Strategy World War I

The Guns of August

Questions:

1. What were the major characteristics (or dimensions) of the French and German strategies in World War I?

French Strategy:

 Based on massive attack

 Based on own strength

 Assumption that major attack of the Germans would come from the East front

 Offensive

 Optimal use of infrastructure

Strong points:

 High Moral

 Tenacity

 Speed and Surprise

Weak points:

 Lack of ultimate goal

 Underestimation of the enemy

 Lack of communication

 Lack of insight in strategy of Germany

German Strategy:

2 Based on assumptions of reaction of the Russians, Belgium’s and French

 Assumption that Russia needed at least 14 weeks to build up.

 Belgium would not react because of there impartiality

 Reaction of the French

2 Massive, short and overwhelming attack on the French

2 Circle attack to concur Paris

2 A detailed planned roadmap

2 Two front war

Strong points:

 High fire power and large amount of soldiers

 Detailed plan

Weak points:

 Detailed plan which left no room for interpretation and improvisation

 Not taken into account that the Belgium’s and the British would interfere.

 Not taken into account that the European public opinion would turn against Germany.

 No fall back scenario’s

 Focus on two front war.

2 What were the strong points in these strategies? Weak points? What should have been done differently and why?

What should have done differently and why?

3. What principles of strategy do success and failure of each side suggest?

 A clear objective

 Strong communications

 Know the opponent

 War is not only military tactics, it has always a political and economic dimension.

 Surprise the enemy

 Convincing offensive

 Unity of command