Nature of WW1

Question 1

Describe the Schlieffen Plan:

Answer 1

Invading France through the ‘Low countries’ and defeating Paris quickly, then turning efforts on Russia, avoiding a war on 2 fronts

Question 2

Why did the Schlieffen Plan fail?

Answer 2

It took longer to get through Belgium than expected, allowing time for Russia to mobilise; they expected to take Paris in 6 weeks; the entrance of the BEF; after the B.O. the Marne the Western front turned to stalemate

Question 3

How many German troops had to be diverted to Prussia after the Russians mobilised quicker than expected in 1914?

Answer 3

250k; this is a factor in the failure of the Schlieffen Plan

Question 4

When and why was the Hindenburg line formed?

Answer 4

The Germans couldn’t afford another offensive like the Somme; 1916

Question 5

In what battle were chemical gas weapons first used significantly?

Answer 5

Loos/ Ypres 1915