Causes Of The Schlieffen Plan

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History 102
T. Eichhorn
5/3/13
Outline Germany had high hopes of winning World War 1 but a series of unfortunate events led to their fatal loss in November 1918. Despite their various victories and remarkable advancements, Germany fell apart and this was the cause of numerous reasons. These arguments include the failure of the Schlieffen Plan in 1914, Russia’s exit from WW1, an effective British blockade and the crucial entry of the USA into the war. The German army followed a single plan of action for the military called the Schlieffen Plan and this was their only strategic plan for victory for the war. This plan ensured that the German army would only fight a war on two fronts, against France in the west and Russia in the east. The Schlieffen Plan failed for a number of reasons. In order to strike against France, the German army was to go through Belgium as it was said that passage through the flat Flanders plains would offer a quick route to France as well as victory. However, the German General von Schlieffen underestimated the Belgian army and the British Expeditionary Forces and there was mass resistance that prevented the rapid movement of the desired Schlieffen Plan. The Russians also took the Germans by surprise as they mobilized their troops quicker than expected and within 10 days, the Russians had invaded Germany and this led to the German army returning from western Europe to hold up the Russian invasion. The Schlieffen Plan was very close to success as the Germans had nearly captured Paris within the time allotted but what led to the downfall of the plan was that they had underestimated the difficulties of supply and communication in forces from command and supply lines.  The Schlieffen Plan was overly ambitious and this caused its failure, which ultimately contributed to the failure of Germany in the war. Beginning after the end of World War II and proceeding until 1990, the Cold War has affected all countries in Eastern and Western Europe. Through unsettled grievances,

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