What countries make up the Allied forces? What countries are the Central Powers?

(Caught between a rock and a hard place…) EARLY CAMPAIGNS (Caught between a rock and a hard place…)

The Schlieffen Plan Developed by German General Alfred von Schlieffen in the 1800s He wanted to avoid a “two- front war” His solution? Send everyone to attack France, defeat them quickly, then send everyone to the Russian border (before Russia could mobilize)

(stage one) French Army

Battle of the Marne September 5-12, 1914 Germany pursued French soldiers retreating South, but this left their own flanks open to attack The French took advantage of the breaks in German lines and attacked from Paris The Germans were forced to retreat The Schlieffen Plan was aborted

Marne cont. The Germans retreat only 40 miles, digging in, and setting up trenches at the Aisne River The French catch up and build their own trenches Both sides move North, trying to outflank the other, until their trenches extend to the North Sea

Why it didn’t work The problem? Schlieffen died. Later generals “watered down” the plan. Germany attacked France through Belgium and got within 30 miles of Paris But, Germany didn’t bring enough men to finish the job (left too many men guarding the Russian border) Turned into a stalemate (tie)

Gallipoli Campaign 25 April 1915 – 9 January 1916 Britain attacked the Ottoman Empire (OE) Allies want to open the strait to secure sea access to Russia and capture Constantinople – the Ottoman capital Ends in terrible defeat for the Allies and massive casualties on both sides Almost 400,000!!

In Summary... Germany attacked France ⇨ stalemate Russia attacked Germany and A-H ⇨ stalemate The O.E. attacked Russia ⇨ stalemate Italy attacked A-H ⇨ stalemate Britain attacked the O.E. (the Gallipoli Campaign) ⇨ stalemate

Stalemates

WESTERN FRONT