What key feature characterized the Schlieffen Plan during World War I?

What key feature characterized the Schlieffen Plan during World War I?

• A. Rapid defeat of Britain
• B. Attack on France followed by Russia
• C. Defensive strategy against Italy
• D. Centrally coordinated naval assaults

Answer: (B)

The Schlieffen Plan is primarily characterized by the strategy of a rapid attack on France followed by a defense against Russia. The plan was devised by General Alfred von Schlieffen before the outbreak of World War I. It aimed to avoid a two-front war by swiftly invading France through Belgium, defeating the French forces, and then redirecting troops to the Eastern Front to confront Russia, who was expected to be slower in mobilizing its forces. This approach was predicated on the belief that Germany could achieve a quick victory over France and then turn its attention to the slower-moving Russian mobilization. The plan relied heavily on the element of surprise and rapid movement to encircle Paris, with the goal of knocking France out of the war before Russia could fully mobilize. The other choices do not reflect the main characteristics of the Schlieffen Plan. While Britain was involved as an ally of France, the plan did not specifically aim for a rapid defeat of Britain. The strategy was not focused on a defensive posture against Italy nor was it centered around coordinated naval operations, as its focus was predominantly on land warfare. Thus, the definitive nature of the Schlieffen Plan rests on the sequence of attacking France first, followed by engagements with Russia.

The Schlieffen Plan is primarily characterized by the strategy of a rapid attack on France followed by a defense against Russia. The plan was devised by General Alfred von Schlieffen before the outbreak of World War I. It aimed to avoid a two-front war by swiftly invading France through Belgium, defeating the French forces, and then redirecting troops to the Eastern Front to confront Russia, who was expected to be slower in mobilizing its forces.

This approach was predicated on the belief that Germany could achieve a quick victory over France and then turn its attention to the slower-moving Russian mobilization. The plan relied heavily on the element of surprise and rapid movement to encircle Paris, with the goal of knocking France out of the war before Russia could fully mobilize.

The other choices do not reflect the main characteristics of the Schlieffen Plan. While Britain was involved as an ally of France, the plan did not specifically aim for a rapid defeat of Britain. The strategy was not focused on a defensive posture against Italy nor was it centered around coordinated naval operations, as its focus was predominantly on land warfare. Thus, the definitive nature of the Schlieffen Plan rests on the sequence of attacking France first, followed by engagements with Russia.