Ferdinand Foch
Ferdinand Foch
======================
Full Name and Common Aliases
-----------------------------
Ferdinand Foch was born as Ferdinand Jean Baptiste Marie Foch on October 2, 1850, in Tarbes, France. He is commonly known by his last name, "Foch."
Birth and Death Dates
----------------------
Foch passed away on March 20, 1929, at the age of 78.
Nationality and Profession(s)
------------------------------
Foch was a French general who played a significant role in both World War I and the interwar period. He is widely regarded as one of the most important military leaders of his time.
Early Life and Background
---------------------------
Born into a family of modest means, Foch's early life was marked by a deep-seated desire to serve France. He graduated from the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr in 1870 and began his military career as a lieutenant in the French army. Foch quickly distinguished himself as a skilled tactician and strategist.
Major Accomplishments
----------------------
Foch's greatest achievement was undoubtedly his leadership during World War I, where he served as Supreme Allied Commander of the Allied Forces from March 1918 to November 1918. His military strategy, known as the "Foch Plan," centered around an attack on the German lines in the west and a strategic retreat in the east.
Under Foch's command, the Allies launched a series of successful offensives that ultimately led to Germany's defeat. He is also credited with devising the Allied plans for the final push into Germany, which helped secure a decisive victory for the Allies.
Notable Works or Actions
---------------------------
Foch was not only an accomplished military leader but also a writer and thinker. His most famous book, "The Principles of War," outlines his strategic vision and offers insights into the art of warfare. He is also known for his work on military history and theory.
Impact and Legacy
-------------------
Foch's impact on modern warfare cannot be overstated. His emphasis on coalition building, combined arms operations, and strategic retreats helped shape the Allied victory in World War I. As a statesman and diplomat, Foch played an important role in shaping post-war Europe through his participation in the Treaty of Versailles negotiations.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
------------------------------------------
Foch is widely quoted for his wisdom on leadership and warfare. He is often remembered for his famous phrase "The whole art of war consists of a well-reasoned and extremely circumspect defensive followed by a rapid and audacious attack." His quotes, writings, and legacy continue to inspire military leaders around the world.
Foch's impact extends beyond the military sphere as well. He played an important role in shaping modern European politics through his advocacy for collective security and cooperation among nations.
Quotes by Ferdinand Foch
Ferdinand Foch's insights on:
To inform, and, therefore to reconnoitre, this is the first and constant duty of the advanced guard.
A war not only arises, but derives its nature, from the political ideas, the moral sentiments, and the international relations obtaining at the moment when it breaks out. This amounts to saying:;: try and know why and with the help of what you are going to act; then you will find out how to act.
In war there are none but particular cases; everything has there an individual nature; nothing ever repeats itself. In the first place, the data of a military problem are but seldom certain; they are never final. Everything is in a constant state of change and reshaping.
The truth is, no study is possible on the battle-field; one does there simply what one can in order to apply what one knows. Therefore, in order to do even a little, one has already to know a great deal and to know it well.
The fundamental qualities for good execution of a plan is first; intelligence; then discernment and judgment, which enable one to recognize the best method as to attain it; the singleness of purpose; and, lastly, . . . stubborn will.
School is a building that has four walls-with tomorrow inside. Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. There are many ways of going forward, but there is only one way of standing still. A lot of us would like to move mountains, but few of us are willing to practice on small hills. Doing your best is more important than being the best. Giant oak trees started out as little nuts. The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.