The Schlieffen Plan
History: KS3, topic 16.2.3
The Schlieffen Plan
The German plan for war was called the Schlieffen Plan. It was made because of the alliances which had developed in Europe. This plan led to Western European countries entering the war.
The Franco-Russian Alliance
- Germany prepared the Schlieffen Plan at the beginning of the 1900s.
- It was motivated by the alliance between Russia and France in 1890.
- This alliance threatened Germany because war now could be staged on two fronts.
The Plan
- The Germans believed that the best way to stop the threat would be to attack France and defeat them in 6 weeks.
- This attack would not start in Alsace-Lorraine, where France would expect, but through Belgium (a neutral country).
German theories
- This plan relied on the fact that Russia would take a long time to mobilise and that France would be easily crushed.
- Germany thought it could win a quick victory against France whilst an inefficient Russia was still getting ready.
- Then Germany could fight Russia.
The reality
- 3 August 1914 AD: To catch France by surprise, Germany entered through Belgium (a neutral country).
- But, the German invasion gave Britain an excuse to enter the war.
- Britain had previously signed the Pact of London guaranteeing support for Belgium (signed 1839 AD).
- As a result, Great Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914 AD.
Test yourself on The Schlieffen Plan
When did Germany invade Belgium?
When did countries declare war?
What was the name of the German plan for war?