The Schlieffen Plan San Dieguito Union High School 施利芬计划圣迭吉托联合高中.pptVIP

The Schlieffen Plan Overview In 1914, Germany believed war with Russia was extremely likely.? If war broke out, Germany assumed France would also attack as she was both an ally of Russia and keen for revenge for her defeat in the Franco-Prussian war. Background The Germany Army Chief of Staff, Alfred von Schlieffen was asked to plan a way of preventing a war on two fronts. He believed that it was a priority to defeat France quickly, forcing them to surrender before Russia had a chance to mobilize her armed forces. Background In full knowledge of French defenses, Schlieffen proposed attacking France through Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg – the Benelux countries. Schlieffen planned to use 90% of German military forces to deliver a knock out blow to France. The remaining 10% would defend the eastern border of Germany against Russian attack Background (Don’t Write) Von Molkte replaced Von Schlieffen in 1906, and made some alterations to the plan. His version avoided invading Holland, instead concentrating attack through Belgium. According to Von Molke, the Belgium army would be unable to resist a powerful German military, and German forces would rapidly enter France Assumptions Russia would take at least 6 weeks to mobilize. Wrong!!! France would be easily defeated in 6 weeks. Wrong !!! Belgium would not resist any German attack. Wrong!!! Britain would remain neutral. Wrong !!! The Reality On 2nd August 1914, the German army invaded Luxembourg and Belgium according to the Schlieffen Plan. The Germans were held up by the Belgium army, backed up by the BEF (British Expeditionary Force) which arrived extremely quickly. The Reality Russia mobilized in just 10 days and Germany was forced to withdraw troops from the Schlieffen Plan to defend her eastern border. Germany did not take the chance to take Paris, instead decided to attack east of the capital.? They were met by French at the battle of the Marne (5-11 Sept) which halted the German advance. The Reality The