Background
During this period, the buildup of forces generally favored the Central Powers. Four new German armies, the 11th, 12th, Army of the Niemen and Army of the Bug, were being formed up, dramatically shifting the balance of power in the area, with 13 Central armies facing nine Russian. Under pressure from the Kaiser, Falkenhayn gave in to Hindenburg and Ludendorff's insistence that the offensive be continued.
Stavka decided to start a strategic retreat in order to gain time needed for the massive buildup of war industries at home.
Read more about this topic: Great Retreat (Russian)
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