Army of Alsace (1914)

The Army of Alsace (French: Armée d'Alsace) was a French army created in 1914 at the outbreak of World War I. It was primarily responsible for the defense of the Alsace region, particularly the southern part bordering Switzerland.

The Army of Alsace was formed from elements of the French XIV Corps and other territorial units. Its initial mission was to prevent a German incursion into Alsace from the south, complementing the efforts of the larger First Army to the north. The composition of the Army of Alsace fluctuated throughout its existence, as units were transferred to other fronts or reinforced depending on the strategic situation.

The Army of Alsace played a crucial role in the early battles of the war in Alsace, including the Battle of Mulhouse in August 1914. While the initial French offensive into Alsace was ultimately unsuccessful and resulted in a withdrawal to defensive positions, the Army of Alsace continued to hold its sector of the front.

Later in the war, the Army of Alsace was reorganized and eventually absorbed into larger army groups. While the name "Army of Alsace" ceased to be used as a formal designation for a distinct military command, the units and soldiers who had served within it continued to contribute to the French war effort on other fronts. Its initial efforts in defending Alsace were vital in tying down German forces and preventing them from being deployed elsewhere.