Schlieffen Plan

Definition

The Schlieffen Plan was a military strategy devised by Germany prior to World War I, aimed at quickly defeating France and then turning to fight Russia. This plan was based on the assumption that Russia would be slow to mobilize its forces, allowing Germany to secure a swift victory in the West before facing the Eastern front. Its execution in 1914 played a crucial role in the early stages of the war, influencing both military tactics and the geopolitical landscape of Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Schlieffen Plan was formulated by General Count Alfred von Schlieffen in 1905 and aimed to avoid a two-front war against France and Russia.
2. The plan called for a rapid advance through Belgium to outflank French defenses and capture Paris within six weeks.
3. Despite initial successes, the plan failed due to unexpected resistance from Belgian forces and the rapid mobilization of British and French troops.
4. The failure of the Schlieffen Plan led to a prolonged stalemate on the Western Front, resulting in trench warfare that defined much of World War I.
5. Germany's invasion of Belgium as part of the Schlieffen Plan brought Britain into the war due to its obligation to defend Belgian neutrality.

Review Questions

• What were the main objectives of the Schlieffen Plan and how did it influence Germany's early actions in World War I?
  • The main objective of the Schlieffen Plan was to quickly defeat France by invading through Belgium, thereby avoiding a prolonged two-front war with Russia. The plan heavily influenced Germany's early actions by prioritizing a swift victory in the West. However, it led to unexpected complications, such as strong Belgian resistance and faster-than-anticipated mobilization of Allied forces, ultimately altering the course of military engagements.
• Evaluate the reasons for the failure of the Schlieffen Plan during its implementation in 1914.
  • The failure of the Schlieffen Plan can be attributed to several factors, including underestimating Belgium's resistance, logistical challenges in maintaining supply lines, and overestimating the time required for Russia to mobilize. As German forces encountered fierce opposition in Belgium, they lost precious time which allowed Allied forces to regroup. Additionally, Britain’s entry into the war further complicated Germany's strategy, leading to a shift from rapid movement to entrenched positions on the Western Front.
• Analyze how the implications of the Schlieffen Plan shaped the overall conduct and outcome of World War I.
  • The implications of the Schlieffen Plan significantly shaped World War I's conduct by leading to a protracted conflict characterized by trench warfare on the Western Front. The initial German strategy aimed at a quick victory instead resulted in a stalemate that lasted for years. This shift not only drained resources but also contributed to widespread disillusionment with military leadership among both soldiers and civilians. Ultimately, these factors influenced political dynamics within Germany and affected alliances among nations throughout the war.

Related terms

Western Front: The main theater of war during World War I, characterized by trench warfare and significant battles between the Allies and Central Powers.

Mobilization: The process of assembling and preparing military forces for active service, crucial for executing war plans like the Schlieffen Plan.

Trench Warfare: A type of land warfare where troops are stationed in deep trenches, leading to a stalemate and high casualties, particularly prevalent on the Western Front.