The Schlieffen Plan Flashcards
What was the primary objective of the Schlieffen Plan?
To quickly destroy one opponent in order to concentrate forces on the other.
Who designed the Schlieffen Plan?
Count Alfred Von Schlieffen.
What was Germany’s initial strategy in World War I according to the Schlieffen Plan?
Hit France first, knock it out, and then hit Russia.
On what date did the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) enter France?
23rd August.
How long had the war been going when the BEF entered France?
Over 1 week.
What was the strength of the BEF compared to the German forces?
70,000 BEF opposed to 160,000 Germans.
What was the artillery advantage of the Germans over the BEF?
600 German guns against 200 BEF guns.
What was the outcome of the initial engagement between the BEF and German forces?
The BEF had to retreat and dig in.
Where was the German advance halted in September 1914?
At the River Marne.
What unconventional means were used to rush reinforcements to the front?
Buses and taxis.
What were the casualty figures for the French and the BEF at the River Marne?
French - 250,000 losses; BEF - 12,783 casualties.
What areas experienced fierce fighting during World War I as mentioned?
- Albert
- Arras
- Ypres
What was the state of the experienced professional soldiers of the BEF after the initial battles?
Nearly all killed or wounded.
What geographic feature characterized the landscape where the fighting took place?
Flat land, apart from a few small hills.
Who in Britain began to ask for volunteers to fight?
Kitchever.
What were the inaccurate assumptions made by Germany regarding Belgium and Russia?
The assumptions contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan.
True or False: The Schlieffen Plan was successful in achieving its objectives.
False.
Fill in the blank: The Schlieffen Plan was halted at the River _______.
Marne.
