Why wasn’t the war over by Christmas 1914?

Learning objective – to be able to understand the reasons why the First World War was not over by the end of 1914. I can describe some of the key features of the First World War at the end of 1914. Grade D I can explain why the First World War was not over by the end of 1914. Grade B I can explain and evaluate the reasons why the First World War was not over by the end of 1914. Grade A

Starter – the first battle of the First World War was on 22nd August at the Battle of Mons. The German Commander, von Kluck, at the battle called the British Army what ….. An ……………………….army.

Starter – the first battle of the First World War was on 22nd August at the Battle of Mons. The German Commander, von Kluck, at the battle called the British Army what ….. An incomparable army.

What were the main battle arenas of the First World War?

Great Britain Military strength Population – 45 million Britain had the largest empire in the world and was a major industrial power. Britain had the largest navy in the world. The main part of its army was called the British Expeditionary Force [BEF]. It feared the rising power of Germany, who was challenging Britain’s position as the main industrial power in the world. Military strength Population – 45 million Size of army – 711,000 Warships – 185 Submarines – 64 Money spent on arms in 1913-14 - £50 million

The Kaiser’s opinion on the BEF A contemptible little army.

What was the Schlieffen Plan? The Schlieffen Plan was the German strategy on attacking France in a pincer movement. In the south, there would be a small German army that would defend the territories gained by Germany from France in 1871, while a much larger Germany in the north would launch the main attack through Belgium targeting Paris. It was based on surprise and speed of movement and intended for a quick end to the war.

How far was the Schlieffen Plan success? The Schlieffen Plan was unleashed the day Britain and Germany went to war on 4th August 1914. Between 4th August and 5th September, the German army advanced through Belgium and northern France, defeating any resistance it faced – although it faced more resistance than anticipated. This meant the German advance slowed down and allowed France and Britain to mount a defence between the German army and Paris.

Why was the Battle of the Marne a turning point? The German advance was halted on 5th September near the River Marne. The ensuing battle, 40km from Paris lasted five days and the Germans were forced to retreat 60 km. The consequences of this battle were significant – There was no chance of France being quickly knocked out of the war. The planned war of movement changed to a static war of attrition and stalemate.

The German commander, von Moltke, on the outcome of the Marne. Your Majesty, we have lost the war.

What was the ‘Race to the Sea’? The war on the Western Front was planned as a ‘war of movement’ with both sides trying to outflank each other to try and trap the opposition. Between October-December 1914, both sides dug trenches to defend themselves and stop the opposition advancing. In digging these trenches both sides tried to dig trenches surrounding the enemy. Both sides failed to do this and trench lines stretched northwards across France and Belgium to the North Sea. No side gained the upper hand and a stalemate lasting four years was established.

Main tasks In three bullet points, what were the key features of the British Expeditionary Force [BEF]? Draw a map on northern France, Belgium and Germany – use a text book to help you do this. On it plot the following – The intended movements of the German Army in the Schlieffen Plan in one colour. In another colour, plot what actually happened with the German army moving through Belgium and being halted at the River Marne. Summarise in two sentences the difference between the plan and what actually happened. Explain the failure of the Schlieffen Plan using the BEER principle, writing one sentence for each point – Balance! Eastern Attack! Exhaustion! Resistance! Design a cartoon for a British newspaper making the point that the digging of trenches is causing the ‘Race to the Sea’. Extension task Create a mind map, with ‘Key reasons why the First World War wasn’t over by Christmas 1914’ in the middle and answer the question.

Plenary – a touch of Scrabble What are the three key words from this lesson that sums up your learning? Which word has the highest value if you used in a game of Scrabble? Compare with the person next to you. Which word has the highest value?