Schlieffen Plan

Definition

The Schlieffen Plan was a military strategy devised by German General Alfred von Schlieffen before World War I, aiming for a quick victory over France by invading through Belgium before turning east to fight Russia. This plan was intended to prevent a two-front war, capitalizing on Germany's ability to mobilize swiftly and decisively against its neighbors. However, the execution of the plan faced numerous challenges, leading to a prolonged conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Schlieffen Plan was based on the assumption that Russia would take longer to mobilize its forces compared to France, allowing Germany to defeat France first.
2. The plan required a rapid invasion of Belgium, which led to Britain entering the war due to its commitment to Belgian neutrality.
3. The initial stages of the Schlieffen Plan saw early successes for German forces, but logistical issues and strong resistance ultimately slowed their advance.
4. As German troops moved toward Paris, they were diverted to respond to the growing threat from Allied forces, particularly during the Battle of the Marne.
5. The failure of the Schlieffen Plan led Germany into a protracted trench warfare scenario on both fronts, significantly affecting the outcome of World War I.

Review Questions

• How did the Schlieffen Plan aim to avoid a two-front war for Germany?
  • The Schlieffen Plan aimed to avoid a two-front war by quickly defeating France before turning its full attention to Russia. By invading Belgium and launching a swift attack on Paris, German strategists believed they could secure a rapid victory over France, thus allowing them to redirect their forces against Russia, which they assumed would take longer to mobilize. This strategy was crucial in Germany's military planning at the outset of World War I.
• What were some key factors that led to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan during World War I?
  • Key factors leading to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan included logistical challenges faced by German troops as they advanced through Belgium and into France. Additionally, unexpected resistance from Belgian and Allied forces delayed German progress significantly. The pivotal Battle of the Marne exemplified this failure; it resulted in a strong counteroffensive by Allied forces that halted German advances and forced them into trench warfare. This shift altered the course of the war and rendered the original plan obsolete.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Schlieffen Plan's failure on World War I and its aftermath in Europe.
  • The failure of the Schlieffen Plan had profound long-term impacts on World War I and reshaped European geopolitics. As Germany became entrenched in a grueling two-front war, it faced immense resource strains and high casualties, leading to disillusionment within its ranks. The stalemate contributed to the rise of trench warfare, dramatically changing military tactics. In terms of aftermath, this failure set the stage for post-war grievances in Germany that fueled nationalistic fervor, contributing directly to political instability and ultimately paving the way for World War II.

Related terms

Two-Front War: A military situation in which a country must fight against opponents on two different fronts or borders simultaneously, complicating its strategic and logistical capabilities.

Alfred von Schlieffen: A German field marshal and chief of the General Staff who developed the Schlieffen Plan as a response to the perceived threat of a simultaneous conflict with France and Russia.

Battle of the Marne: A significant battle fought in September 1914 during World War I, where Allied forces halted the German advance into France, effectively marking the failure of the Schlieffen Plan.