key term - Germany's initial plan

Definition

Germany's initial plan, commonly known as the Schlieffen Plan, was a military strategy devised in the early 20th century aimed at quickly defeating France and then redirecting forces to the eastern front against Russia during World War I. This plan was predicated on the assumption that Russia would take longer to mobilize its army, allowing Germany to secure a swift victory in the west before turning to confront the larger Russian forces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Schlieffen Plan relied on rapid movement and surprise, aiming for a quick knockout blow against France to prevent a prolonged conflict.
2. The plan underestimated the logistical challenges of moving large armies and the speed of Russian mobilization, leading to delays in executing the strategy.
3. Germany's invasion of Belgium as part of the plan drew Britain into the war due to treaty obligations, expanding the conflict beyond Germany's expectations.
4. As German forces advanced into France, they faced stronger resistance than anticipated, which caused delays and forced a shift to trench warfare.
5. Ultimately, Germany's failure to achieve a swift victory through the Schlieffen Plan contributed significantly to the protracted nature of World War I.

Review Questions

• How did Germany's initial plan aim to address the threat of a two-front war?
  • Germany's initial plan was designed specifically to avoid a two-front war by quickly defeating France before turning its attention to Russia. The Schlieffen Plan envisioned a rapid invasion through Belgium to capture Paris and secure victory in the west. By neutralizing France swiftly, Germany aimed to free up resources and troops for deployment against Russian forces, which were expected to mobilize more slowly.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Germany's initial plan during the early stages of World War I and its impact on the course of the conflict.
  • Germany's initial plan proved largely ineffective due to unforeseen logistical challenges and stronger-than-expected resistance from both Belgium and France. The slow mobilization of Russian forces turned out to be quicker than anticipated, leading to a two-front war despite Germany's original strategy. The failure of the Schlieffen Plan not only resulted in an extended stalemate on the Western Front but also forced Germany into trench warfare, significantly altering the dynamics of World War I.
• Assess how Germany's initial plan influenced alliances and international relations during World War I.
  • Germany's initial plan had profound implications for alliances and international relations during World War I. The invasion of Belgium not only violated Belgian neutrality but also triggered Britain's entry into the war due to their treaty obligations with Belgium. This shift altered existing alliances, drawing more countries into the conflict as nations reacted to perceived aggression. The failure of the Schlieffen Plan thus not only changed military strategies but also reshaped alliances and rivalries throughout the war, contributing to an increasingly complex international landscape.

Related terms

Schlieffen Plan:

The strategic military plan developed by General Count Alfred von Schlieffen, focusing on a rapid invasion of France through Belgium to avoid a two-front war.

Two-front War: A conflict in which a nation must fight against enemies on two different sides or fronts, which Germany sought to avoid with its initial strategy in World War I.

Mobilization:

The process of assembling troops and supplies for war, which was a critical factor in the effectiveness of Germany's initial plan and its reliance on rapid action.