Eastern Front of WW1 animated: 1915

In late 1914, the Russian forces prepared to invade German territory but were halted by a Central Powers counterattack. By January 1915, both sides were evenly matched. The Germans aimed to defeat France on the Western front but were constrained by the need to defend against Russia. Russia's strategic positioning on the Eastern front threatened the Central Powers' territory. The Central Powers sought to push back the Russian forces to improve their defensive stance. Both sides concentrated their forces in the central part of the front and aimed to outflank each other. The German use of a superior railway system allowed them to arrive in East Prussia before the Russians, leading to a series of engagements and ultimately a stalemate by March, with significant losses on both sides. Meanwhile, fighting in the south saw the Austro-Hungarian forces attempting to relieve the besieged fortress of Przemysl, leading to a series of engagements in the Carpathian mountains.

The narrative describes the difficult conditions of fighting in the Carpathian mountains during winter. Austria-Hungary's initial attacks in late January resulted in minor territorial gains but at a high cost. Russia's counterattacks also resulted in heavy losses with little territorial gain. The Austro-Hungarian forces failed to reach Przemysl, leading to the fortress's surrender to Russia. The surrender allowed Russia to reallocate troops for another offensive in late March and early April, though it too made little progress. The melting snow in April brought a temporary halt to operations. The Central Powers suffered a loss of 520,000 men, with an additional 300,000 affected by sickness, while Russia lost 460,000 soldiers. The Central Powers, recognizing their failure to push back the Russian forces, decided to launch a strong offensive to improve their defensive position. The Russian defenses on the Eastern front are outlined, highlighting the natural defensive lines and the strategic depth behind the front lines.

The Central Powers initiated their offensive in mid-April with a diversionary attack in the north, drawing away some Russian forces. The main offensive was planned for the southern front, with German forces transferred from the Western front. The goal was to advance eastward and sever the Russian supply lines in the Carpathian mountains. Despite being outnumbered, the Central Powers achieved a breakthrough and forced the Russians to retreat to the San river and the fortress of Przemysl. After regrouping, the Russians were able to utilize natural defenses, equalizing the numbers on the critical front. The Russians then launched an offensive in the eastern part of the front, though they continued to suffer losses in manpower and materiel. The Central Powers made significant advances, capturing the city of Lemberg and threatening the Russian defenses. By July, the Central Powers had gained control over key railroads and aimed to secure a defensive position in the central part of the front. Russia reinforced its defenses and managed to slow the Central Powers' advance, but the latter attacked from the north, breaking through Russian fortifications and capturing the fortress of Pultusk.

Facing threats from both the north and south, the Russians retreated to the eastern bank of the Vistula river and eventually to a more consolidated defensive position in the center of the front by late August. The new Russian defenses were a combination of natural and fortified lines, with a strong concentration of forces in the middle. Despite this, the northern front was less defended, and the Germans aimed to outflank the Russians by reaching the Pripyat marshes. The German forces advanced and captured key fortresses, opening the way for a drive towards Minsk. However, Russian reinforcements managed to stop the German cavalry, and with German forces being redeployed, the offensive was abandoned in favor of a defensive stance. The campaign concluded with both sides settling into winter positions, and Russia holding a numerical advantage in the north. Meanwhile, Austro-Hungarian forces conducted their own offensive in the south but were ultimately halted by Russian reinforcements. The year ended with significant losses for both the Central Powers and Russia, weakening the Russian army and providing the Central Powers with buffer territory.