... joined with Hoffmann. The three were aware that they were outnumbered 485,000 Germans to 173,000 Russians. They quickly agreed that their only chance lay in a bold gamble. The German leaders all decided to concentrate all available forces against Samsonov below the Masurian Lakes and leave only a cavalry division ... ground to a halt. The Russian 15th Corps broke after fierce fighting and by the evening of August 28, the Russians decided that their only hope lay in retreat. This battle soon became the seen of a massive killing ground. The battle soon came to a close on the 30th and 31st ...

• Word Count: 3390
• Approx Pages: 14
• Grade Level: High School