Stalemate WWI Western Front-summary
World War One
Summary Sheet - The reasons for stalemate on the Western Front
Pneumonic for remembering the reasons for the development of stalemate during exam conditions. (You can make up your own if you wish)
Can Schlieffen Pull The Cord?
Can = Commanders
Schlieffen = Schlieffen
Pull = Plan XVII
The = Tactical and strategic problems
Cord = Communication
C Commanders
Moltke
Was regarded as unsuitable for the pressures of commanding the German forces.
Failed to provide the resources or manpower needed to implement his changes to the Schlieffen plan.
Was too keen to pass responsibility to his subordinates.
Sir John French
Prone to depression
Did not trust the French command and often used the excuse of translation issues to avoid following their requests.
Conflict between Sir J French and his subordinate generals Haig and Smith – Dorrien.
Major mistake was that he did not provide an effective offensive strategy.
Joffre
Presented an image of confidence and defiance which was an advantage to the French
His resolve was a key factor in the successful French defence.
His mistakes contributed to the failure of the initial French offensive.
S Schlieffen Plan
Too much reliance on speed of movement
Unexpected resistance from British and Belgians
Defence by French was very good and difficult to overcome in some sectors
Didn’t take into account that once the army was away from the railways their speed was determined by progress by foot.
Deadline of 42 days was unrealistic
Didn’t expect Russians to attack in under 8 weeks.
Moltke nor his commanders were prepared to fully commit to the plan
Right wing was exposed at Marne
German withdrawal to the Aisne effectively ended the plan.
P Plan XVII
French underestimated the number of soldiers available to the Germans
They didn’t envisage that Germany would launch an attack through Belgium
When they launched their attack through Alsace Lorraine it was badly organised – they could
Summary Sheet - The reasons for stalemate on the Western Front
Pneumonic for remembering the reasons for the development of stalemate during exam conditions. (You can make up your own if you wish)
Can Schlieffen Pull The Cord?
Can = Commanders
Schlieffen = Schlieffen
Pull = Plan XVII
The = Tactical and strategic problems
Cord = Communication
C Commanders
Moltke
Was regarded as unsuitable for the pressures of commanding the German forces.
Failed to provide the resources or manpower needed to implement his changes to the Schlieffen plan.
Was too keen to pass responsibility to his subordinates.
Sir John French
Prone to depression
Did not trust the French command and often used the excuse of translation issues to avoid following their requests.
Conflict between Sir J French and his subordinate generals Haig and Smith – Dorrien.
Major mistake was that he did not provide an effective offensive strategy.
Joffre
Presented an image of confidence and defiance which was an advantage to the French
His resolve was a key factor in the successful French defence.
His mistakes contributed to the failure of the initial French offensive.
S Schlieffen Plan
Too much reliance on speed of movement
Unexpected resistance from British and Belgians
Defence by French was very good and difficult to overcome in some sectors
Didn’t take into account that once the army was away from the railways their speed was determined by progress by foot.
Deadline of 42 days was unrealistic
Didn’t expect Russians to attack in under 8 weeks.
Moltke nor his commanders were prepared to fully commit to the plan
Right wing was exposed at Marne
German withdrawal to the Aisne effectively ended the plan.
P Plan XVII
French underestimated the number of soldiers available to the Germans
They didn’t envisage that Germany would launch an attack through Belgium
When they launched their attack through Alsace Lorraine it was badly organised – they could