Reason: Intimidation and Fear

In 1914, Germany believed war with Russia was extremely likely. If war broke out, Germany assumed France would also attack as she was both an ally of Russia and keen for revenge for her defeat in the Franco-Prussian war. If this happened, Germany would face a war on two fronts. Germany wanted to avoid this at all costs.

What was the Schlieffen plan?

In 1905, 9 years before the start of World War 1,Alfred Graf Von Schlieffen devised a plan for the invasion of France through Belgium, Holland and Luxemburg. This became known as the "Schlieffen plan".

Germanys Problem:

Germany has to fight a two front (Western and Eastern) war against France and Russia, who are both allies

Men behind the plan

Alfred von Schlieffen Moltke

Schlieffens plan and tactics

He proposed attacking France through Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg.He planned to use 90% of German military forces to deliver a knock out blow to France. The remaining 10% would defend the eastern border of Germany against Russian attack. It was developed in 1905 and revised from time to time. It was also called the 'Hammer Plan'.

Helmuth von Molke

When Schlieffen died, he replaced him. He changed the plan a little. His version avoided invading Holland, instead concentrating attack through Belgium. According to him, the Belgium army would be unable to resist a powerful German military, and German forces would rapidly enter France.

Assumptions by Germans

Russia would take at least 6 weeks to mobilise. France would be easily defeated in 6 weeks. Belgium would not resist any German attack. Britain would remain neutral.

How it was to work

A devastating attack on France via Belgium as soon as Russia had announced her intention to mobilize. Germany had 6 weeks to defeat France. Germany would then use her modernized rail system to move troops from the French operation to the Russian front. Russia would then be attacked and defeated. And Germany would WIN!!!

Reality!

On 2nd August 1914, the Schlieffen Plan was put into operation when the German Army invaded Luxembourg and Belgium. However, the Germans were held up by the Belgian Army and with the help of British Expeditionary Force. Russia mobilised in just 10 days and Germany was forced to withdraw troops from the Schlieffen Plan to defend her eastern border.

Germany did not take the chance to take Paris, instead decided to attack east of the capital. They were met by French at the battle of the Marne (5-11 Sept) which halted the German advance.

Why the War failed

Belgian resistance The effectiveness of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) The speed of Russian mobilization The French railway system Moltke's changes to the plan German underestimation of the British-Belgian alliance

LESSON LEARNT !!!

Connection with WWI

The plan helped cause the war because it immediately broadened the conflict between Russia and Germany by bringing in France. Additionally, the invasion of the low countries helped bring Britain into the war by threatening something that they saw as a national interest (the low countries).

Bibliography

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWsch lieffenP.htm http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/gcselinks/wars/f irstwwlinks/schlieffen_summary.html http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/schlieffen_ plan.htm http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/concepts_s chlieffen.html