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Introduction
German Field marshal and strategist, Alfred von Schlieffen proposed a battle plan that would allow Germany to wage a successful two-front war. Photo Source: https://alphahistory.com/worldwar1/schlieffen-plan/ -
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The Schliffen Plan
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Battle of Liege
This was the opening engagment of Germany's invasion of Blegium and first battle of WW1. The siege on the forifited town took longer than expected. Belgium destroyed Railways in the Meuse river valley; intendning to slow the German advancement as the army needed fast, effective transportation. Photo Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Li%C3%A8ge#/media/File:Li%C3%A9ge_-_1914_-_Soldats_d'infanterie_prenant_part_%C3%A0_la_d%C3%A9fense_de_Li%C3%A8ge_dans_les_faubourgs_d'Herstal.jpg -
Battle of Dinant
A German raiding-party entered the city at night after French troops were sent to forify the Belgium town. Mistankly, German troops may have fired at one another. Blaming the Belgiums for this, after taking the city, German troops systemattically attack the civilian town. This event became know at the Rape of Belgium. -
Battle of the Ardennes
This battle was part of the much larger Battle of the Frontiers. German forces defeated French troops and forced the French to retreat. -
Battle of Charleroi
Also known as the Battle of the Sambre, was Battle of Charleori was fought by the French Fifth Army and Germany's 2nd and 3rd armies. This was one of several battles that took place during the Battle of the Frontiers. The French were attacked by German forces on the Sambre River and forced the French to retreat by crossing around Dindant. This battle resulted in a Germany victory. Photo Source: http://ww1blog.osborneink.com/?tag=battle-of-charleroi -
Battle of Mons
This was the first major action of the British Expeditianry Force (BEF) in the First World War. The Allied powers fought against Germany on the French borders. During the battle, the British army attempted to hold the line against the advancing Germany army. The British ultimately lost due to Germany's greater numerical superiority. British forces then tactically withdrew to the outskirts of Paris. Photo Source: https://www.forces.net/news/mons-britains-first-ww1-clash -
Battle of Lorraine
This battle was one of many during the Battle of the Frontiers. Both the German and French forces have been completely mobilized. The French began to prepare the offensive attack using Plan XVII, a counter to the Schlieffen Plan. The French offensive was defeated in a few days due to French general, Joseph Joffre underestimating German forces. Image Source: http://computasaur.tripod.com/ww1/id17.html -
Siege of Namur
German forces began to attack the fortified city of Namur. Learning from the experiences at the Battle of Liege, the Germans bombarded the forts using heavy siege artillery and batteries. French forces could only allow one regiment to support the Belgian city after their defeat at the Battle of Charelroi. Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Namur_(1914) -
Battle of Le Cateau
Following the defeat at the Battle of Charleroi and Battle of Mons, the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and the French Fifth Army had retreated. The British II corps fought, and delayed Germany's pursuit but suffered heavy casualties. Pleased with their victory, German troops were allowed to rest the night instead of pursuing the rest of the British forces. Image Source: https://www.warhistoryonline.com/instant-articles/the-battle-of-le-cateau-britains.html -
Battle of the Frontiers
A series of battles that took place along the Eastern frontier of France and southern Belgium. These battles resulted in the German advance shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. Source Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Frontiers#/media/File:Bataille_des_Fronti%C3%A8res.svg -
First Battle of Marne
French and British forces counter attacked Germany forces along the Marne river, forcing the Germany army to retreat. This ultimately lead to 4 years of stalemate at the western front. In response to the retreat, German general Von Moltke reported to the Kaiser: "Your Majesty, we have lost the war." Photo Source: https://en.historylapse.org/first-battle-of-the-marne
