Central/Axis power Strategies in Europe world war 1
During World War I, the Central Powers, consisting mainly of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire, employed a variety of strategies in Europe to achieve their objectives. These strategies were aimed at gaining military advantage, breaking the stalemate on the Western Front, and undermining the Allies' war effort. Some of the key strategies employed by the Central Powers were:
1. Schlieffen Plan: Germany's initial strategy was to quickly defeat France in the west before turning its full attention to Russia in the east. The plan involved a rapid and overwhelming invasion of France through neutral Belgium, encircling Paris and trapping the French army. However, the plan failed as the German forces were unable to capture Paris and were stopped in the First Battle of Marne (1914), leading to a stalemate on the Western Front.
2. Trench Warfare: With the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, both sides on the Western Front dug in, leading to the development of extensive trench systems. The Central Powers aimed to defend these trenches and inflict heavy casualties on the Allied forces, hoping to exhaust their manpower and break their morale. The use of artillery bombardments, poison gas, and machine guns were key elements of their trench warfare strategy.
3. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: Germany employed unrestricted submarine warfare in an attempt to cut off Britain's supplies by sinking merchant and naval ships without warning. This strategy aimed to undermine the British war effort and force them to negotiate a peace settlement. However, it also led to the sinking of the RMS Lusitania in 1915, which resulted in a backlash against Germany, particularly from the United States.
4. Diversionary Actions: The Central Powers also aimed to divert Allied resources away from the Western Front by launching offensives in other parts of Europe. For example, the Austro-Hungarian forces launched a series of offensives against Serbia and Russia on the Eastern Front to tie down Allied forces. These offensives, however, were largely unsuccessful and resulted in heavy casualties for the Central Powers.
5. Recruitment and Mobilization: The Central Powers also focused on recruitment and mobilization strategies to maintain their military strength. Germany, in particular, developed an efficient system of conscription and industrial mobilization, ensuring a steady supply of soldiers and war materials to the frontlines. Austria-Hungary also relied on conscription to boost its military capabilities.
Overall, the strategies employed by the Central Powers in World War I were aimed at breaking the stalemate on the Western Front, diverting Allied forces, and undermining their war effort. However, the failure of the Schlieffen Plan and the entry of the United States into the war eventually tilted the balance in favor of the Allies, leading to the collapse of the Central Powers by 1918.