How did the Schlieffen Plan contribute to the outbreak of World War I?
By declaring war on France, Schlieffen Plan contributed to the outbreak of World War I as Germany brought Great Britain into the war.
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The Schlieffen Plan, devised by German General Alfred von Schlieffen, aimed to quickly defeat France in the west and then focus on Russia in the east in the event of a war on two fronts. However, its implementation greatly contributed to the outbreak of World War I.
To understand how it contributed to the war's outbreak, let's break down the Schlieffen Plan:
1. Military Strategy: The plan called for a swift and decisive victory over France within six weeks by bypassing French fortifications along the border through a massive German offensive through Belgium. It assumed that Belgium would not resist and allow German troops passage.
2. Violation of Belgian Neutrality: Despite Belgium's proclaimed neutrality, the Schlieffen Plan involved German forces marching through Belgium to reach France. This act violated Belgium's sovereignty and neutrality, leading to an international crisis.
3. British Involvement: As a guarantor of Belgian neutrality, the violation by Germany prompted Britain to declare war on Germany. The British felt obligated to defend Belgium and protect their own geopolitical interests. This involvement significantly expanded the scope of the conflict.
4. Russian Mobilization: The rapid German offensive against France, as planned, triggered a response from Russia. Facing the threat of a unified Germany, Russia began mobilizing its forces, leading to a series of escalations and counter-mobilizations among the various European powers.
5. Escalation and Alliances: The Schlieffen Plan's attempt to achieve a quick victory ultimately brought more powers into the conflict. The German invasion of Belgium not only involved Britain but also drew France, Russia, and other countries into the war due to their alliances and obligations.
In summary, the Schlieffen Plan's violation of Belgian neutrality, its impact on British interests, and the subsequent chain reaction of mobilizations and alliances it triggered significantly contributed to the outbreak of World War I.