Stalemate
History: KS3, topic 16.3.1
Stalemate
The failure of the Schlieffen Plan led to a stalemate in Western Europe. This was partly because of the way of fighting, which was largely trench warfare.
A stalemate is where both sides keep fighting each other, but neither is much closer to winning than when they began.
Trenches
- As the Germans were unable to complete their swift (fast) attack on France, the Schlieffen Plan had failed.
- Each side then dug trenches to protect their troops in Belgium and France.
- This began the ‘trench warfare’ that characterised the First World War.
Trench warfare
- Trench warfare involved 3 lines of trenches.
- The frontline was for launching attacks or defending against enemies. It usually involved infantry going ‘over the top’ using weapons such as rifles and grenades.
- The support line provided a retreat from the frontline.
- The reserve line was where troops waited in between offensives.
The stalemate
- Trench warfare helped to create the stalemate of 1915 AD to 1918 AD.
- A stalemate is when neither side makes progress to defeat the other.
Test yourself on Stalemate
What happened after the Schlieffen Plan failed?
Why did the Schlieffen Plan fail?