Question

What were the 4 reasons for the Schlieffen Plan failure?

A) Lack of military strategy, inadequate resources, poor leadership, weather conditions
B) Alliance conflicts, communication breakdown, insufficient troops, lack of intelligence
C) Heavy casualties, political interference, logistical problems, resistance from Belgium
D) Lack of international support, trench warfare, public opposition, industrial limitations

Answer 1

The Schlieffen Plan failed due to underestimating Belgian resistance, unexpected British involvement, the rapid Russian mobilization, and logistical challenges, leading to a protracted and devastating trench warfare.

Step-by-step explanation:

The failure of the Schlieffen Plan can be attributed to several major factors, not precisely the options provided in the multiple-choice question. Some of the key reasons for the plan's failure include:

• Underestimating Belgian Resistance: The German army assumed they would easily pass through Belgium, but the Belgians fought back fiercely, delaying their advance.
• British Expeditionary Force involvement: Germany did not anticipate Britain's swift action to support France, thus contributing to the halting of the German advance.
• Rapid Russian Mobilization: Contrary to German expectations, Russia mobilized its troops much faster, forcing Germany to redirect troops to the Eastern Front.
• Logistical Challenges: The supply lines for the advancing German army became stretched and overburdened, leading to difficulties in maintaining the momentum of the assault.

These strategic miscalculations and logistical challenges led to a prolonged trench warfare situation, causing high casualties and ultimately the plan's failure.