Group+2+-+Essay+1

Why did the World War I change from a short war to a long war?

When World War I started, many Europeans anticipated a short war because previous wars ended in a matter of months. In fact, Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany even said, "You will be home before the leaves have fallen from the trees." Despite predictions of a short war, World War I was prolonged into a war of attrition because of the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, defensive orientated technologies, and total war. Due to the failure of German transportation within France, the momentum of the Germans was slowed down which resulted in the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, Because of the failure, a stalemate occurred, and the allies were able to advance their defensive orientated technologies. The prolonged war resulted in total war because each side refused defeat and peaceful compromises and continued to insert more soldiers.


 * Fall of the Schlieffen Plan**

Supplies were not fast enough for Germany

The French and British achieved a "second wind"

Russia mobilized quicker than Germany thought


 * Defensive Orientated Technologies**

Machine Gun Trenches

Advancement in Artillery

Mines in between the trenches/sea


 * Total War**

Defensive Orientated Technologies killed more people- forced more troops

Nationalism- caused pride within civilians- driving them to help their country by becoming soldiers

Militarism- before war, industrialization race