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In WW1, the German 6th army launched attacks on the French 2nd army between Toul and Epinal on August 23rd, after being reinforced by 6.5 Ersatz divisions, that were originially slated for occupation duties in Belgium. These attacks had the stated goal of breaking through and pocketing large number of French troops with the German Center, which was made up of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th armies.
http://www.firstworldwar.com/maps/graphics/maps_11_marne1914_5_(1600).jpg

What if Moltke instead decided that such an attack into the teeth of French fortifications on the Moselle was simply silly and instead decided to have Rupprecht reposition 2-3 corps, most of his heavy artillery, his 3 cavalry divisions and the 6.5 ersatz corps to the north near Metz and launch an attack? This manuever would have several advantages: It would not run into any fortifications. The French 2nd army, if it gave battle, would have to leave its forts and fight on open ground, an area where they proved less that adequate at this point in the war. It would allow the Germans to encircle Verdun and probably catch the French 3rd army in the pocket. If successful the offensive would force the 2nd army out of its forts or risk being pinned against the Moselle and trapped. It could also prevent forces from being transferred West to the French 6th army at the Marne.

This would be similar to the historical St. Mihiel offensive, but with more forces against a weaker opponent and driving into a gap. There are roads and rail to support the move, and, in conjunction with the 3 corps that the 5th army left to screen Verdun, the 6th army then could very well take part of the Meuse heights overlooking the Woevre plains that the advance would occur on. The French 3rd army is being pressed hard by the 5th army and won't have more forces to counter this move. Only the French 2nd army would be available and to do so would mean to leave the safety of their forts. Additionally, these are the forces that the 6th army just defeated in open battle in Alsace, so the moral factor is there too, as it can be psychologically tough to beat the force that just smashed you despite being outnumbered.

http://www.history.army.mil/books/wwii/lorraine/photos/maps/MapII.jpg
http://history.sandiego.edu/GEN/WW1Pics2/1919-156stmihiel.jpg

Even if the French 2nd army reorients to face the threat in time and the French 3rd army escapes, Verdun is going to be encircled, which is going to be a massive blow to the French, which will force them into counter attacks to relieve it regardless of the situation at the front. It will also leave about 2 corps of French infantry surrounded that the French 3rd army will have to write off. This would have massive implications to the Marne, as forces dedicated to that fight will have to be switched to deal with the situation on the the Meuse.

What is the community's thoughts? Could it succeed and what would the consequences be? Should I start another TL :D?
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