WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -In 1905 and 1906, Schlieffen devised an army deployment plan for a decisive (war-winning) offensive against the French Third Republic. German forces were to invade France through the Netherlands and Belgium rather than across the common border.

Detailed explanation-2: -Germany’s war plan, the Schlieffen Plan, called for it to quickly defeat France and then shift east to fight Russia. Its armies were to sweep down through Belgium and northern France toward Paris, like a giant swinging door. On August 4, Germany invaded Belgium, violating its neutrality.

Detailed explanation-3: -Schlieffen insisted on an immediate attack on France in 1905 as a “preventive war, ‘’ arguing that Russia had just been defeated by the Japanese and France was involved in a crisis in Morocco.

Detailed explanation-4: -Belgium, Britain and France responded to the launching of the Schlieffen Plan in different ways. The Germans were not expecting any resistance from Belgium, but the Belgian army fought bravely and managed to delay the German advance.