What was the situation in Europe by December 1914, the first year of World War I in Europe?
Most of France was occupied by Germany, while Russian troops had advanced far into eastern Germany.

The Allies had advanced far into German territory, but German troops were advancing on several Russian cities.

A stalemate had developed on the Western Front as both sides dug in and trench warfare followed.

French and British troops had retreated to the English channel, and German troops had retreated to the Rhine River.