WW1 - The Schlieffen Plan PDF

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The Schlieffen Plan 1. What was the Schlieffen Plan? The Schlieffen Plan was the operational plan for a designated attack on France once Russia, in response to international tension, had started to mobilise her forces near the German border. The plan included: A devastating attack on France via Belgium as soon as Russia had announced her intention to mobilise. A holding operation on the Russian/German border to be carried out if necessary and if required. Germany had 6 weeks to defeat France. Germany would then use her modernised rail system to move troops from the French operation to the Russian front. Russia would then be attacked and defeated. 2. What actually happened when the plan was put into place The nature of the rapid advance into France created its own problems. The speed of the German advance placed great strain on its troops, most of whom were travelling on foot. They were fatigued, battle-weary from marching, plus many small but frequent engagements along the way. There was also considerable strain on long German supply lines. The Schlieffen Plan also under-estimated the military, infrastructure and capacity for mobilisation of both France and Russia. On the Eastern Front, the Russians were able to launch an offensive against Germany faster than anticipated. The French also organised and moved their own troops rapidly. 3. Why the plan failed The actions of Russia determined when Germany would have to start her attack on France even if she was ready or not. It assumed that:    

Russia would need six weeks to mobilise. That Germany would defeat France in less than six weeks. Belgium would not resist any German attack. Britain would remain neutral.

These points did not swing in the favour of Germany as the Schlieffen Plan was implemented, and thus led to the failure of the plan. 4. The consequences of the failure of the Schlieffen Plan Due to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, the German hopes of a swift and decisive victory had been frustrated. The German Army had not been beaten, but however, was forced to retreat. Furthermore, the building of trenches between the North Sea to the Swiss Frontier ended all hope of a short war....