WW1 Reasons for Stalemate Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of stalemate?

The situation in October 1914 in which German forces were determined to remain on French soil and Allied forces were unable to remove them.

How long were trench lines on the Western Front?

780 kilometres

What factors created the conditions for stalemate?

Failure of command, problems with communication and failure of war plans

What did the Allies discover through intercepted radio messages between September and November 1914?

Approximately 50 German radio messages, discovering the Germans' intentions regarding the race to the sea. Signup and view all the answers

Why were cable links significant in the German command structure?

Cable links between Kluck and Bülow were not established until 9 September, 3 days into 1st Marne. Signup and view all the answers

What occurred regarding orders issued by the German High Command between 5-9 September?

The German High Command issued no orders. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Schlieffen-Moltke Plan rely on?

Timing (speed, surprise, railway timetables) Signup and view all the answers

What was the assumption of the Schlieffen-Moltke Plan regarding France and Russia?

That France could be beaten in 6 weeks and that Russia would take at least 6 weeks to mobilize. Signup and view all the answers

What logistical issue slowed down the Schlieffen-Moltke Plan?

The entire German army possessed only 4,000 lorries and 60% of them broke down before it reached the Marne. Signup and view all the answers

What happened at the Battle of Mons?

The BEF under Sir John French slowed Kluck's 1st Army using their Lee Enfield rifles. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Battle of Liège?

Unanticipated Belgian resistance caused a twelve-day delay and bottleneck. Signup and view all the answers

What was the fatal decision for the German army that created stalemate?

The decision to pull back to a defensive position after the 1st Marne. Signup and view all the answers

What was the French war plan called?

Plan XVII Signup and view all the answers

What was the objective of the Schlieffen Plan?

To take Paris in 6 weeks. Signup and view all the answers

What did David Stevenson say about the Schlieffen Plan?

"They embarked on an adventure beyond their resources." Signup and view all the answers

What did David Stevenson comment regarding the 1st Marne?

"He could have secured a better situation by persisting." Signup and view all the answers

What was the aim of the French war plan?

To retake Alsace-Lorraine which had been lost in the Franco-Prussian War of 1871. Signup and view all the answers

When did the 1st Marne take place?

6-12 September 1914 Signup and view all the answers

When did the Battle of Mons occur?

23 August 1914 Signup and view all the answers

When did the Battle of Liège take place?

5-16 August 1914 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stalemate in WW1

Stalemate defined as the situation in October 1914 where German forces remained on French soil, and Allied forces failed to dislodge them.
Trench lines on the Western Front extended for 780 kilometres, illustrating the extensive nature of warfare.

Causes of Stalemate

Conditions for stalemate resulted from failures in command, communication issues, and ineffective war plans.
Intercepted German radio messages between September and November 1914 revealed their strategic intentions during the race to the sea.

Operational Challenges

Lack of cable links between German commanders Kluck and Bülow delayed communication until 9 September, three days into the First Battle of the Marne.
No orders were issued by the German High Command from 5 to 9 September, further complicating their operational capacity.

Schlieffen-Moltke Plan

The Schlieffen-Moltke Plan depended heavily on timing, expected speed, surprise, and precise railway schedules.
The plan presumed that France could be defeated in six weeks, and that Russian mobilization would take at least the same timeframe.
The German army faced logistical issues, possessing only 4,000 lorries, with 60% breaking down before reaching the Marne.

Key Battles and Resistance

At the Battle of Mons, the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) under Sir John French used Lee Enfield rifles effectively, causing Germans to believe they faced machine guns.
The Battle of Liège faced unexpected Belgian resistance, resulting in a twelve-day delay and a bottleneck at a key fortress and rail link.

Critical Decisions

The German army's decision to retreat to a defensive position following the First Battle of the Marne was pivotal in establishing a stalemate.
The French war plan, Plan XVII, focused on retaking Alsace-Lorraine, lost during the Franco-Prussian War.

Contextual Dates

The First Battle of the Marne occurred from 6 to 12 September 1914.
The Battle of Mons took place on 23 August 1914.
The Battle of Liège was fought between 5 and 16 August 1914.

Historical Perspectives

Historian David Stevenson critiqued the Schlieffen Plan, stating, "They embarked on an adventure beyond their resources."
He also noted about the First Battle of the Marne that "He could have secured a better situation by persisting."

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Description

Test your knowledge on the reasons for the stalemate during World War 1 with these flashcards. Explore key concepts, definitions, and the conditions that led to this crucial phase in the conflict. Perfect for history enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of WW1 strategies and challenges.