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Quick Review. Causes of the Great War 1914 - 1918. Long Term (Three –isms). Nationalism Imperialism Militarism And alliances. Short Term. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. The Great War Begins. Schlieffen Plan - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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