History - britain and WW1 (Unit 3)

The main reason for the SCHLEIFFEN PLAN failing in 1914 are:

• The french were beaten
• Russian troops moved more quickly than expected
• Germany didn't think Britain would get involved in the war
• The Germans were slowed down by the Belgium army
• Germany didn't reach Paris in the expected 6 weeks
• The germans had to transfer the troops to the East
• the plan was too ambitious and involved moving large armies quickly over great distances.

Pals Battalion

was introduced to encourage more men to join the army, it was basically: if you joined up with your friends you would be put together in war.

B.E.F - British Expeditionary Force

• arrived in France, 21st August
• only 100,000 men under command of Sir John French
• well trained and equipped and had experience
• delayed Germans advanced by a day
• Germans suffered heavy casualties
• BEF retreated because lack of support, made a stand at Le Cateau, 26th aug
• BEF delayed germany and gave french troops chance to change plans
• French lauched attack at Battle of the Marne