Which battle on the Eastern Front in 1914 marked a major German victory and crushing defeat for Russia?

• A. The Battle of Verdun
• B. Battle of Gallipoli
• C. The Battle of Tannenberg
• D. The Battle of the Somme

Answer: (C)

This question tests recognition of a pivotal battle on the Eastern Front in 1914 that delivered a decisive German victory and a crushing defeat for Russia. At Tannenberg, the German Eighth Army under Hindenburg and Ludendorff crushed the Russian Second Army commanded by Samsonov near the town of Tannenberg and the Masurian Lakes. The Russian forces were largely wiped out, and Samsonov reportedly took his own life as defeat became clear. This victory halted Russia’s invasion of East Prussia, secured that frontline for Germany, and produced a huge boost in German morale and military leadership—while dealing a severe blow to Russia early in the war. The other battles listed did not fit: Verdun and the Somme were on the Western Front and occurred in 1916, and Gallipoli was in 1915–1916 in a different theater.