Joffre, Joseph Jacques Cesaire, ZHAWF ruh, zhaw ZEHF zhahk say ZEHR (1852-1931), commanded the French armies during the early part of World War I (1914-1918). Joffre's reputation grew when he defeated the Germans in the First Battle of the Marne in 1914. He was the first French general to defeat a German army in a major battle since Napoleon Bonaparte did so in the early 1800's. His victory ended Germany's hopes to defeat France quickly.