?

Understands the bigger picture and

refers indirectly to

Verdun.

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.’

What points does this historian make about Haig’s tactics?

Written by a British

General in 1973. He

fought in both world wars.

Origin, Nature & Purpose of Source H

British General

Written by a British General

in 1973

He had fought in both world wars.

He had witnessed

Haig’s tactics at first hand.

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.

Was not writing to

make money, just

wanted to set the record

straight

British General

Source F Source G Source H

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.

Butcher Brilliant General

Making a Judgement

Prove Disprove

Do Sources G & H prove F wrong?

Mark Scheme