The Schlieffen Plan

Question 1

Why was the Schlieffen Plan devised?

Answer 1

So that Germany could avoid fighting a war on 2 fronts.

Question 2

Describe how the Schlieffen Plan was meant to work? 2 main features.

Answer 2

Firstly, Germany would sweep through Belgium and defeat the French in the first few weeks of war.
Secondly, Germany would go to the East and fight Russia on the Eastern Front.

Question 3

Why did the German invasion of Belgium on August 4th 1914 bring Britain into the war?

Answer 3

Because it was a direction violation of the Treaty of London. The Treaty of London stated that Belgium would remain neutral/would not be involved in war. The Kaiser had described this treaty as a ‘scarp of paper’.
The British public were shocked at Germany’s aggression towards such the peaceful nation of Belgium.

Question 4

France’s Responsibility for the Outbreak of War

Answer 4

• France wanted revenge against Germany for taking Alsace-Lorraine.
• France expanded into Morocco, which angered the Kaiser.

Question 5

Russia’s Responsibility for the Outbreak of War

Answer 5

• Russia supported Serbia’s aims in the Balkans, angering the Kaiser.
• Russia began mobilising its army on July 30th 1914.

Question 6

Britain’s Responsibility for the Outbreak of War

Answer 6

• Britain supported France’s aims in Morocco…TWICE.
• Britain partook in the Naval Race against Germany.
• Britain declared war on Germany on 4th August 1914.

Question 7

Germany’s Responsibility for the Outbreak of War

Answer 7

• Germany interfered with France’s aims in Morocco twice, increasing tension in Europe.
• Germany supported Austria-Hungary’s aims in the Balkans.
• Germany partook in the Naval Race against Britain.
• Germany declared war on Russia on 1st August 1914.

Question 8

Austria-Hungary’s Responsibility for the Outbreak of War

Answer 8

• Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia in 1908, this angered Serbia.
• Austria-Hungary sent a 10 Point Ultimatum to Serbia which it knew Serbia would refuse, then declared war on 28th July 1914.

Question 9

Serbia’s Responsibility for the Outbreak of War

Answer 9

• The Serbian terrorist group, the Black Hand, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and infuriated Austria-Hungary.
• Serbia challenged Austria-Hungary’s annexation of Bosnia in 1908.
• Greater Serbia threatened the Austro-Hungarian Empire.