Nivelle Offensive and French Army Mutinies

General Nivelle's offensive at the Chemin des Dames failed to achieve its promised breakthrough despite extraordinary casualties, triggering mutinies in 54 French divisions—nearly half the army. Mutineers refused to return to offensive operations; some sang the Internationale and carried red flags. General Pétain, appointed to replace Nivelle, suppressed the mutinies with a combination of executions (49 confirmed), reprieves, and improvements in leave, food, and medical care. The mutinies were successfully concealed from Germany.