The Schlieffen Plan Flashcards
What was the Schlieffen Plan?
The Schlieffen Plan established that in case of the outbreak of war, Germany would attack France first and then Russia
Why theoretically could the Schlieffen plan work?
It may work because the Russians have lots of space while the French don’t, so if the Germans push the Russians back they can easily attack France who have know where to run
Why was an attack on Belgium necessary for the Germans?
The attack on Belgium was necessary because of the borders on Frances out skirts. It was either that they went through Belgium to get to France or Switzerland, which happened in 1870 and failed.
What was the French Plan?
The French “Plan 17” was a plan involving the French going through Mainz to get to Berlin. The Belgian frontier, from Hirson to the sea, was left undefeated while the French deployed 5 armies to Alsace as they didn’t think the Germans could sustain themselves
Why might the Schlieffen plan fail?
Belgian Army puts up resistance, reliant on France responding slowly, Russia mobilises quicker than anticipated, Germanys army too weak, Relying on Britain to not get involved, poor transport links, lose allies and soldiers
Why did the Schlieffen plan fail
Poor transport links, having to travel 300 miles in 25 days
Actions of the Belgians, held up good fight and slowed through plan down
Actions of the BEF, the troops were lots better and described as machine guns
Russian mobilisation, they mobilised in 10 days instead of a estimated 6 weeks
The Schlieffen plan itself, was weak, built for speed, and due to having to travel so far there troops were tired
