Schlieffen Plan
Mobilization through Europe
9 years in the making
The Schlieffen Plan was the name given to understand the designed German invasion of France and Russia on August 4, 1914. The plan started to be in the making around 1905 and was used in 1914. The plan was to defeat France in 6 weeks but Germany lost in 40 days. Different countries had different roles, transportation, technology and responsibilities.
The Schlieffen plan is named after chief of the imperial German staff Alfred Von Schlieffen the person who created it, he came up with a formation plan to win the war for Germany. All orders were directed by him until he died.
Schlieffen Plan (2m)
The plan was to:
- First defend attacks from Russia by setting lines of troop on the Russia/Germany border and secure the east side
- Send troops to sweep Belgium and hold down the west front France/Germany border
- Surprise attack which pushed toward the middle of France which was Paris
- Schlieffen hoped Britain would not join the war when he did this
- Germany had 6 weeks to execute this plan and then send troops to Russia on the railway system for war
Weapons used
Rifles (during World War 1, all nations used more than one type of firearm)
Machine guns
Flamethrowers
Mortars
Artillery
Poison gas
Hand tacticals and grenades
- Military knives
Technology
- Railroad lines to transport troops weapons and other supplies
- Telephone
- Radio
- Ships
- planes
- poison gas
- Tanks
- Cars
Transportation
Germany had 5000 cars, 1.4 million horses and railroads were used to transport troops, artillery and other supplies across Europe for the war. A lot of troops also marched together. Huge troops being transported were disrupted by enemies.
Countries involved:
- Russia
- Germany
- France
- Britain
- Belgium
The Schlieffen plan was originally made to ensure Germany’s victory in a two front-war or to prevent this war against France and Russia. It was also made to respond to the nationalism and imperialism in Europe. To protect Germany and make it win. Fight back before a two or three front war by France, Germany and or Britain. To win over the western front in 6 weeks then move to defeat the eastern front. Germany's plan backfired.
40 days
Battles were mostly fought in trenches. Battles were fought in Russia,Belgium, and France. 17,700 people died in Belgium. Germany lost the war at France they lost the west front and didn't even get close to the east.
Canada
Canada did not have a really big role but the events after Schlieffen plan Canada had huge parts in and were recognized for them. Canada sent troops to support the allied forces. The CEF sent troops after and for other battles that followed out the Schlieffen plan
Why it failed
- It failed because of poor communication and lack of understanding at the battle of Marne
- Changes to the plan by Moltke
- Alfred Von Schlieffen died before the plan was executed
- German troops weren't as fast and trained as the french
- Withdrawal of German troops
- More German causalities that could not be replaced
- Transportation mess/Inflexibility
- More french troops which lead to more threats
- Not being 100% successful and losing to France
- Britain helped France noone came to help Germany
- France defended well with all their troops, power and tactics
We hope you payed attention and learned more about the Schlieffen Plan!