Which tactic was used to thwart potential german counterattacks?

Due the probability of a German counterattack, the Westen Allies engaged into an initial defensive against any likely invasion by creating a system of fortresses on the frontier but also leaving gaps to be able to canalize any German attack; one of those offensives around 1914 in WWI was called "The First Battle of the Marne", resulted in a victory for the Allies.

in 32-page handwritten address, washington urged americans to avoid excessive political party spirit and geographical distinctions, in foreign affairs he warned against long-term alliances with other nations. the address was printed in philladelphia's american daily advertiser on september 19, 1796

the answer to fill in the blank in this question would be the word resource, it is defined as the money, material or people (since human resource is a very valuable good) that a company or a person has at disposition (meaning they can use the resource as they see fit), to be able to complete a task or achieve a goal.