Schleiffen Plan Flashcards
(13 cards)
What was the name of the plan created by the Germans after the Franco-Russian Alliance in 1892?
The Schlieffen Plan
In honour of General Count Alfred von Schlieffen, head of the German Army.
Why did Schlieffen not want to fight France and Russia at the same time?
To avoid splitting his army in two and sending half to the west and half to the east. (Avoid a war on 2 fronts)
Which country did Schlieffen decide should be the first to be attacked? Why?
France. Russia would take a while to assemble its troops - thereby, allowing Germany to defeat France first.
What slowed down the Germans in Belgium?
The Belgians’ fierce resistance and the series of huge stone forts equipped with powerful guns.
What forced the Germans to abandon their plan of sweeping around Paris?
The delay caused by the Belgian resistance and the British Expeditionary Force at Mons.
What logistical issues did the German army face during the war?
Marching too quickly, leading to exhaustion, and shortages of food, water, and ammunition.
How did the plan explain German soldiers would enter France?
The plan involved German soldiers entering France through its more lightly defended northern regions.
How would most troops invade France?
Invade France by marching through Belgium and Luxembourg first.
What did Schlieffen assume about the French troops?
Schlieffen assumed that the French would not expect an attack through Belgium and Luxembourg and that most French troops would be positioned on the German border.
What did the Schlieffen Plan predict would happen to the French?
The Schlieffen Plan predicted that Paris could be taken, and the French defeated in around 40 days, giving the Germans plenty of time to turn their forces around and attack the Russians.
How long did the Schlieffen Plan rely on the Russians taking to get their armies ready to fight?
The Schlieffen Plan relied on the Russians taking around six weeks to get their armies ready to fight (they assumed this since the Russians lacked roads and railways to transport their troops).
What happened in response to the Russian threat?
In response to the Russian threat, the Germans ordered around 100,000 soldiers to leave the war in France and take on the Russians. The war was now happening ON TWO FRONTS.
What became known as the Battle of the Marne?
The British and French stopped the German advance and forced the Germans to retreat to the River Aisne. This became known as the Battle of the Marne.
