The Schlieffen Plan and its Failure

Introduction

• Topic: Schlieffen Plan
• Presenter: Indy Neidell
• Context: Special episode about the Schlieffen Plan during WW1

Background

• Originator: Alfred von Schlieffen, Chief of Staff of the German Imperial Army (1891-1906)
• Development: Began in 1905
• Purpose: New general war plan considering factors post-Franco-Prussian War (1870-71)
• Challenges Addressed:
  • Germany's diplomatic isolation
  • Potential two-front war with Russia and France
  • Modern military technology and communication advances
  • Larger national armies

Key Objectives of the Schlieffen Plan

• Offensive Strategy: To avoid a war of attrition
• Military Maneuver:
  • 7/8 of German troops to bypass French defenses via Belgium and the Netherlands
  • Flank French forces, encircle Paris, and drive French troops south
• Post-France: Dispatch troops to fight Russia
• Assumption: Britain might enter the war due to violation of Belgian neutrality

Modifications by Helmut von Moltke

• Chief of Staff: Succeeded Schlieffen before WW1
• Changes:
  • Only invaded Belgium, not the Netherlands
  • Protected East Prussia
  • Utilized more troops than initially planned

Reasons for Failure

• Troop Insufficiency:
  • Insufficient forces to encircle Paris
  • High casualties not easily replaced
  • Reserve troops inadequately trained and equipped
• Transportation Issues:
  • Relied heavily on trains, limited by destroyed tracks
  • Siege of Liege delayed plan execution
• Communication Problems:
  • Scarce telegraphs/radios near front lines
  • High command's outdated situational awareness

Strategic Misinterpretations

• Underestimating Russia:
  • Ignored Russian modernization post-Russo-Japanese War
  • Russia mobilized quicker than expected
• Troop Movement Challenges:
  • Bavarian forces refused to shift to the east
  • Disobedience among generals

Overall Inflexibility

• Plan Rigidity:
  • No alternative strategies once initiated
  • Delays and execution problems from outset
• Final Outcome: Led to a two-front war and a prolonged conflict

Conclusion

• Historical Impact: The inflexibility and flaws in the Schlieffen Plan contributed to Germany's strategic difficulties in WW1
• Further Exploration: Cody's video on "What if the Schlieffen Plan had worked?"