Starter Finish off your table with the similarities and differences between the sources

Why did the Schlieffen Plan fail? L/O – To investigate what the Schlieffen plan was L/O- To identify the reasons why the Schlieffen Plan failed

Reminder… You’ve studied the CAUSES of the war… What caused the death of 17 million people? Colonial problems Murder of Archduke Ferdinand The Balkans Alliances The German Kaiser The Arms Race You’ve studied the CAUSES of the war… So you know that the trigger, which was the assassination of the Archduke of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian gang, led to one country after another piling into war

The Road to War In 1914, Europe was ready for war. It was not only the politicians who were anticipating war – but because of frequent war scares, European society was ready too. Many people not only expected war, but welcomed it. Each side had long prepared for war. They had written plans, books and policies on what to do. These plans also played a part in the outbreak of large-scale war in 1914.

Did they expect a quick, decisive battle? After the assassination, the Alliances pulled each country into the conflict 28 June 1914 Assassination of Archduke 23 July 1914 Austria gives Serbia ultimatum – say sorry, or else! 28 July 1914 Austria declares war on Serbia 1 Aug 1914 Germany declares war on Russia (remember, Russia supported Serbia, Germany supported Austria) 3 Aug 1914 Germany declares war on France 4 Aug 1914 Britain declares war on Germany (Britain and France were in Triple Entente) 5 Aug 1914 Austria declares war on Russia BUT, as each country piled into the conflict, what did they EXPECT to happen? Did they expect a quick, decisive battle? Did they expect a long and drawn out conflict?

Stick the picture in the middle of you page What could this tell us people thought the war would be like in 1914? Stick the picture in the middle of you page Start by labelling around the edge what you can see… What can you see? Picture to stick in books is on final slide

The War Plans of Europe

Alfred von Schlieffen An experienced soldier and commander Used to traditional 19th century tactics Had successfully led troops when Germany defeated France in 1870 What can you infer about Schlieffen straight away? Would his plans be successful?

The Schlieffen Plan The most influential plan was that of Germany – the Schlieffen Plan – drawn up in 1905 by General Alfred von Schlieffen. It was an ambitious plan designed to avoid Germany having to fight a two-front war against France and Russia. Why would Germany be fighting Russia and France at the same time? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRSI_JRo54M

The Schlieffen Plan The Schlieffen plan was made by in 1905 Germany was concerned it would be fighting and at the same time. It decided to attack first. This was for 2 reasons: Was a bigger country so would take longer to conquer Russia would take weeks to mobilise. Germany had hoped to conquer France within this time. The plan was to invade France and capture Paris before the Russians could mobilize.

Britain’s Position Britain’s position in 1914 was complicated. Despite having alliances with France and Russia, Britain had made no firm promises to help them in war. However, Britain had promised in 1834 to protect the neutrality of Belgium if she was ever attacked. The Schlieffen Plan required the German army to attack France through Belgium. The German generals gambled that Britain would not keep her promise to defend Belgium. TASK: Explain in your OWN WORDS- what Britain’s position was in 1914. KEY WORDS to include: Alliance 1834 Agreement German Gamble

What might be potential problems with this plan? HINT: Think about where the arrows are heading

Reality

Why did it fail? Reason 1 Whilst the plan looked good on paper, it underestimated the distances the German Army had to cover in the strict timetable. The German troops on the extreme right were exhausted after several weeks of marching and fighting and were unable to to keep up. This meant Paris was not surrounded.

Why did it fail? Reason 2 Second, even before 1914, the plan was changed. Von Moltke, the new Chief of Staff, changed the plan. Look at how many divisions are now on the Right Flank as opposed to 1905. Why would this be a problem? Year Right flank in Belgium Left flank in Alsace-Lorraine 1905 54 8 1912 75 11 1914 34 17 > Numbers of German infantry divisions in the Schlieffen Plan

Why did it fail? Reason 3 Thirdly, Belgian resistance was stronger than expected. The Belgian forts at Liége held out for 12 days and Brussels was not occupied until 20th August.

Why did it fail? Reason 4 Fourthly, the British sent an Expeditionary Force (BEF) of 80,000 men to Belgium. They met the Germans at Mons on 23rd August and again at Le Cateu on 26th August. Although the British were forced to retreat at Mons, they managed to inflict heavy casualties on the Germans.

Why did it fail? Reason 5 The Belgian and British forces managed to slow down the German offensive. This gave French forces enough time to rush troops into Paris to defend the city. The Germans met French forces on 5th September along the River Marne. The Battle of the Marne lasted 8 days and forced the Germans to eventually retreat.

Why did it fail? Reason 6 Germany believed Russia would take at least 6 weeks to mobilise. It didn’t- it was ready much sooner. This meant that German troops had to be transferred from fighting France in the East to fighting off Russia in the West.

Western Front Race to the sea Stalemate Explain the following: the race to the sea, a line of trenches forms along the Western Front and a situation of stalemate has been reached (see links below). Pupils watch video (on bottom right picture) to confirm these events and write a definition of the three terms in their books. Alternative links that might be helpful: Introduction to ‘stalemate’ = http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/britain-goes-to-war-kitcheners-volunteers/5648.html An easy website that explains how the failure of Schlieffen led to race to the sea, then stalemate = http://www.mapsofworld.com/world-war-i/race-to-sea.html A harder website that explains the same thing = http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/worldwarone/hq/wfront1_01.shtml http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC3S9RgDIDs

German trenches British trenches

Key Question: Review the notes you have made on the 6 key problems. Which do you think was the most important reason as to why it failed?

Schlieffen Plan Game

Part 1 of your letter Tell your family why original plan has gone wrong and why things may now take longer than expected. Finally, introduce the task that they will add to over several lessons, they are going to write a letter from a German soldier in December 1914, explaining why he is not likely to be home for Christmas a s expected.

Schlieffen Plan Schlieffen Reality Western Front Race to the sea You MUST include… Schlieffen Plan Schlieffen Reality Western Front Race to the sea Stalemate

Summarise today’s topic in 5 sentences. 5 – 5 – 1 Summarise today’s topic in 5 sentences. Reduce to 5 words. Now to 1 word.

Research how one of these weapons was used in WW1. HOMEWORK Artillery Soldiers Research how one of these weapons was used in WW1. Tanks Did their use change over time? If so how Gas Ben Walsh text book covers everything except Horses and Soldiers. Will need a suggestion for where to find this information. Students must address the questions in yellow for whatever weapon they choose. Useful website if any would like a recommendation: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/greatwar/g3/cs1/default.htm When first used? Horses Disadvantages Aircraft How were they used? / What used for? Advantages