World War I

World War I

The Initial Stages

The Battle Plans• The Schlieffen Plan

• Plan Seventeen

• Plan R • British Expeditionary Force

The Schlieffan Plan

Plan Seventeen

Plan R

British Expeditionary Force (BEF)

1 000 000 Soldiers…

…transported on 1000 trains

…to the border of Belgium.

Germany:• 5 army groups were to advance quickly

through Belgium.

• 1 group to surround Paris.

• This offensive was to last no more than 3 weeks.

• Send a diversionary attack through the lost territories of Alsace and Lorraine.

• Retain the bulk of its army in Paris.

• Meet the Germans at the River Marne 60 kms outside of Paris.

France:

British• BEF=25 000 troops • Elite fighting force—

marines• Attack Germans from

behind as they march through Belgium.

• Surround them with aid from the French

The Plans Unfold• Germany invades Belgium, but are slowed

down by the Belgians at the Battle of Liege.

• When Germany enters France, the French begin “taxi” their million army reserves out to meet them at the Marne River.

• They fight.

• Race to the Sea

Life in Trenches

Trench Foot