Summary of "The Schlieffen Plan - And Why It Failed I THE GREAT WAR Special feat. AlternateHistoryHub"

Summary of “The Schlieffen Plan - And Why It Failed | THE GREAT WAR Special feat. AlternateHistoryHub”

This video provides a detailed explanation of the Schlieffen Plan, Germany’s military strategy at the outbreak of World War I, its intended execution, and the reasons for its failure. It also includes a guest segment from Cody of AlternateHistoryHub, who discusses alternate scenarios if the plan had succeeded.

Main Ideas and Concepts

Context and Purpose of the Schlieffen Plan

Germany wanted to avoid a two-front war against France in the west and Russia in the east.
The Schlieffen Plan was devised to quickly defeat France by a massive offensive through Belgium and the Netherlands, then redirect forces to fight Russia.
Created by Alfred von Schlieffen (Chief of Staff 1891–1906) in 1905 to adapt to new military realities such as larger armies, machine guns, artillery, and new communication technologies.
The plan assumed Germany would be outnumbered roughly 5 to 3 and therefore could not win a war of attrition.

Key Elements of the Plan

Seven-eighths of German troops would invade France by sweeping through Belgium and the Netherlands to outflank French defenses on the Franco-German border.
The remaining troops would hold the border to engage French forces and allow the main force to encircle Paris and push the French south.
After defeating France, German forces would be sent east to fight Russia.
The plan accepted the risk of violating Belgian neutrality, which could bring Britain into the war.

Modifications by Moltke the Younger

Helmuth von Moltke the Younger, Schlieffen’s successor, modified the plan by invading Belgium only (not the Netherlands) to keep the Netherlands as a supply route.
He prioritized defending East Prussia against Russia, requiring troop allocations there.
Moltke had more troops available than Schlieffen originally did.

Reasons for Failure

Troop Numbers and Quality: Initial troop numbers were sufficient, but casualties depleted trained and well-equipped soldiers. Reserve and replacement troops were poorly trained and lacked modern equipment.
Logistics and Transportation: The plan depended heavily on railways for rapid troop movement. Belgian and French forces destroyed railway tracks during their retreat, delaying German advances. The siege of Liège, a key railway hub, lasted two weeks instead of the planned two days, further delaying the plan.
Inflexibility: The plan was rigid with no alternative strategies. Once initiated, it could not be easily adjusted.
Communication Issues: Although Germany had telegraphs and radios, communication near the front was limited, relying on pigeons and flags, causing outdated information to reach command and resulting in poor decision-making.
Misjudgment of Russian Strength: The original plan underestimated Russia, assuming slow mobilization and weakness based on the Russo-Japanese War. In reality, Russia mobilized quickly and effectively, forcing Germany to divert troops east earlier than planned.
Internal Command Problems: Some German commanders, notably Bavarian Prince Rupprecht, disobeyed orders by refusing to send troops east and by launching unauthorized offensives, undermining the plan’s coherence.
Intelligence Leak: A captured German officer revealed the plan to the French, allowing them to better prepare and retreat efficiently.
Delays and Sieges: These compounded logistical and strategic problems before the critical Battle of the Marne.

Consequences

The failure of the Schlieffen Plan resulted in Germany fighting a prolonged two-front war, which turned into a costly war of attrition that Germany had sought to avoid.

Methodology / Key Points

Design of the Schlieffen Plan (1905)

Avoid a two-front war by quickly defeating France first.
Use overwhelming force on the western front by sweeping through Belgium and the Netherlands.
Encircle Paris and force French retreat southward.
After victory in the west, redeploy troops to fight Russia in the east.
Accept diplomatic risk of violating Belgian neutrality.

Modifications by Moltke

Invade Belgium only (not the Netherlands).
Keep the Netherlands as a supply corridor.
Allocate more troops to defend East Prussia.
Adjust troop deployments based on available forces.

Reasons for Failure

Insufficient replacement troops and poor training of reserves.
Railways essential for speed were destroyed by retreating enemies, causing delays.
Siege of Liège took longer than planned, disrupting timetable.
Plan was rigid, with no flexibility or contingency options.
Communication breakdowns led to outdated information and poor decision-making.

The Schlieffen Plan remains a classic example of how rigid military strategies, logistical challenges, and underestimating the enemy can lead to failure, shaping the course of World War I.