In August 1914, as German forces rapidly advanced towards the French capital, General Joseph Galliéni, the newly appointed military governor of Paris, orchestrated a pivotal defense strategy that included the iconic "Taxis of the Marne." His decisive actions aimed to bolster the French Sixth Army during the critical First Battle of the Marne, a turning point in the early stages of World War I. This historic episode, famously depicted in works like Georges Scott's painting referenced in a recent tweet, became a powerful symbol of national resolve.
Recalled from retirement in August 1914, the 65-year-old Galliéni was tasked with the formidable mission of defending Paris against the encroaching German army. He quickly fortified the city and prepared for a potential siege, demonstrating remarkable energy and foresight. His commitment was absolute, as he declared on September 3, 1914:
"I have received the mandate to defend Paris against the invader. This mandate, I shall carry out to the end."
By early September, German troops were within 30 miles of Paris, prompting the French government to relocate to Bordeaux amidst widespread panic. General Joseph Joffre initiated a counterattack along the Marne River, but reinforcements were desperately needed at the front lines. The railway system was overwhelmed, and conventional military transport proved insufficient to move troops quickly enough to the critical sectors.
Faced with this urgent need, General Galliéni conceived the audacious plan to commandeer Parisian taxis to transport soldiers. On the night of September 6, 1914, approximately 600 to 1,000 Renault taxis were mobilized, ferrying around 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers from Paris to the front near Nanteuil-le-Haudouin. This unprecedented logistical feat allowed crucial reinforcements to reach General Michel-Joseph Maunoury's Sixth Army, which was engaging the German First Army on its exposed flank.
While the precise military impact of the "Taxis of the Marne" on the overall battle outcome is debated by historians, their psychological effect was undeniable. The rapid deployment of troops boosted French morale significantly and demonstrated a remarkable unity between the civilian population and the military. This initiative contributed to halting the German advance, leading to the "Miracle of the Marne" and solidifying Galliéni's place in French history as a visionary leader who helped avert the fall of Paris.