World War I Military Strategies and Peace Treaties

Key Military and Wartime Definitions

• Blockade: The isolating or surrounding of a place by troops to prevent enemies' attack.
• Treaty: A formal agreement between two or more countries.
• Armistice: An agreement to stop a war.
• Rationing: A fixed allowance of provisions and food during a shortage.
• Conscription: To draft for military or naval service.

Reference code: 2.edcbghaf.

The Schlieffen Plan and Its Failure

Why the Schlieffen Plan Failed

• The Belgian army fought well.
• The Germans had an error in their plans.
• Russia mobilized sooner than expected.

Strategic Objectives of the Plan

The Schlieffen Plan was designed as a devastating attack on France via Belgium as soon as Russia had announced her intention to mobilize. It involved a holding operation on the Russian/German border to be carried out if necessary and if required. Germany had six weeks to defeat France. Germany would then use her modernized rail system to move troops from the French operation to the Russian front. Russia would then be attacked and defeated.

British Recruitment and the Role of Propaganda

Recruitment Methods

Britain brought in new soldiers by using massive recruitment campaigns and propaganda. Only those men who worked in essential industries did not have to go to the front.

The Purpose of Propaganda

• Used to recruit men for the army.
• Used to recruit women to work in factories and in the Women's Land Army.
• Used to keep morale high and encourage people to buy government bonds.

The Treaty of Versailles (1919)

The Treaty of Versailles was signed in Versailles, France, by the three great powers: France, England, and the USA. It was signed in 1919.

Key Terms of the Treaty

• The German army was limited to 100,000 men.
• Germany had to pay reparations to the Allies.
• Germany had to accept the War Guilt Clause.
• Germany lost 13% of its territories.

Perspectives of the Great Powers

• Clemenceau wanted the treaty to be harsher.
• Lloyd George wanted the treaty to be less harsh.
• Wilson wanted a better and more peaceful world.