The Battle of the Marne marked a critical turning point in World War I, signaling the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a swift German victory. This battle halted the German advance toward Paris and changed the dynamics of the conflict, shifting it to a war of attrition characterized by trench warfare. The initial expectation of a brief war gave way to a prolonged struggle that engulfed Europe.

Additionally, the battle represented the end of a historical paradigm in Europe. As the war continued, it disrupted the political landscape and social structures of the continent, resulting in significant upheaval and paving the way for future changes. Stokesbury’s assertion highlights how this event was a pivotal moment that transformed Europe, moving away from past conflicts into a more tumultuous era.