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the failed Schlieffen Plan (why did it fail? (plan relied on speed, speed…
the failed Schlieffen Plan
originally by Alfred von Schlieffen
chief of German Imperial Army
changed multiple times
von Moltke (the younger) makes changes
Germany to only invade Belgium, and not the Netherlands
defence or East Prussia more important to him
weakened right attack wing (Belgium) and made left win stronger
aim
ensure Germany would not end up in a war on two fronts
take into consideration new military factors since the 1970/71 war with France
Germany's diplomatic isolation
machine guns
heavy artillery
new communication
telephine
radio
national army sizes
compensate for the belief that German forces would be outnumbered 5 to 3
short successful war against France before Russians can become active
weak defending south wing protects Alsace-Lorraine while strong attacking north wing moves through Belgium (and the Netherlands initially) to fall into the back of the French army
disregards Belgian neutrality and sovereignty
forces Britain into the war
offensive
why did it fail?
not enough troops to achieve encirclement of Paris and drive remaining troops southwards
casualties could not easily be replaced
plan relied on speed, speed relies on transportation, transportation means trains
did not take into account train situation in Belgium
french and Belgians destroyed tracks
plan was inflexible, did not have an akternative
good communication was important
telegraphs and radios became scarce closer to the front
german officers many times acted without orders, they were trusted to know what to do
Bavarians refused to help protect Prussia
plan underestimated Russia's ability to mobilise