Questions and Answers
How did the BEF's timing of its arrival affect the failure of the Schlieffen Plan?
Arrived in France earlier than expected, causing von Moltke to bring forces from the Eastern Front.
Who commanded the BEF?
Sir John French
How did the Germans see the BEF?
It was underestimated but it was actually a small but very well-trained force.
When did the BEF arrive in France?
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When was the Battle of the Mons?
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What happened at the Battle of the Mons and the Battle at Le Cateau and how did it help cause the failure of the Schlieffen Plan?
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Give 5 main reasons why the Schlieffen Plan failed.
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When was the Battle at Le Cateau?
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What 3 things were changed in the Schlieffen Plan?
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When did the Germans enter Belgium?
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What happened in Belgium?
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When did Antwerp surrender?
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Where had the French attacked first?
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Why were the French able to arrive at the Battle of the Marne in time?
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Study Notes
BEF and its Impact on the Schlieffen Plan
- The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) arrived in France earlier than anticipated on 18th August 1914.
- Sir John French commanded the BEF, which was a small yet well-trained force.
- The Germans underestimated the BEF's effectiveness, impacting operational strategies.
Key Battles
- The Battle of Mons took place on 23rd August 1914; the BEF faced overwhelming numbers and was forced to retreat.
- The retreat slowed German advances, providing France crucial time to regroup for the Battle of the Marne.
- The Battle at Le Cateau occurred on 26th August 1914, continuing the trend of British resistance despite being outnumbered.
Reasons for the Plan's Failure
- The Schlieffen Plan failed due to several key issues, including:
- Strong French Resistance
- German Exhaustion from prolonged engagement
- Belgian Resistance slowing German forces
- Changes to original strategies that weakened the offensive
- Impactful arrival and performance of the BEF
Changes to the Plan
- Originally, the right wing of the German forces was meant to be six times stronger than other flanks, but this was not implemented.
- Von Moltke diverted troops to the Eastern Front, reducing the number of forces for the Belgian invasion by 100,000.
- Initial plans included an invasion through Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, which shifted to only Belgium and Luxembourg.
- The strategy to encircle Paris was altered, leading to the pivotal Battle of the Marne.
Timeline of Events
- Germans entered Belgium on August 3, 1914; their advance was notably impeded by concrete forts in Antwerp, Liège, and Namur.
- Heavy artillery was required to overcome Belgian defenses, allowing the BEF more time to arrive in France.
- Antwerp ultimately surrendered in October 1914.
- Initial French attacks focused on Alsace-Lorraine resulted in heavy casualties but contributed to the broader resistance effort.
- The resistance from the Belgians and the BEF was essential in allowing the French forces to position themselves effectively by the Marne River.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the reasons behind the failure of the Schlieffen Plan. This quiz covers key events and figures, including the role of the British Expeditionary Force. Challenge yourself with flashcards that dive into strategic decisions and military leadership during World War I.
