first magnitude. Conversely, the French victory filled the world with
admiration. The French success at the Marne had been won in complete
darkness, and after two years the world still has only a vague notion
of the facts of this grandiose conflict. But there never was any
possibility of concealment about Verdun. The fight was in the open,
the issue was unmistakable, and French courage and skill, French
steadiness and endurance, surprised the world once more.

THE AUSTRIAN OFFENSIVE

While the German attack upon Verdun was still in its more prosperous
phase the Austrians delivered a wholly similar attack upon Italy.
(Vol. V, 244-264.) Precisely as the Russian defeats had enabled
Germany to turn many troops west, they had provided Austria for the
first time with reserves that could be used against Italy.
Conceivably, success would put Italy out of the war, for it was plain
Italian sentiment was wearying of the long strain of sterile
sacrifice.

For the attack the Austrians selected the Trentino district. If they
could drive their masses through the Italian lines between the Adige
and the Brenta, and enter the Venetian Plain, taking Verona and
Vicenza, all the Italian forces to the eastward along the Isonzo would
have to retreat and might be captured. At the least, Austria might
hope to carry her front to the Po and the Adige, and thus stand on the
defensive far within Italian frontiers, as Germany stood within French
frontiers.

The same artillery preparation was made here as before Verdun, the
battle opened in the same way (Vol. V, 244), and for many weeks, until
June 1, 1916, the Austrian advance was steady, and finally passed the
old frontier and actually approached the Venetian Plain about Vicenza.
(Vol. V, 260.) For the first time Austria seemed within reach of a
great victory, and Italian apprehension was great. As for the moral
effect, an Italian ministry fell because of the reverses, and many
Italian generals were retired.

[Illustration: The mobility of the French motor-mounted batteries
makes them most effective, not only in bringing down aircraft but in
strengthening the line at any point. The gun is the famous 75. The
motor in the rear carries a supply of shells.]

By June 1, 1916, the Italian situation had become critical, (Vol. V,
258), just as the French situation about Verdun became critical on
July 1, 1916. But at this point the Russian attack upon the east front
changed the whole face of affa