In "The Guns of August," Barbara W. Tuchman presents the aftermath of the Battle of Tannenberg, highlighting the dire consequences for Russia's military leadership. Alexander Guchkov, who later became Minister of War, developed a strong belief that the war was unwinnable following the defeat, which contributed to a growing sentiment among pro-German factions advocating for Russia's withdrawal from the conflict.

Count Witte expressed concerns that the ongoing war would lead to the ruin of Russia, while Rasputin warned that the conflict threatened the stability of the regime itself. This disillusionment among key figures underscored the increasing desperation and challenges facing the Russian state during World War I.