History Coursework 2003-04: Explain How the Schlieffen Plan Was Meant To Work.
Before the First World War, tensions were already high. Great Britain were rivals with Germany over industry, their Empire, and Naval dominance. Germany had a rivalry with the French, following the German victory in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. France therefore hated the Germans, and clashed with Germany on numerous occasions over the control of Morocco. Russia had a heated rivalry with Austro-Hungary over access to the Black Sea. Both wanted to take over the crumbling Turkish Empire. Austro-Hungary resented Russia at the loss of prestige, as Russia were taking over the Turks Empire. Italy wanted overseas colonies, and to show Europe that it was a strong nation. The smaller nations, such as Serbia, Bosnia, and Bulgaria, all wanted to express their own national identity, and many used terrorism to promote their cause.
The situation in Europe prior to World War One was dire. On the 23rd of July, the Arch-Duke of Austro-Hungary, Franz Ferdinand, was shot. A Serbian assassin known as Princips carried out this murder. Austria gave an ultimatum to Serbia thereafter, and on the 28th, declared war, and shelled Belgrade, the Serbian capital. The next day, the Russian army was prepared to help Serbia defend itself against the mighty Austrian army, and Germany warned Russia not to help the Serbs. On August 1st, Germany made a declaration of war on Russia, and began mobilising its army towards France (an ally of Russia in the Triply Entente) and Belgium. The French army was put on a war footing, ready to fight against any German invasion. On August 3rd, Germany declared war on France, and invaded through Belgium, putting the Schlieffen plan into practise. Britain ordered German to withdraw from Belgium, but Germany refused. Britain therefore declared war on Germany, and two days later (August 6th), Austria declared war on Russia.