The Great War

1. The Great War Who? What? Where? When? Why?

2. Video Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XPZQ0LAlR4crash course history

3. Timeline leading up to WW1 1870 - Franco-Prussian War begins 1871 - Prussian Empire is unified under the context of German control • Prussian Empire defeats the French Army - Treaty of Frankfurt signed • Alsace and Lorraine ceded to the Germans - French are humiliated 1873 - German occupation of France ends 1882 - Germany, Austro-Hungary, and Italy form the Triple Alliance 1891 - France and Russia answer the Triple Alliance with an Alliance of their own • Would serve as the basis for the Triple Entente 1898 - Arms race between the English and German Empires begins to become prevalent 1902 - British/Japanese naval alliance created 1904 - France and Britain sign a reactionary alliance • You hurt them, I’ll hurt you - Triple Entente formed

4. Timeline leading up to WW1 • 1905, Jan. - Bloody Sunday occurs in Russia - Revolution is at their doorstep • 1905, May - Russia defeated in Russo-Japanese War • 1905, Oct. - Continued tension in Russia - general strikes • 1906 - British launch the H.M.S. Dreadnought • This signifies the beginning of a new type of military capacity in regards to weaponry • 1908 - Austro-Hungary annexes Bosnia - ethnic Serbs not happy • 1910 - German Empire becomes on of the leading economic powers in Europe • 1912 - Balkan War (Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria versus Turks) begins • 1913 - Turks are pushed out of Europe, but Bulgaria wishes for a bigger share of the area and a second Balkan war begins • 1914 - Franz Ferdinand (Austrian Archduke), not the band, is murdered • This is the event that leads to the Great War • So many alliances had been created for preventative measures that almost the entirety of Europe became involved in a matter of days

5. Introduction The events leading to the outbreak of war had deep roots in European history. There had not been a large-scale European war for over one hundred years, but many small problems were slowly becoming major issues. Many of these problems were used later to blame one country or another for the outbreak of war. Examinations of these problems provide important clues about the political and military situation that developed in 1914. Germany Germany was a relatively new country at the outbreak of the Great War. In fact, Germany was only 50 years old by 1914. Before Germany unified, it was made up of a large number of small states. Each of the states was independent and had its own ruler. The largest and most powerful of these states was Prussia. Under to guidance of the Chancellor, Otto Von Bismarck, a Prussian Aristocrat and politician there was the dream of a unified German state. Under his leadership the dream became a reality. Bismarck was able to blend diplomacy, a tough foreign policy, and two wars to create Germany. He successfully conducted two wars in his efforts to unify Germany. The first conflict was the Seven Weeks War (1866) against Austria-Hungary, to establish Prussian domination in the affairs of all German-speaking areas of Europe. The second war was the Franco-Prussian War (1870), which made Prussia the leader of the German states.At the end of the Franco-Prussian War, a number of events occurred that provided clues to later problems in European history. First, Germany was declared a nation under the rule of Prussian kings. The announcement took place inside the Palace of Versailles, just outside of Paris. This was a tremendous insult to the people of France. Second, the newly formed Germany forced France to pay for the cost of the war. The idea was to cripple the economy of France so that they could not use the money to rebuild her army. Bismarck thought limiting the military threat to his new country was a good idea. In addition to the huge sums of money, Germany also claimed two French provinces, Alsace and Lorraine. This led to very bitter feelings between France and Germany. They were to fester for many years. With the unification of Germany now complete, Otto Von Bismarck turned his attention to ensuring its future. He believed that Germany needed strong allies to help protect his new land. Furthermore, he would need to take steps to weaken France, which he believed to be the greatest threat to Germany. 

6. A Review of the 19th Century • The 19th century saw European countries experiencing great change. • New innovations and inventions (including transportation and weaponry) led to growing industrialism----The Industrial Revolution. • Nations also competed to establish overseas empires. These empires would act more as a status symbol. • “Pride, not profit, was their motive” is building their empires. • European powers expanded their colonial interests and influence into Africa, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. • The 19th century also saw the unification of Italy (1871) and Germany (1871).----Nationalism (a belief in nation) • Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of Prussia, was determined to unite the German peoples through “blood and iron”. • Bismarck challenged or tricked into war those countries that stood in the way of German Unification. In doing so, he opened up a wound which would play a part in causing WWI. • The Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 involved Prussia (soon to be Germany) taking possession of a part of France called Alsace-Lorraine. The French would not soon forget this humiliation...

7. Prelude to War The Road to War • The Road to war - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnkVVyru3KY

8. Background Time! Franco- Prussian War - 1870-1871 • Leading up to this war the process of German unification was taking place • Prussia, Saxony, Bavaria, Baden - these states became “Germany” in 1871 • Cause:Leopold, the Prince in Prussia, put his name forward to become the monarch of Spain • Spain was in political turmoil and there was a vacancy in their monarchy • France was scared of the idea of a Spanish-Prussian alliance, which would leave them surrounded and vulnerable • They wanted to attempt to embarrass the Prussian Empire to delegitimize their candidacy for the Spanish throne • Result: The French lost • In an attempt to de-legitimize the Prussian Empire they actually allowed them to complete their unification of Germany, lost control of Alsace-Lorraine, and were under German occupation until 1873 • How do you think the French felt after this defeat?

9. Austro-Hungary: The Annexation of Bosnia • In October of 1908, the Austro-Hungarian Empire seized control of Bosnia • Many ethnic Serbians lived in Bosnia, thus were unhappy with this forceful annexation • At the same time, Bulgaria proclaimed independence from the Ottoman Empire • These events were not connected, but Bulgaria’s claim to independence from the Ottoman Empire violated parts of the Berlin Treaty from 1878.

10. Austro-Hungary: The Annexation of Bosnia • Serbia, which controlled the Bosnian area 600 years before, still had a yearning for the area, thus tensions grew. • The Annexation of Bosnia was the result of larger empires adhering to their own personal whims. • Colonialism did not die until the mid 1950’s, thus many countries were still taking advantage of countries and ethnic groups that were “lesser” • This applied all over the world including: African nations, Asia, and South Eastern Europe. • The most important aspect of the annexation of Bosnia and the independence declaration of Bulgaria is the political instability that it created in the Balkan Region

11. The Balkan War(s): 1912-1913 • Serbia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Greece wish to emulate nations similar to their north western counterparts. To do this they had to cast away Ottoman influence. • The Balkan League was created in 1912, consisting of Serbians, Greeks, Bulgarians, and Montenegrins • This loose amalgamation of nationalities were able to defeat the Ottoman Empire and push their influence back into Asia Minor (Turkey). • After, the Balkan league needed to divide up the new territory that they had gained • This did not go well, the result being the destruction of the Balkan League and Bulgaria fighting against Serbia, Greece, and Montenegro. • These two wars just furthered the political tension of the area, leading up to the “Great War” that began in 1914 • This political landscape filled with ethnic disagreements, arbitrary border creations, and overall frustrations with one another led to Europe resembling a pile of dynamite with a short, short, short fuse, thus leading to the nickname “The Powder Keg of Europe”

12. Militarism - The most prominent transition between the 19th and 20th centuries is the advent of militarization • Having a local militia was always key to defend your town, kingdom, barn, swamp, or what have you, but having a well-kempt military that was employed year round was a rarity • This began in the late 18th/ early 19th century • By the beginning of the 20th century it was not enough to have a year round military, but to have the “strongest” military • An arms race began between European powers • Britain and Germany were the two that came out on top • Imagine that you are in a room with ten other people and you are arguing about who gets to control each piece of the room. Obviously the “borders” are completely imaginary and arbitrary, but then someone tosses a gun into the room. How would the room feel?

13. What is Nationalism • You will have 20 minutes to read this handout and answer questions a-g

14. Nationalism: My country is better than yours, guy... • Before WWI many wars were fought in the name of colonialist expansion, religious ideals, and border disputes of regional territories • People fought for their kings and religions, not for their country • At this point in history Nationalism took hold • People wanted to have independence within a nation • Austro-Hungary was of the Old Order, thus did not foster independence within its dual monarchy • This can explain the hot bed that was in the Balkans • Serbia, Montenegro, and Bulgaria were under constant oppression from the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empire's leading to their desire for independence • The central powers of WWI also used the idea of “Country” as a way to recruit soldiers

15. The Road to Total War • What does Nationalism and Imperialism do? : • causes a growth in “nations” and a strong belief in the nation itself. • Germany unites and attempts to rival Britain’s naval power....an “arms race” results. • France harbours a deep hatred for Germany as a • result of their defeat and humiliation in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. • Colonial rivalries result in a growing hatred between rival nations.

16. Sources of Tension • the Congress of Vienna (1815) set out a peace settlement that lasted almost 100 years. • deep seated rivalries however threatened this peace. Mistrust and hatred developed that would eventually lead to Total War. • 1) Nationalism • 2) Alsace-Lorraine • 3) Military build-up • 4) Triple Alliance • 5) Triple Entente

17. 1) Nationalism • (a belief in nation. A nation refers to people sharing a common language, customs, religion etc.) • Nationalism often developed out of empires. • Britain’s colonial empire remained quite strong. • The Austro-Hungarian Empire was referred to as the “mad house of Europe”. The reason it was called this is because it included many different ethnic groups seeking independence. • The Ottoman Empire was referred to as the “sick man of Europe” because it was on the brink of collapse. • -Nationalism was also a major source of tension between France and Germany. • ie) Morocco- These two countries almost went to war over Morocco in 1905. Morocco was a French colony but Germany stated that it would support an independent Morocco, thus ticking off the French. In 1911, the French used Moroccan riots as an excuse to send in the troops. Germany responded by sending a warship to the Port of Agadir. Germany agreed to give up it’s claim on Morocco in exchange for the French Congo. War was averted by British mediation, however because of Germany’s increased aggressiveness, anti-German sentiment rose in Britain and France.

18. 2) Alsace-Lorraine • The French bitterly resented their loss in the Franco-Prussian War, and they were anxious for revenge. • They were anxious to regain Alsace-Lorraine, however the Germans were determined to keep it. • Italy, not exactly a powerhouse, was attempting to increase it’s status and were eager to gain territories from the nearby Austro-Hungarian Empire.

19. 3) Military build up • With the increase in tensions, nations of Europe took steps to prepare for war. • Military expenditures rose 300% in Europe between the years of 1870 and 1914. • Some nations promoted militarism (a belief in the value of a strong military) and put officers in powerful governmental positions. • Probably the most notable rivalry was the naval race between Germany and Britain. • In 1898, Germany undertook a major naval build up campaign in order to match the might of Great Britain on the seas. • As a result, Britain responded to this impending threat to her superiority on the seas by increasing naval spending. Tension rose between these two powers. • Armies also expanded in size. Two examples of this included: • France- The French introduced 2-3 year mandatory military service. • Russia- doubled their military spending between 900-1914. • War was becoming increasingly inevitable.....

20. The Great Powers of Old Europe handout • Read the following handouts on • 1. Great Britain • 2. Germany • 3. Russia • 4. Austria-Hungary • 5. France • QUIZ #1 tomorrow!!!! 15 matching

21. 4) The Triple Alliance • Not only did Europe’s powers build militarily, but they also sought out allies in case war did break out. • German Chancellor Bismarck arranged several alliances with other European powers, his goal being to isolate France so that it could not take revenge on Germany. • The alliances are as follows: • 1879 - with Austria-Hungary • 1881- “The Three Emperors League” was created which was a secret agreement between Germany, A/H, and Russia. • 1882- The Triple Alliance was created. This saw Italy join the Germany-A/H Alliance. • A crisis in the Balkans (modern day Yugoslavia) led to tension between Germany and Russia, but Bismarck reached out for friendship. The Reinsurance Treaty (1887) was signed between Russia and Germany to end the crisis. • Otto von Bismarck -> With these moves and secret alliances, Bismarck has successfully isolated France on the European continent.

22. 5) The Triple Entente (French for “friendship”) • when Germany made alliances, France also sought allies. • Kaiser Wilhelm II removed Bismarck from office in Germany. He wanted to conduct his own foreign policy. • After dismissing Bismarck, he proceeded to let the Reinsurance Treaty of 1887 die. • France seizes the opportunity and allies with Russia. Russia accepts because it is at odds with Austria-Hungary and is worried about German power. • France and Russia sign a pact agreeing to help if either are attacked. • Britain, meanwhile, stayed out of the alliances. However, Germany’s increasing power caused the Brits to look for allies. • In 1904, the “Entente Cordial” is signed between Britain and France. It settles colonial issues, yet France sees it as a major triumph. • In 1907, Britain and Russia sign an agreement, and the Triple Entente is complete. • The Alliance system increased the chance of war because if two countries started to fight, countless others would join in because of their secret alliances.

23. World War I and the Destruction of the Old Order handouts • Read the following handouts: • 1. Bismarck’s System of Alliances • 2. Creation of the Dual Alliance • 3. German Fears of a Two Front War • 4. The Final Picture of Bismarck’s System of Alliances- Reinsurance Treaty of 1881 - The Triple Alliance 1882 • 5. Europe After Bismarck • 6. Delasse and the Anglo-French Agreement • 7. Delasse and the Formation of the Triple Entente 1907 • 8. SECTION 6- The Alliance System

24. Europe Prior to WWI: Alliances and Enemies 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f11CKYB2FCA - Alliances and Enemies 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYrofaDfMKI – Tinderbox Europe 3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmHxq28440c – A Shot that Changed the World

25. Outbreak of WWI- How Europe Spiraled into the Great War 1) Prelude to war - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB2vhKMBjSxMMg8xHeY2K-0ap9srI_zx7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7kp3vf1uKA - Origins of WWI part 1 3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjlGoe1mnw0 – Origins of WWI part 2

26. The Alliances • 50 years before WWI the likes and dislikes of the Euopean powers were very different than those of 1914. * Britain, for example, had no ties with other countries and instead concentrated on building up her empire. * the Emperors of Germany, Austria and Russia were already tied together by an agreement called “The Three Emperors League” * France had very few friends as was still licking her wounds after her defeat in the Franco-Prussian War These likes and dislikes began to change in 1879 when Germany quarreled with Russia. To get protection against a possible Russian Attack, Germany agreed with Austria that each would help the other if either of them were attacked Thus the DUAL ALLIANCE 1879- Germany/Austria was born (agreement #1)

27. Three years later, Italy joined the DUAL ALLIANCE making it the TRIPLE ALLIANCE. • Agreement #2 – THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE, 1882- Germany/Austria/Italy • This three way friendship worried France and Russia, who both feared they could be attacked and beaten by three powerful countries acting together. Their fears led to a third alliance in 1892 when France and Russia agreed to help each other if either were attacked • Agreement #3- THE FRANCO-RUSSIAN ALLIANCE, 1892- France/Russia • For awhile, these alliances calmed the fears of both countries • Now it was Britain’s turn to become worried. As you know, Britain had been concentrating on building up her Empire rather than building friendships with other European countries. But when one of her colonies (South Africa) fought a war against the Boers (rebel settlers that wanted to be independent) Britain noticed that Germany showed sympathy and supported the Boers. This made Britain very suspicious of Germany and then began to search Europe for a friend that would support them. Britain found that friend in France. “friendly Understanding” • - Agreement #4- THE ENTENTE CORDIALE, 1904 – Britain/France

28. * Three years later in 1907 Britain made a similar agreement with Russia who, as you can see in AGREEMENT #3, was already in an alliance with France. Thus the ENTENTE CORDIALE expanded into the Triple Entente. Agreement #5- THE TRIPLE ENTENTE, 1907 – Britain/Russia/France Alliances by 1907

29. The Result of Austria Declaring War on Serbia? • By Early August • Within a week all but one of the members of the two blocs formed were also at war • Italy was the exception • Bargained with both sides for several months

30. The Powers looked more like… Allied Central Germany Austria-Hungary Bulgaria Ottoman Empire • Great Britain • France • United States • Italy • Russia • Withdrew Changed from Central to Allies

31. The Players when broken down… Central Powers Allied Powers Serbia Russia France Britain Italy Romania (1916) United States (1917) Greece (1917) • Austria-Hungary • Germany • Turkey • Bulgaria

32. Europe WWI

33. Fought on 3 Fronts • Western Front • Decisive front in France and Belgium • Eastern or Russian Front • Reached from the Baltic Sea to the Aegean • Alpine Front • Involved only Italy and Austria-Hungary and had no major influence on the course of the conflict

34. On the Brink • 1) the Balkan “Powder Keg” • 2) Assassination in Sarajevo (QUIZ #2 after this section! 15 matching) • 3) Diplomatic crisis • 4) The Outbreak of War

35. 1. The Balkan “Powder Keg” • At the Congress of Berlin (1878), Austria-Hungary was given the right to administer Bosnia-Herzegovina, on the western border of Serbia. • This upset the Serbs who wanted to absorb the area within the territory they already controlled. • Russia was also upset because they wanted access to warm water sea ports. • However, Russia was too weak to fight, so they reluctantly accepted the situation. • In 1912-13, wars broke out within the Balkans to gain independence from the Ottoman and A/H Empires. • Albania became independent, and an uneasy peace follows.

36. Ottoman Empire (enters the war at wk 15) • https://youtu.be/8ImrCaFJVQg • The Ottoman Disaster (wk 23) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew39InPunOY

37. 2) Assassination in Sarajevo • On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne visited Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. • Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were riding through the streets in an open top car. Suddenly, a young Bosnian radical named Gavrilo Princip stepped from the curb and shot them both dead. • Principbelonged to the “Black Hand”, a Serbian nationalist group that wanted to unite Bosnia with Serbia. • The Black Hand was not associated with the Serbian Government, but Austria-Hungary felt that the Serbs were somehow involved with the murder. • The Austro-Hungarian Emperor, Franz Josef, sent a telegram to Germany denouncing this “well organized conspiracy”. • Germany replied that it would “fulfill all obligations as set out in it’s alliances”. • Austria-Hungary would take this to mean that Germany would support any action that it took against Serbia.

38. World War I and the Destruction of the Old Order handouts • Read the following: • 1. The Assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand • 2. Reaction to the Assassination • 3. SECTION 12 The Black Hand and the Murders at Sarajevo • 4. SECTION 13 Countdown to War • QUIZ TOMORROW!!!! 15 matching

39. The Beginning of the End- August 1914 • This was the culmination of several events, a few of which we have covered, the led to destruction of four major empires, and the beginning of the end of colonial dominance. • In June, 1914, Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire was assassinated by a Serbian political group, the Black Hand. • Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, made a visit to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia • The recent annexation, 1908, still fresh in many ethnic Serbians minds was the cause of this assassination • First, a bomb was thrown at the Archduke’s motorcade, but exploded underneath wounding several people, but the Archduke was still alive. • The Black Hand was given a second attempt outside of a sandwich shop, which is where one of the assassins, Gavrilo Princip, had went for lunch. • Princip seized this opportunity, drawing out two pistols, and murdered the Archduke and his wife

40. On July 23rd, 1914, Austro-Hungary issued a forty-eight hour ultimatum • One of the ultimatum terms was the Austro-Hungarian Empire demanding an inquiry into the assassination on Serbian soil, but the Serbian government rejected this inquest • Thus Austro-Hungary was unable to investigate into their Archduke’s death in Serbia, given that the Serbian government deemed this to be outside of their jurisdiction • Without this inquest the Austro-Hungarian Empire declared war on the Serbian nation on July 28th, 1914 by bombing Belgrade • The Russians, who had a pact with the Serbians, mobilized troops to defend Serbia • Germany then leapt to Austro-Hungary’s defence and declared war on Russia • Germany then quickly declared war on France, who was Russia’s ally • When Germany prepared to attack Belgium, England declared war on Germany due to their alliance with the Belgians • Austro-Hungary then declared war on Russia • France and England then declared war on Austro-Hungary • Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Spain, Albania, and the USA all declared their neutrality

41. 3) Diplomatic Crisis • Tensions mounted in the month after the murder. • Austria-Hungary issued several demands to Serbia including: • cease all anti-Austro-Hungarian activity. • allow Austro-Hungarian officials into Serbia to investigate the murder. • Serbia faced a difficult decision. • REFUSAL = WAR • ACCEPTANCE = LOSS OF INDEPENDENCE • Serbia accepted all provisions, except for the last one. They refused to let A/H officials into their country to investigate. • As a result Austria-Hungary starts to mobilize it’s army in preparation for war with Serbia. • France and Russia become alarmed. Russia pledges to support Serbia. France pledges to support Russia. • Britain proposed a “Great Powers” conference to mediate the dispute between Austria-Hungary and Serbia. • Germany and Austria-Hungary refused this proposal. The world now sat on the brink of Total War....

42. 4) The Outbreak of War • On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. The Alliance System soon began to operate. • On July 29, 1914, Russia began mobilizing it’s army. Germany asked Russia to cancel the mobilization order, stating that a failure to do so would result in war. Russia did not comply, and Germany declared war on Russia on August 1, 1914. • Czar Nicholas II of Russia vs Kaiser Wilhelm II of German

43. The Pieces in Motion Up to this point of warfare history, wars had been generally short, but fought slowly, the scale was small, and the offensive was the tried and true way to win a war. This changed with WWI The Germans were able to taking an advantage in France with the Schlieffen Plan, but eventually led to a four year long stalemate which changed the view of war forever; what was once a whimsical mix of beautiful uniforms, gallantry, and bravado was now a landscape of war torn countryside covered with barbed wire, artillery shells, poisonous gases, and bodies New technologies also widened the scope of battle Although these technologies had been developed for years and utilized in various ways no one really understood their capabilities fully, thus they were relegated to the side by the majority of nations • Machine Guns • Biological Warfare • Tanks • Artillery • Airplanes

44. Plans of Attack • 1) Schlieffen Plan- Germany • 2) Plan 17 – France • 3) Plan R - Austria-Hungary • 4) Britain • 5) Russia

45. 1) The Schlieffen Plan • Developed by Alfred von Schlieffen in 1905, the Schlieffen Plan was a code of conduct that the German army would enact to quickly encircle the French • Essentially, the German army would take a quick offensive against the French, rather than adopting a stagnant defensive position, while simultaneously having a contingency plan for eastern deployment against the Russians • The Germans would go through Belgium, making use of their extensive railway system, thus avoiding the French fortresses along their border • They take the majority of their army through this passage, go around Paris routing the French defences, rendering French’s surrender imminent • This needed to be done quickly to allow the Germans the ability to mobilize forces against other nations in a multi-front war • Schlieffen warned that if the Germans lost momentum or if the French were able to escape the campaign would become an endless struggle

46. This plan was used partially by the German general Helmuth von Moltke the Senior • The Schlieffen Plan was used in part, where the Germans attempted to outflank the French, thus putting them into a trap, but unlike Schlieffen, Moltke was tentative and planned to send far fewer troops through Belgium than Schlieffen had recommended • Schlieffen recommended a seven to one ratio of troops in the centre of Germany, while Moltke opted for a tentative three to one ratio, thus staving off French invasion in the south west of Germany • This plan was daring because they needed to defeat the French in less than six weeks so that they had ample time to make it to the eastern front to take on and defeat the Russians • Regardless of this plan, the German army was outnumbered by the French • 1.7 million Germans versus 2 million French, plus the Belgian and British intervention while they attempted to pass through Belgium to rout the French

47. Recap Schlieffen Plan • The basic premise was to sweep through Belgium to attack France. • After defeating the French, the Germans could turn their attention towards Russia. • Russia reacted more quickly than expected and the French resisted the German attack at the Miracle of the Marne. • The Germans figured that France would eventually join the war, so they declared war on France on August 3, 1914. This was to allow the “Schlieffen Plan” time to work. • Germany had known for some time that a war fought in Europe would mean it’s armed forces would have to fight a war on two fronts: • Against FRANCE in the West • Against RUSSIA in the East • Therefore, the Germans had a plan devised for a two front war-----The Schlieffen Plan.

48. This plan was based on 3 major premises: • 1) Germany could not fight and win a two front war. • 2) That it would take Russia 6 weeks to mobilize it’s massive army to the point that it was ready • to attack Germany. • 3) That Germany had to ignore Russia, attack and defeat France in 4-5 weeks, and quickly • move it’s forces to the Eastern Front. • The Schlieffen Plan was simple in design. • The Germans would attack France from a base in Alsace-Lorraine. • While the French met this attack, a second wing of the German army would swing threw Belgium into northern France and come up against the enemy from behind, thus crushing the enemy from both sides. • Problem: The Schlieffen Plan did not work from the beginning. Why? • i) Belgium did not allow free passage for the German Army. • ii) The Invasion of Belgium caused Britain to enter the war; largely due to an agreement which guaranteed Belgian neutrality. Germany violated this agreement. • iii) The southern flank of the German army which was to engage the French, then allow the second wing to come up behind was too strong and drove the French back. Therefore both wings of the German army met just outside Paris facing the French. • In the “Miracle of the Marne”, the French held off the German invaders, who could not deliver the knockout blow. Therefore both sides dug in. Soon the British Empire troops joined the Western Front, marking the beginning of a long trench war. • Four long years of conflict and bloodshed lay ahead....

49. Germany in the 2 Front War and the Schlieffen-Plan • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHeMPV5VDR4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0XfT60rvsA

50. 2) Plan 17 The French, too, had a plan under Joseph Joffre • Plan 17 outlined that the French would take an all encompassing coverage of Belgium, Luxembourg, and Lorraine • This was later regarded as a grave mistake since they did not expect the Germans to take such a large sweep into Belgium • The basic idea behind this plan was to sweep through and take the captured provinces of Alsace-Lorraine (speed and aggression).