Joseph Joffre Biography

Marshal Joseph Jacques Cesaire Joffre was a commander of the French Army during the World War I. He got recognition for his noteworthy success during the First Battle of the Marne in which the French Army defeated the Germans. His successful application of military tactics in battle ground earned him the nickname, “Papa Joffre”. After joining the French Army at a young age, he proved his potentiality as a leader by taking command of a military group during the Paris Uprising. He served in Indo-China and later in North Africa. He proved his organizational skill when he was the Director of Engineers. During the World War I, he got recognition as a person who preferred offensive strategy to defensive tactics. The unique feature of his character was that, he knew how to maintain a calm disposition of mind even under the constant pressure and horror of war. That is the reason why, the soldiers of the French Army nicknamed him as “Gandpere”. He, however, faced severe criticism for his failed military techniques when the French faced defeat at Verdun. Despite his failures on several occasions, his popularity remained intact and he rose to the rank of Marshal of France.