History 2179 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Erich Ludendorff, Briey, Central Powers
Document Summary
War plans in action: germany, the schliffen-moltke plan (advances in the west) The germans assumed that their armies would be able to cross belgium territories unimpeded, aimed to enter france through the north and encounter the bulk of the french army later. Paris would be taken quickly by 5 german armies, and the war would be over in 6 weeks. Afterwards, the german army would turn back & battle the red army, since they would be slow to mobilize. What actually happened the belgian army said hell nah, and although they couldn"t defeat the german army, they delayed them using 3 major fortresses liege, namur, antwerp. This factor hinged the speed of german advancement. The armies were moving on foot, and the cannons and shits were drawn by horses (in both wars) Like no one thought britain would care, it"s an island nation for crying out loud.