Quick ReviewQuick Review

Causes of the Great WarCauses of the Great War

1914 - 19181914 - 1918

Long Term (Three –Long Term (Three –isms)isms) NationalismNationalism ImperialismImperialism MilitarismMilitarism

And alliancesAnd alliances

Short TermShort Term

Assassination of Archduke Franz Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throneHungarian throne

The Great War Begins

Schlieffen Plan

Western Front: Trench Warfare

Schlieffen Plan

Developed in 1905 by Count Alfred von Schlieffen ?

Germany believed that war with Russia was likely Possibility France would attack as well

because it was an ally of Russia, and had been defeated by Germany in the Franco-Prussian War

Germany’s Main Concern: AVOID A TWO-FRONT WAR

Schlieffen Plan (cont’d)

The Plan Defeat France quickly and rapidly, then turn to

eastern front against the Russians Why France First?

Knowledge of French defenses Russia has few railroads, therefore slow to

mobilize Attack via Holland, Belgium, and Luxembourg

90% of German forces to knock out France, Remaining 10% to defend eastern border

Let France violate Belgian neutrality first

Schlieffen Plan (cont’d)

Slight Alteration Attack to be concentrated through Belgium,

avoiding Holland Overwhelm Belgian army then rapidly proceed to

Paris

Schlieffen Plan (cont’d)

Important German Assumptions Take Russia at least 6 weeks to mobilize Easily defeat France in 6 weeks time period Belgian army would provide little resistance Britain would remain neutral

In Reality Germany held up by Belgian Army and BEF Russia needed only 10 days to mobilize Germany doesn’t take opportunity to capture

Paris → instead Battle of the Marne

Origins of Trench Warfare

Allies realize they are unable to save Belgium and retreat to the Marne River Battle ensues with both sides trying to outflank

one another, both sides unsuccessful Decide to dig in for a long siege

War of attrition

Trench Warfare

By spring 1915 Two parallel systems of trenches stretching

from Belgian coast across France to the Swiss Alps

Approx. 500 miles of trenches

Trench Warfare (cont’d)

Types of Trenches Front line Support Reserve

Other amenities Dugouts – underground rooms for officers

quarters and command posts

Trench Warfare (cont’d)

“No Man’s Land” Barren expanse of land between the opposing

armies covered with shell craters and barbed wire

Usually 25 yards to one mile wide Periodic charges mounted