Part 2: The first world war, stalemate Flashcards
Who was the creator of the schlieffen plan?
General count alfred von schlieffen, head of german army.
What was the schlieffen plan?
Germany would invade france by marching through the smaller nations of Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands first and defeat them before turning to russia and attacking them ( as it was assumed that russia would take several weeks to prepare for war.) This could mean germany could tackle their problem of “war on both fronts”
Why was the schlieffen plan needed?
In 1892, France and Russia signed a deal to help eachother out if either was attacked. This was problem for Germany as it ment that if they went to war with one of these countries, the other would declare war on Germany too- leaving Germany to tackle a “war on both fronts”, as the country was sandwiched between France and Russia. The plan was made in order to prevent splitting the German army in half, and fighting two wars at once.
What were Schlieffens hopes after Germany had successfully invaded france?
To sweep south- west and towards paris, take paris, the French would then be outflanked, and the Germans could turn to Russia.
What where the problems with the schlieffen plan?
1.It was assumed Russia would take at least 6 weeks to prepare an army. What if they prepared quickly? Or France took longer to defeat?
2. In 1839, Britain had signed a treaty to protect Belgium. Would Britain honor this 75 year old deal? And what if Belgium put up more resistance than expected?
3. It technically made war on two fronts more likely. What if france decided not to help Russia? The plan ensured that France would be attacked.
Who adapted the original plan and why?
It was adapted in 1906 by General von Moltke, because many generals felt it was too risky. The Netherlands were scrapped and the amount of troops reduced.
What were the problems in the plan?
1.B. appearing a-lot more difficult ti defeat, using large, stone forts equipped with powerful guns to protect themselves.
2.The germans faces the British Expeditionary force, who pinned down a large number of troops at mons.
3.The delay cased the Germans to scrap their plan of sweeping Paris. Supplies of food, water and ammo could not keep up, the German Troops already exhausted after only a few weeks of war.
4. The russains only took 10 days to get their armies on the march towards Germany and Austria-Hungary. In response, 100,000 German soldiers left France to take on Russia. This also slowed down the advancement and Germany was officially fighting what they had been avoiding, war on two fronts.
How many divisions were moved to fight russian forces?
11
How did the Germans march into the Marne?
Instead of surrounding Paris, the remain Germans marched into the Valley of the river Marne, which gave the French and British the opportunity to attack.
When did the attacks begin?
On 6th September, The British and french ( under general Joffre) attacked from the West, forcing Von Kluck to stop his advance and turn westwards to meet the attack. A 50 kilometre gap was created between Klucks 1st army and the 2nd army.
Why did the Germans retreat?
Because the British troops began ti advance into the gap between the German armies, forcing a German retreat. The french and British continued to advance until they forced the Germans to retreat to the River Aisne.
How many people were injured/ killed?
Over half a million.
