Instructions: Identify the Following Terms

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The Answer is The Battles of Tannenberg and Masurian Lakes were two major engagements fought between the Russian Empire and the German Empire in the early stages of World War I, on the Eastern Front.

1. The Battle of Tannenberg: This battle took place from August 26 to August 30, 1914, near the town of Tannenberg (now Stębark in Poland). The German Eighth Army, under the command of Generals Paul von Hindenburg and Erich Ludendorff, encircled and defeated the Russian Second Army, led by General Alexander Samsonov. The battle resulted in a catastrophic defeat for the Russian forces, with heavy casualties and the capture of many soldiers. The victory was a significant morale booster for Germany and established Hindenburg and Ludendorff as prominent military leaders. The battle is named after the medieval Battle of Tannenberg (1410), although it did not actually take place at the same location.

2. The Battle of the Masurian Lakes: This battle occurred shortly after the Battle of Tannenberg, from September 7 to September 14, 1914. It was fought in the region of the Masurian Lakes in East Prussia (now northeastern Poland). The German Eighth Army, again under Hindenburg and Ludendorff, faced the Russian First Army commanded by General Paul von Rennenkampf. The Germans aimed to prevent the Russians from regrouping after their defeat at Tannenberg and to push them out of East Prussia. The battle ended with a German victory, as the Russian forces were driven back into Russian territory with significant losses.

Both battles were part of the initial Russian offensive into East Prussia, which aimed to draw German forces away from the Western Front and to fulfill Russia's obligations to its French ally. The defeats at Tannenberg and the Masurian Lakes were severe setbacks for Russia and had a lasting impact on the Eastern Front during World War I.

Instructions: Identify the Following Terms

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