Education, History
The Schlieffen plan is brief. What was the Schlieffen plan? The Schlieffen plan is ...
At the end of the XIX century, military theory underwent serious measurements and at the same time received a powerful impetus for development. The appearance of new arms, communications, the construction of powerful armored ships, large-caliber artillery, airships and airplanes forced the generals of many countries to think about what will be the future war. It was then, in 1891, in the Austro-Hungarian General Staff began to work out the famous Schlieffen plan. This generation of German militarism, then, two decades after the disgraceful defeat, again looms like a ghost, already in the form of new aggressive strategic theories and dispositions. Lesson for future use did not go.
It is impossible to forget history; it will remind the nasty disciples of themselves. The article will outline the Schlieffen plan briefly, since in a detailed form it would take up too much space, and the details in this case are not so important. Significance has its essence and political circumstances, prompting the count, the chief of the General Staff, to recall Napoleon.
The myth of the nibelungs
There is a myth about a "German war machine" that operated clearly and mercilessly, perfectly organized and based on the traditional Teutonic discipline. To the creation of this image, of course, the cultural figures, in particular the filmmakers, who made a lot of films, in which the huge columns of "iron coats" uncontrollably creep forward under the terrible music, put their hand, and soldiers in horned helmets mint step, whipping the road dust. If, on the other hand, we examine the facts unbiassed, then it turns out that before the nineteenth century the German army somehow did not manage to cover itself with the laurels of military glory, if only because Germany as a single state exists historically by no means for long, and the exploits of the rulers of individual lands also Happened infrequently. At the end of the XIX century, some successes were (about them later), but one can speak of some exceptional Aryan militancy only under the impression received from Wagner's operas about the Nibelungs and the Valkyries.
As for the twentieth century, then yes, the Germans have distinguished themselves. They started two world wars, and in both of them suffered a crushing defeat. There are several explanations for this. Proponents of a technocratic and formalistic view of history argue that the fault of German failure is a deficit of material and human resources. Fans of the occult show the unfavorable arrangement of stars in the sky. There were also theories about a worldwide conspiracy against clever, strong, but trusting Germans. The realists see the reason for the collapse of the "German war machine" in both world wars in that the aggressor sooner or later is defeated.
Nevertheless, it is very interesting to consider attempts to create genius plans for the conquest of neighboring countries. They are somewhat similar to the designs of perpetual motion machines or the search for a philosopher's stone. Now it is clear that these tasks have no solution, but it causes curiosity and even to some extent respect for the resourcefulness of the human mind during the very thought process. So, what do we know about the Schlieffen plan?
Reasons for hope and optimism
Out of simple curiosity, strategy theorists do not work. It was not by chance that Schlieffen's plan was developed. This work of military theoretical science was in demand by the leadership of the two empires.
The aggressive sentiments of the German military at the end of the nineteenth century were due to two circumstances. First, Austria-Hungary had no colonies, which was very frustrating for the ruling elite of the empire. Overseas possessions were in France, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Denmark and even a small, seemingly harmless Belgium, not to mention the "mistress of the seas" of Great Britain (at that time it was the largest country in the world, much larger than the Russian Empire ). A feeling of being deprived, sometimes also called envy, tormented Wilhelm II of Hohenzollern. But that's not all, there was a second circumstance. On the account of the German army, there were two relatively recent victories, which could have been conditionally called brilliant. In 1866, the Prussians, led by von Moltke the eldest (the great Moltke), defeated the Austro-Hungarian troops. Victoria was also won over France (1870-1871). Then even the emperor Napoleon III himself was taken prisoner (near Sedan), and along with it 549 cannons and 104 thousand soldiers. This instilled cautious optimism and hope for future victories. If once it happened, then what can prevent it from developing further? Is that the lack of a good military plan. Of course, the army itself needs to be modernized, and military equipment, but the main thing is the theory. The first column marches here, the second - there, and so on.
Difficulties
However, some circumstances did not inspire optimism. It was with their consideration that the Schlieffen plan was drawn up. This, first of all, the need for military action on two fronts. Both von Bismarck and Field Marshal Moltke believed that in this case the collapse was inevitable. The fact is that already in the described period of time the success in the war depended to a large extent on the resource base. This term implies mobilization potential, including human, industrial and raw materials. But in this respect neither Austria-Hungary nor the German Empire could boast of a special abundance. Actually, it was for the sake of capturing resources that the Schlieffen plan was drawn up. This meant that it was necessary to fight quickly and victoriously.
The main probable opponents were named two countries: the Russian Empire and France. One is in the West, the other in the East. At the same time, the border from the French side is well fortified on all extent.
Teutonic trick
Plan Schliiffen provided for the conduct of the war on two fronts in spite of Bismarck's insistent recommendation. The reservation was one: this situation should be short-lived. More specifically, as a result of the energetic actions of the Triple Alliance, one of the main opponents must be defeated in a short time, and then it was necessary to switch all the forces to the second one, which you can no longer rush, although you should not hesitate. As the first goal of contrition, Schlieffen's plan called France. As already mentioned, its border was strengthened sufficiently powerful, and a frontal attack could fail. However, not having achieved success in the West, Austria-Hungary and Germany were guaranteed to fall into a trap of a protracted conflict, which can not be admitted, for this is the way to defeat. It seemed that there was no solution. The main thing, what the Schlieffen plan was, is the solution of a complex problem in the simplest way. Hitler also applied it in 1939.
Speed, onslaught and treachery
Belgium was a neutral country, its security was guaranteed by Britain, Russia, France, Austria-Hungary and, by the way, Prussia itself (now Germany). The same is true of Luxembourg. The passage of troops through both of these neutral countries provided for the Schlieffen plan. This perfidious violation of the international treaty of 1839 did not at all concern the author of the idea. He realized that immediately after the capture of Belgium in the war will inevitably enter Britain, but the main bet was made on lightning speed. The blow must be quick and in the heart - in this case in Paris. After that the landing of the British landing force becomes problematic, the French army is clamped by a roundabout maneuver and taken into the encirclement, while the Russians are still turning around, but for the time being they will catch up ... A little more, and all the power of the Austro-Hungarian Empire will hit them and they will not stand. This was the essence of Schlieffen's plan: quickly, within 40-50 days, deal with France, shove Britain off the coast and turn towards Russia. It's not necessary to seize it all-it's too long and expensive, and in general to nothing (it was then believed), but some western regions, in particular Poland and the Baltic region, can be taken away.
With whom was to be at war
The Schlieffen plan provided for the conduct of an aggressive war against three countries that surpassed in resources and military might the Triple Alliance. Britain owned the most powerful naval fleet in the world, which Germany was never able to create. The Russian Empire had a large army, the rearmament of which had already begun, with an excellent food base (no food cards were introduced even when they were supplied to the population of all other belligerents) and a defense industry capable of producing virtually all types of weapons. France also prepared for the war. The Schlieffen plan provided for the rapid destruction of the weakest link in the land theater of operations. Maritime confrontation with Great Britain was seen as a separate episode of the war, not of vital importance, and Russian troops, according to him, should only be kept on the line of Galicia-southern Poland.
Source of inspiration
General Alfred von Schlieffen, who directed the German General Staff, was not only a strategist, but also a military historian. His favorite episode from his youth, he considered the Cannes battle (216 BC), during which Hannibal routed the Roman troops, embracing them with a bold maneuver from the flanks to the double ring. In its essence, Schlieffen's plan briefly repeats this tactical device, creating an asymmetrical relocation of armies with the cutting-off of most of the French troops from supply sources, their blockade and strangulation.
In addition, some operations undertaken by Bonaparte at the beginning of the nineteenth century were taken as examples. These techniques are quite appropriate during actions in the European theater of operations, characterized by relatively small distances and a dense network of railways in conditions of ownership of the strategic initiative. Ultimately, Schlieffen's plan was adopted by the command of the combined forces of Austria-Hungary, Italy and Germany, albeit with some changes. The fact is that his author fell into disgrace. He was removed from his post, and instead of him, Colonel-General Moltke, Jr., was appointed to lead the Grand General Staff. Perhaps his famous name played a role.
The contribution of General Moltke the Younger
It is not known how successfully the strategic operation would develop if the Schlieffen plan remained unchanged. According to the original plan, the main forces in the number of seven armies rushed to Paris, while only one was exhibited against Russia. At the same time, the command was aware of the possibility of losing (temporary) Alsace, Lorraine and East Prussia. This "gambit" allowed to gain time necessary for the complete defeat of France. However, Moltke, Jr. found the sevenfold preponderance on the Western Front excessive and reduced the number of armies on it to three. In addition, he strengthened the eastern direction (again due to troops aimed at Paris). The Schlieffen plan was adopted with such changes that almost nothing remained of the initial plan. The calculation of the fact that with the help of railway transport it will be possible to quickly transfer to the Russian front a huge mass of troops, also proved to be incorrect. Eventually, what happened was so scary of Schlieffen. Blitzkrieg failed, the Austrians got bogged down in the positional war. It could only end in defeat.
It was smooth on paper ...
For the sake of justice, it should be remembered that no one in the history of mankind has ever managed to fully realize any military plan. The reasons always were, justifications, too, and in their majority they were objective. Then frosts suddenly struck, then, on the contrary, mud and mud. The calculation that the Russian army would prove to be a weak opponent, clumsy and stupid, turned out to be wrong. Despite the fact that the 80,000 strong group strengthened the defensive positions of the Austrians, they could not stop the offensive, it developed swiftly and caused concern that Berlin would fall earlier than France could be defeated. The 1st Russian army near the German city of Gumbinnen defeated the German VIII army. The failure of the Schlieffen plan became more and more obvious.
The Suffering of Alfred von Schlieffen
The author in detail described the disposition of each military unit, its movements and the chronology of actions. The Schlieffen Plan in the First World War is perhaps the most vivid example of a careful study of all possible details, which at that time there was no equal. Work on it went for several years, and the count was given to work with the fanaticism of a true ascetic or a maniac. Sometimes he behaved like a madman, in any beautiful landscape seeing only the situation for a tactical maneuver and perceiving rivers or lakes only as water obstacles that had to be forced. Schlieffen did not live to see the war, but thought about it constantly. According to the stories of people close to him, he, dying in 1912, begged not to weaken troops on the right flank. Apparently, Moltke, who had come to replace him, did not fully understand what Schlieffen's plan consisted in, as well as how fatal any changes brought to him could be. However, there is no evidence that the document was drawn up impeccably. In it, there may have been errors, and systemic ones.
The Harm of Illusions
Schlieffen was a military man and understood little in politics. As a true technocrat, he enthusiastically worked out solutions to various problems, little caring about the consequences of "side effects". Belgium, seized by strategic need, became a symbol of the aggressiveness of the Triple Alliance and in fact served as the reason for the blockade of Austria-Hungary and Germany. Britain's entry into the war also severely undermined the economic fundamentals of commodity-dependent states, and the Royal Navy did its best to obstruct supply of maritime communications. Great and psychological impact, which had on the conscience of German politicians Schlieffen's plan.
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