1. WAR ON THE WESTERN FRONT • Reasons for the stalemate on the western front ○ The Schlieffen Plan-prepared in 1905.  Plan was to attack France quickly though Holland and Belgium, capturing Paris and defeating the france completely within 6 weeks. German forces would then be redeployed in the east against Russia.  Involved a massive German Thrust sweeping through Belgium into northern France, cutting of Channel ports and attacking Paris from the west. A small force would hold off a possible French attack on the common France-German Border. ○ Failings of the Schlieffen Plan  Modification to the Plan, including a weakengin of the force on the right Flank meant to take Paris.  125 000 strong British Expeditionary force provided opposition not factored in the plan.  Resistance in Belgium slowed German Advance. Lost momentum and resources with battles in Belgium.  Russia mobilised more quickly than expected so 2 army corps on right flank were transferred to the Eastern Front.  The Germans stopped at the battle of the Marne. This battle saved Paris.  The Subsequent race to the sea ended in the first Battle of Ypres.  Germans failed in attempt to capture Channel Ports, to cut flow of supplies to allies.  By the end of 1914, both sides had established trench formations stretching from the Channel, to the Swiss border. This was the Swiss border. ○ Both sides had same firepower. They were evenly matched until 1917. ○ Both sides kept on using same predictable strategies and tactics. • Nature of Trench warfare ○ Trench warfare is a form of war in which both opposing armies have static lines of fortifications dug into the ground, facing each other. ○ Usually 3 lines of trenches on allied side (usually about 100 metres apart)  Front line trench