First World War, which started in 1914, covered the fire fights and battles territory of almost the whole of Europe.In this war, attended by more than thirty countries with a population of over a billion people.War has become the most ambitious of destruction and loss of life in the entire previous history of mankind.Before the war Europe was divided into two opposing camps: the Entente in the face of Russia, France, the British Empire and the smaller countries of Europe and the Triple Alliance in the name of Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Italy, which in 1915 moved to the side of the Entente, and alsosmaller European countries.Material and technical superiority was on the side of the Entente, but in terms of organization and weapons, the German army was the best.
In such circumstances, the war began.She was the first, which can be called positional.Opponents, possessing powerful artillery, small arms, and rapid-depth defense in no hurry to attack that presaged the coming of the huge losses.Still fighting with varying success without a strategic advantage occurred on both the main theater of hostilities.The First World War, Brusilovsky breakthrough in particular, played a significant role in moving the initiative to block the Entente.For Russia, these events had rather adverse consequences.During Brusilovsky breakthrough was to mobilize all the reserves of the Russian Empire.General Brusilov was appointed commander of the Southwestern Front, and had before 534,000 soldiers and officers, about 2 thousand guns.Opposing him the Austro-German army had 448,000 soldiers and officers and about 1800 guns.
main reason Brusilovsky breakthrough was the request of the Italian command to bring Austrian and German units, in order to avoid a complete rout of the Italian Army.Commander of the Northern and Western fronts Russian generals Evert and Kuropatkin refused to attack, considering it completely unsuccessful.Only General Brusilov saw an opportunity to strike position.May 15, 1916 the Italians suffered a heavy defeat, and were forced to seek to speed up the offensive.
June 4 begins the famous Brusilovsky breakthrough in 1916, the Russian artillery waged incessant fire on enemy positions for 45 hours in some areas, it was then laid down a rule artillery preparation before the onset.After an artillery strike to break the infantry went, Austrians and Germans were unable to get out of the shelters and the masses is captured.As a result, Brusilovsky breakthrough Russian forces penetrated the enemy defenses in the 200-400 km.It was completely destroyed 4th Austrian and German 7th Army.Austria-Hungary was on the verge of total defeat.However, without waiting for the help of the Northern and Western fronts, whose team lost the tactical advantage the moment, the offensive was soon stopped.Yet the outcome of Brusilovsky breakthrough was to save Italy from defeat, saving Verdun for the French and the consolidation of the British on the Somme.
