Ritter 1

8/17/2019 Ritter 1

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THE

SCHLIEFFEN PLANCritique of a Myth

by

GERHARD RITTER

Foreword by

B. H. LIDDELL HART

OSWALD WOLFF (PUBLISHERS) LIMITED

London W.!

"#$%

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


Tr&n'&ed by

ANDREW &nd E*A WILSON

T+e or!,!n& Ger-&n ed!!on w&' /b!'+ed !n "#$0 by *er&, R. Odenbo/r, M/n!1+

2 by *er&, R. Odenbo/r, M/n!1+ Ger-&ny

MADE AND PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY

THE GARDEN CITY PRESS LIMITED

LETCH WORTH, HERTFORDSHIRE

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CONTENTS

FOREWORD by B. H. L!dde H&r . . . . . . . . 3

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . ....................................................................................................... ""

P ART ONE4 E5o'!!on . . . . . . . . . . . . "$

I. T+e de6eo-en o7 S1+!e77en8' oer&!on& !de&' . . "9

" The shift of emphasis from East to West . . . . . . "9

: Preliminary stages of the operational plan of 1905.. . . 39

3 The military testament of 1905 .. .. .. .. ;%

; Operational memoranda after retirement . . . . . . 0#

II. T+e o!!1& !-!1&!on' o7 +e S1+!e7Fen P&n . . . . 9%

$ The rea!h of neutrality . . . . . . . . . . 9%

0 "!hlieffen# $olstein and the Moro!!o !risis of 1905%& .. #0

P ART T WO 4 Te5' . . ..................................................................................... ":#

I. S1+!e77en8' ,re& -e-or&nd/- o7 De1e-ber "#<$ . . "3"

'. Editor(s )ntrodu!tion . . . . . . . . . . " 3 " *. Te+t of the memorandum . . . . . . . . . . " 3 ;

Aend!54 E5r&1' 7ro- +e re+rn!n&ry dr&7' o7 +e

De1e-ber -e-or&nd/- o7 "#<$ . . . . . . ";%

9 ,raft ) . . ................................................................................... ";%

%The eginning of ,raft )- . . . . . . . . " $ 3

# rom ,raft )) .................................................................................... "$ 3

"< rom ,raft ))) .................................................................................. "$$

"" rom ,raft )- ................................................................................... "$0

": rom ,raft )- ................................................................................................................. !=>

"3 rom ,raft -) .................................................................................. "$9

"; rom ragment -)) . . . . . . . . . . "$%

. rom ,raft -) ................................................................................. "$#II. S1+!e77en8' &dd!!on& -e-or&nd/- o7 Febr/&ry "#<0 . . "0"

"

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: CONTENTS

III. Gener& ob'er6&!on' on +e S1+!e7Fen P&n by H. 6onMo?e ...................................................................................... "0$

"$S1+!e77en8' -e-or&nd/- o7 De1e-ber :%+ "#": . . "0%

Aend!5 o +e -e-or&nd/- o7 "#": . . . . . . "99

"0Noe' by M&@or 6on H&+n?e on Gr&7 S1+!e77en8' -e-o

r&nd/- o7 De1e-ber :%+ "#": . . . . . . "9#

*I. S1+!e77en8' oer&!on& &n 7or Red (Fr&n1e) o7 "#"".................."%3

INDE ..........................................................................................................................................."#3

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by B. H. L!dde H&r

FOR wo ,ener&!on' +e S1+!e77en P&n +&' been & -&,!1 +r&'e

e-body!n, one o7 +e 1+!e7 -y'er!e' &nd -!,+ +&6e been'

o7 -odern !-e'. T+e -y'ery !' 1e&red / &nd +e ,re& I7

&n&y'ed !n Ger+&rd R!er8' boo?& 'r!?!n, 1onr!b/!on o

wen!e+1en/ry +!'ory.

In +e ye&r' 7oow!n, Word W&r I Ger-&n 'od!er' 'o?e o7 Gr&7 S1+!e77en w!+ w!'7/ &we &' +e!r '/re-e 'r&e,!' &nd &'1r!bed

+e 7&!/re o7 +e "#"; !n6&'!on o7 Fr&n1e o +e w&y !n w+!1+ +!'

-&'ery &n wor?ed o/ w+en C+!e7 o7 +e Gre& Gener& S&77

7ro- "%#" o "#<$ +&d been w+!ed down &nd -!'+&nded by +!'

'/11e''or +e 'e1ond Mo?e.

T+e re/'e o7 +& oen!n, o77en'!6e w&' 7oowed by ye&r' o7

ren1+de&do1? &nd e6en/&y by Ger-&ny8' 1o&'e !n "#"%. By

+e !-e '+e &nd +er &!e' 1o&'ed +er '/r6!6!n, E/roe&n oonen'

were +e-'e6e' ne&r o e5+&/'!on R/''!& +&d /rned Co--/n!' &nd,one o/ o7 +e w&r w+!e +e Un!ed S&e' +&d be1o-e +e word8'

e&d!n, Power. So +e 1on'e/en1e' were !--en'e &nd 7&rre&1+!n,.

I w&' 6ery n&/r& !n rero'e1 +& Ger-&n 'od!er' &nd w&r

+!'or!&n' '+o/d +&6e &1ed 'o -/1+ we!,+ on +e 'e1ond Mo?e8'

de&r/re 7ro- +e S1+!e77en P&n &' +e r!-e 1&/'e o7 +e!r -!!&ry

1&&-!!e'. T+& 6!ew &'o ,&!ned ,ener& &11e&n1e !n -!!&ry &nd

+!'or!1& 1!r1e' &bro&d &' ! w&' 'o ob6!o/' +& +e oer&!on& &n

/r'/ed by +e Ger-&n S/re-e Co--&nd o7 "#"; +&d ,one wron,

&nd +& +e re/'e o7 +e Ger-&n &r-!e' !n +e B&e o7 +e M&rne

+&d been & /rn!n,o!n !n +e w&r. Moreo6er +e e6!den1e +&

be1&-e ?nown 7ro- Ger-&n '&77 d!'1o'/re' ended o 1on7!r- +e

1on1/'!on +& S1+!e77en8' &n +&d been -/1+ -ore ro-!'!n, &nd

+& +!' '/11e''or +&d 6!o&ed S1+!e77en8' r!n1!& re'1r!!on'.

T+e 1o/r'e o7 +e 1&-&!,n w&' e5+&/'!6ey e5&-!ned d/r!n, +e

o'w&r ye&r' &nd +ere w&' 6o/-!no/' d!'1/''!on o7 +e 7&e7/

1+&n,e' w+!1+ oo? &1e !n +e Ger-&n &n. B/ +e e5&-!n&!on &nd

d!'1/''!on were 1ond/1ed on &n !n&de/&e b&'!' o7 ?nowed,e &bo/

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+e S1+!e7Fen P&n !'e7. De&!ed !n7or-&!on &bo/ !' 1onen w&'

oo '&r'e o be '&!'7y!n,. Ony bro&d o/!ne' &nd 7r&,-en&ry

&''&,e' were /b!'+ed. T+& '&e o7 !n'/77!1!en1y +&' 1on!n/ed

/n! +e /b!1&!on o7 Ger+&rd R!er8' boo?. He /ne&r+edS1+!e77en8' &er' d/r!n, & 6!'! o +e Un!ed S&e' !n "#$3. A7er

y!n, 7or -&ny ye&r' !n +e Ger-&n &r1+!6e' & Po'd&- w+ere +ey

+&d been deo'!ed by S1+!e77en8' 'on!n&w +ey +&d been 1&rr!ed

&w&y o +e A-er!1&n &r1+!6e' !n W&'+!n,on &7er Word W&r II

&on, w!+ & -&'' o7 o+er -!!&ry do1/-en'.

I w&' 7or/n&e +& +e &er' '+o/d +&6e 1o-e !no +e +&nd'

o7 Ger+&rd R!er&n +!'or!&n o7 +!,+ /&!y w+o'e d!'1ern-en

!' -&1+ed by +!' r/'wor+!ne'' &nd & ,!7ed wr!er. He re'en' +e

7/ e5 o7 S1+!e77en8' -!!&ry e'&-en &nd +e ree6&n &r' o7 o+er-e-or&nd& w+!1+ '+ed !,+ on +e e6o/!on o7 +e P&n. T+ey &re

re1eded by Pro7e''or R!er8' -&'ery e5o'!!on o7 +e!r 1onen &nd

'!,n!7!1&n1e w+!e +!' &11o- &ny!n, noe' &dd o +e !/-!n&!n, e77e1.

T+e w+oe 7or-' & boo? o7 o/'&nd!n, +!'or!1& !-or&n1e. B/

! !' &'o e5r&ord!n&r!y !nere'!n, o re&d 7or & boo? o7 !' ?!nd.

A 7!r' ,&n1e ! -&y oo? oo '1+o&ry !n 7or- o be o7 w!de &e&.

B/ +& !-re''!on 'oon 1+&n,e' &' one ,e' deeer !n +e boo?. I

-!,+ we be de'1r!bed &' &n +!'or!1& dee1!6e 'ory&nd !'

7&'1!n&!n, w+en re&d !n +& w&y.Go!n, on 7ro- 1/e o 1/e ! be1o-e' e6!den +& +e 'e1re o7 +e

S1+!e7Fen P&n &nd +e b&'!' o7 S1+!e7Fen8' 7or-/& 7or /!1? 6!1ory

&-o/ned o !e -ore +&n & ,&-ber8' be!e7 !n +e 6!r/o'!y o7 '+eer

&/d&1!y. I' -&,!1 !' & -y+. A' & 'r&e,!1 1on1e ! ro6ed &

'n&re &nd de/'!on 7or +e e5e1/&n' w!+ 7&& 1on'e/en1e' +&

were on b&&n1e !n+ereny rob&be 7ro- +e o/'e.

T+e b&'!1 robe- w+!1+ +e P&n +&d o -ee w&' +& o7 wo7ron

w&r !n w+!1+ Ger-&ny &nd +er A/'r!&n &y 7&1ed R/''!& on +e

E&' &nd Fr&n1e on +e We'& 1o-b!n&!on w+o'e 7or1e' were

n/-er!1&y '/er!or &+o/,+ 'e&r&ed 7ro- one &no+er. S1+!e7Fen

'o/,+ o 'o6e +e robe- !n & d!77eren w&y 7ro- +& 1one-&ed

by +!' rede1e''or' +e eder Mo?e &nd W&der'ee. H!' w&y !n +!'

6!ew wo/d be /!1?er !n e5e1/!on &nd -ore 1o-ee !n e77e1.

T+e eder Mo?e de'!e +e r!/-+&n re'/ o7 +e o77en'!6e

&,&!n' Fr&n1e w+!1+ +e +&d d!re1ed !n "%9< do/bed w+e+er ! 1o/d

be ree&ed &,&!n' +e reor,&n!'ed &nd 'ren,+ened Fren1+ Ar-y.

H!' &n w&' o '&y on +e de7en'!6e &,&!n' Fr&n1e n/!7y R/''!&8'

FOREWORD0

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+re& by & '+&r 'ro?e & +er &d6&n1ed 7or1e' &nd +en /rn we'w&rd

o 1o/ner&&1? +e Fren1+ &d6&n1e. I w&' e''en!&y & de7en'!6e

o77en'!6e 'r&e,y. H!' &!- w&' o 1r!e bo+ oonen' &nd br!n,

&bo/ & 7&6o/r&be e&1e r&+er +&n o /r'/e +e dre&- o7 o& 6!1ory. Mo?e8' !--ed!&e '/11e''or W&der'ee '+owed -ore b!&'

!n 7&6o/r o7 o77en'!6e &1!on &nd &,,re''!6e o!1y. B/ +e d!d no

1+&n,e Mo?e8' de1!'!on o '&y on +e de7en'!6e !n +e We' &nd w+en

+e /r,ed +e 1&'e 7or & re6en!6e w&r &,&!n' R/''!& +!' o77en'!6e

!-/'e w&' 1/rbed by B!'-&r1?.

B/ S1+!e77en !n +!' 6ery 7!r' -e-or&nd/- &7er &?!n, o77!1e

!n "%#" /e'!oned +e &''/-!on +& +e Fren1+ 7or!7!1&!on' were

'/1+ & ,re& ob'&1e &' o r/e o/ &n o77en'!6e !n +e We' e-+&'!'

!n, +& +ey 1o/d be by&''ed +ro/,+ Be,!/-. I w&' &n e&ry !nd!1&!on o7 & enden1y o 6!ew 'r&e,!1 robe-' !n & /rey -!!&ry

w&y d!'re,&rd!n, o!!1& 7&1or' &nd +e 1o-!1&!on' !?ey o &r!'e

7ro- & 6!o&!on o7 ne/r& 1o/nr!e'. In +e ne5 ye&r +!' -!nd be,&n o

/rn &,&!n' +e e5!'!n, &n o7 &?!n, +e o77en'!6e !n +e E&' &on,

w!+ +e A/'r!&n Ar-y '!n1e <"" +!' 1&1/&!on ! wo/d be 6ery

d!77!1/ o ,&!n & de1!'!6e 6!1ory +ere or re6en +e R/''!&n Ar-y

re!r!n, o/ o7 re&1+. For +!- ! d!d no '/77!1e o &-e +e oonen'

+ey -/' be de'royed. H!' 1on1e!on o7 w&r w&' do-!n&ed by +e

+eore!1& &b'o/e' o7 C&/'ew!!&n do1r!ne. So w+en +e 1&-e o

+e 1on1/'!on +& '/1+ &b'o/e 6!1ory w&' /n&&!n&be !n +e E&'

+e 1&-e b&1? o +e !de& o7 'ee?!n, ! !n +e We'.

In!!&y +e 1on'!dered +e robe-' o7 & d!re1 +r/' !no Fr&n1e

b/ 'oon 1on1/ded +& '/11e'' w&' !-o''!be !n +& w&y. W+!e

+o!n, +& +e Fren1+ -!,+ &?e +e o77en'!6e ,!6!n, +!- +e 1+&n1e

o r& +e- &nd de!6er & 1o/ner+r/' !no Fr&n1e +e 7e +& '/1+

'e7e5o'/re on +e!r &r w&' oo /n1er&!n & +oe o ro6!de +e

/!1? 6!1ory +e de'!red. By "%#9 +e be1&-e 1on6!n1ed +& +e -/'&?e +e o77en'!6e 7ro- +e o/'e &nd &' ! 1o/d ony be '/11e''7/

by o/7&n?!n, +e Fren1+ 7orre'' 'y'e- ! -e&n +& +e Ger-&n

Co--&nd -/' no '+r!n? 7ro- 6!o&!n, +e ne/r&!y o7 Be,!/-

&' we &' o7 L/5e-bo/r,. For +e /rn!n, -&noe/6re -/' be w!de

eno/,+ 7or +e deoy-en o7 &-e 7or1e' &nd oo w!de 7or +e

ene-y o bo1? ! by & '+or e5en'!on o7 +!' 7ron.

T+e &n w&' de6eoed by de,ree' d/r!n, +e ye&r' +& 7oowed.

A 7!r' +!' !de& w&' ony o -&r1+ +ro/,+ +e 'o/+ern ! o7 Be,!/-

&!-!n, o /rn +e Fren1+ 7&n? ne&r Sed&n. B/ by "#<$ +e &nned

9FOREWORD

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o ,o +ro/,+ +e 1enre o7 Be,!/- !n & ,re& w+ee!n, -o6e-en

w!+ +!' r!,+ w!n,! &''!n, !no Fr&n1e ne&r L!e.

To &6o!d ! be!n, 1+e1?ed by +e Be,!&n 7orre''e' o7 N&-/r &nd

L!,e !n +e dee1/ 're1+ o7 +e Me/'e 6&ey +e de1!ded +& !

-/' 'wee +ro/,+ +e 'o/+ern &r o7 Ho&ndw+!1+ -e&n 6!o&!n, &no+er ne/r& 1o/nry. To &6o!d be!n, bo1?ed by P&r!'

or e5o'!n, +!' r!,+ 7&n? o & 1o/ner'ro?e 7ro- P&r!' +e de1!ded

o e5end +!' w+ee w!der '! &nd 'wee ro/nd we' o7 P&r!'. T+& +e

7e w&' &'o +e ony w&y o en'/re +& +e Fren1+ &r-!e' were 1/

o77 7ro- +e o''!b!!y o7 e'1&!n, 'o/+w&rd. S/1+ & &r,e w+ee

re/!red 1orre'ond!n,y &r,e 7or1e' 7or !' e5e1/!on &?!n, &11o/n

o7 +e need o e&6e &de/&e de&1+-en on ,/&rd o6er +e 7orre''e'

by&''ed w+!e ?ee!n, / +e 'ren,+ o7 +e on,'re1+ed -&r1+

!n, !ne. T+/' +e w&' ed o '+!7 +e we!,+ o7 +!' 7or1e' 'o +e&6!y

r!,+w&rd' +& ne&ry 'e6ene!,++' o7 +e o& w&' ded!1&ed o +e

,re& w+ee &nd b&rey onee!,++ e o -ee & o''!be Fren1+

o77en'!6e &1ro'' +!' own 7ron!er.

I w&' & 1on1e!on o7 N&oeon!1 bodne'' &nd +ere were

en1o/r&,!n, re1eden' !n N&oeon8' e&ry 1&reer 7or 1o/n!n, on

+e de1!'!6e e77e1 o7 &rr!6!n, !n +e ene-y8' re&r w!+ +e b/? o7 one8'

7or1e'. I7 +e -&n/6re wen we ! +ed -/1+ ,re&er ro-!'e o7

/!1? &nd 1o-ee 6!1ory +&n &ny o+er 1o/r'e 1o/d o77er &nd +e+&&rd' o7 e&6!n, ony & '-& roor!on o 7&1e & Fren1+ 7ron&

&&1? were no &' b!, &' +ey &e&red. Moreo6er !7 +e Ger-&n

de7en'!6e w!n, w&' /'+ed b&1? w!+o/ bre&?!n, +& wo/d end

o !n1re&'e +e e77e1 o7 +e o77en'!6e w!n,. I wo/d oer&e !?e &

re6o6!n, door+e +&rder +e Fren1+ /'+ed on one '!de +e -ore

'+&ry wo/d +e o+er '!de 'w!n, ro/nd &nd 'r!?e +e!r b&1?.

B/ S1+!e77en 7&!ed o &?e d/e &11o/n o7 & ,re& d!77eren1e beween

+e 1ond!!on' o7 N&oeon!1 !-e' &nd +!' own+e &d6en o7 +e

r&!w&y. W+!e +!' roo' wo/d +&6e o -&r1+ on +e!r own 7eero/nd +e 1!r1/-7eren1e o7 +e 1!r1e +e Fren1+ wo/d be &be o

'w!1+ roo' by r&! &1ro'' +e 1+ord o7 +e 1!r1e. T+& w&' & +e

wor'e +&nd!1& be1&/'e +!' ro'e1' -&!ny deended on +e !-e

7&1or. T+e +&nd!1& w&' 7/r+er !n1re&'ed be1&/'e +!' roo' wo/d

be !?ey o 7!nd +e!r &d6&n1e +&-ered by & '/11e''!on o7 de-o!'+ed

br!d,e' w+!e +e!r 7ood &nd &--/n!!on '/y wo/d be re'r!1ed

/n! +ey 1o/d reb/!d +e r&! r&1?' &nd r&! br!d,e' +ro/,+

Be,!/- &nd Nor+ern Fr&n1e.

FOREWORD%

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


T+e ,re& '1y+e'wee w+!1+ S1+!e77en &nned w&' & -&noe/6re

+& +&d been o''!be !n N&oeon!1 /ne'. I wo/d &,&!n be1o-e

o''!be !n +e ne5 ,ener&!onw+en &!rower 1o/d &r&y'e +e

de7end!n, '!de8' &e- o 'w!1+ !' 7or1e' w+!e +e de6eo-en

o7 -e1+&n!'ed 7or1e' ,re&y &11eer&ed +e 'eed o7 en1!r1!n, -o6e'&nd e5ended +e!r r&n,e. B/ S1+!e77en8' &n +&d & 6ery oor

1+&n1e o7 de1!'!6e '/11e'' & +e !-e ! w&' 1on1e!6ed.

T+e e'' +e 1o/d 1o/n on &n &d6&n&,e !n 'eed +e -ore wo/d

deend on +&6!n, & de1!'!6e '/er!or!y o7 'ren,+ & &ny r&e !n +e

1r/1!& &re&. H!' re1o,n!!on o7 +!' need w&' '+own !n +e w&y +e

w+!ed down +e roor!on o7 +e Ger-&n 'ren,+ o be e7 on

+e E&'ern Fron &nd on +e de7en'!6e w!n, !n +e We'. H!' -&!n

de6!1e o rod/1e &n &1/& !n1re&'e o7 &&1?!n, 'ren,+ w&' o

1re&e & n/-ber o7 &dd!!on& &r-y 1or' 7ro- re'er6!'' o7 6&r!o/',r&de' &nd !n1oror&e +e- !n +e 'r!?!n, 7or1e or '/b'!d!&ry &'?'.

B/ e6en +en +e Ger-&n'8 o& 7or1e' !n +e We' wo/d +&6e ony

& '!,+ -&r,!n o7 n/-ber' o6er +e Fren1+ &nd +& -&r,!n wo/d

d!'&e&r w!+ +e &dd!!on o7 +e Be,!&n &nd Br!!'+ &r-!e' ('-&

&' +e'e were) o +e 7or1e' w!+ w+!1+ +e Ger-&n' wo/d +&6e o

de&&' & 1on'e/en1e o7 ,o!n, +ro/,+ Be,!/-.

I !' e6!den 7ro- S1+!177en8' &er' +& by +e !-e +e 7!n&y

7r&-ed +!' P&n +e +&d 1o-e o 7ee 6ery do/b7/ w+e+er Ger-&ny

+&d or 1o/d &&!n +e '/er!or!y o7 7or1e needed 7or & re&'on&be

&''/r&n1e o7 '/11e'' !n '/1+ &n o77en'!6e 6en/re. B/ +e 'ee-' o +&6e

&?en +e e1+n!1!&n8' 6!ew +& +!' d/y w&' 7/7!ed !7 +e d!d +e

/-o' w!+ +e -e&n' &6&!&be &nd -&de +e be' o7 & b&d @ob

!n 1o-!&n1e w!+ +e 1/'o-' &nd r/e' o7 +!' ro7e''!on. He d!d

no 1on'!der +& +e +&d +e +!,+er re'on'!b!!y o7 w&rn!n, +e

E-eror &nd +e C+&n1eor +& +e 1+&n1e' o7 '/11e'' were '-&

1o-&red w!+ +e r!'?' &nd +& Ger-&n o!1y o/,+ o be &d@/'ed

o +& ,r&6e re&!y.S! e'' w&' +e 1on'1!o/' o7 & re'on'!b!!y o +/-&n!y. W+en

!n 7/r+er re7e1!on &7er e&6!n, o77!1e +e 1&-e o re&!'e +ow d/b!o/'

were +e 1+&n1e' o7 '/11e'' 7or +!' o77en'!6e P&n +!' ony 7re'+

'/,,e'!on' 7or !-ro6!n, !' 1+&n1e' were o -&?e & w!der 'wee

+ro/,+ Ho&nd &nd +&'en +e &d6&n1e +ro/,+ Be,!/- by +re&

o7 & errorbo-b&rd-en o7 +e own o/&!on'.

D/r!n, +e'e &er ye&r' R/''!&8' re1o6ery 7ro- +e e77e1' o7 +er

w&r w!+ &&n &nd reor,&n!'&!on o7 +er 7or1e' -&de +e o6er&

#FOREWORD

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


'!/&!on -ore &d6er'e o +e ro'e1' o7 +!' P&n. B/ +e '+owed

no re&!'&!on o7 +e 1+&n,ed '!/&!on &nd !n +!' &' -e-or&nd/-

& +e end o7 "#":& wee? be7ore +!' de&+ @/' '+or o7 +!' e!,+!e+

b!r+d&y+e 6!r/&y !,nored R/''!&8' ower o7 !ner7eren1e &nd +e!?e++ood +& ! -!,+ 1o-e & re!n7or1e-en o7 +e Ger-&n'8

'ender 'ren,+ on +e E&'ern Fron & +e e5en'e o7 +e!r 1on

1enr&!on on +e We'ern Fron. He +&d be1o-e ob'e''ed w!+ +e

dre&- o7 & /!1? ?no1?o/ bow &,&!n' Fr&n1e &nd +!' dy!n, word'

&re reored o +&6e been4 I -/' 1o-e o & 7!,+. Ony -&?e +e

r!,+ w!n, 'ron,.

H!' '/11e''or +e 'e1ond Mo?e w&' no +&y &bo/ +e P&n

+& 1&-e o +!- &' & e,&1y &nd 7o/nd !e +e !n +e &d6!1e w+!1+

S1+!e7Ten o77ered &7er +!' re!re-en. I !' no '/rr!'!n, o e&rn 7ro-

& noe by S1+!e77en8' 'on!n&w +& by "#"" ne!+er Mo?e

L/dendor77 (+e +e&d o7 +e Oer&!on' d!re1or&e "#<%"3) nor &ny

o+er o7 +e 1+!e7 -e-ber' o7 +e Gener& S&77 +o/,+ ! wor+ w+!e

o 1on'/ +e -&'er &bo/ +e robe-.

Mo?e w!+ -ore o!!1& 'en'e &nd '1r/e +&n +!' rede1e''or

de1!ded o &6o!d 6!o&!n, Ho&nd8' ne/r&!y !n &dd!!on o Be,!/-8'

&nd 7o/nd &n &ern&!6e 'o/!on !n & 'w!7 1&/re o7 +e L!e,e boe

ne1? by & '/rr!'e !oup. T+!' w&' &1+!e6ed !n "#"; /nder +e er'on&d!re1!on o7 L/dendor77 'o +e Ger-&n o77en'!6e en@oyed & '/11e''7/

'&r. I w&' +eed e6en -ore by +e re1eny re1&' Fren1+ oer&!on&

&n w+!1+ &yed !no +e Ger-&n'8 +&nd' 7&r beer +&n S1+!e77en

1o/d +&6e e5e1ed.

T+!' w&' d/e o & new '1+oo o7 +o/,+ !n Fr&n1e w+!1+ w&'

!no5!1&ed w!+ +e o77en'!6e '!r!. In "#": +e e&der' o7 +!' '1+oo

o/'ed +e +en C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 M!1+e w+o +&d e5e1ed

+e Ger-&n' o 1o-e +ro/,+ Be,!/- &nd &nned & de7en1e &,&!n'

+e -o6e. T+e new '1+oo !,nored +e d&n,er !n +e!r e&,erne'' o

&/n1+ &n o77en'!6e o7 +e!r own &1ro'' +e Ger-&n 7ron!er. T+!' r&n

+e&don, !no & r& &nd +e Fren1+ Ar-y w&' 1&/,+ b&dy o77

b&&n1e w+en +e Ger-&n' 'we ro/nd !' e7 w!n,. Ne6er+ee'' +e

Fren1+ were &be o 'w!1+ re!n7or1e-en' +!+er by r&! w+!e +e

Ger-&n &d6&n1e dw!nded !n 'ren,+ &nd o' 1o+e'!on &' ! re''ed

deeer !no Fr&n1e. I '/77ered b&dy 7ro- '+or&,e o7 '/!e' 1&/'ed

by +e de-o!!on o7 +e r&!w&y' &nd w&' on +e 6er,e o7 bre&?down

by +e !-e +e Fren1+ &/n1+ed & 1o/ner'ro?e '&r!n, 7ro- +e

FOREWORD"<

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


P&r!' &re&w+!1+ '/77!1ed o d!'o1&e +e Ger-&n r!,+ w!n, &nd

1&/'e & ,ener& rere&.

A7er +e e6en Mo?e w&' b&-ed 7or +e w&y +e e5o'ed +!'

7&n? o '/1+ & r!o'e by w+ee!n, !nw&rd' be7ore P&r!' w&' &''ed1onr&ry o +e S1+!e77en P&n. B/ ! now be1o-e' 1e&r 7ro-

S1+!e77en8' &er' +& +e +!-'e7 +&d 1o-e o re1o,n!'e +& +!'

7or1e' were !n'/77!1!en 7or '/1+ &n e5re-ey w!de 're1+ &nd +& +e

1one-&ed w+ee!n, !nw&rd' nor+ o7 P&r!' &' Mo?e d!d. Ano+er

1+&r,e bro/,+ &,&!n' Mo?e !' +& +e 'o! +e P&n by &o!n,

-ore o7 +e newy r&!'ed 1or' o +e e7 w!n, +&n o +e r!,+. B/

+ere &,&!n we 7!nd +& S1+!e77en +&d &'o 1o-e o 'ee +e need o7

'ren,+en!n, +e e7 w!n,. In &ny 1&'e +e 1o/r'e o7 e6en' &-y

ro6ed +& +e r!,+ w!n, 1o/d no +&6e been -&de 'ron,er +&n ! w&' nor !' 'ren,+ -&!n&!ned &' +e &d6&n1e 1on!n/edbe1&/'e o7

+e r&! de-o!!on'. I !' /'ee'' o -/!y n/-ber' !7 +ey 1&nno be

7ed &nd -/n!!oned.

In +e !,+ o7 S1+!e77en8' &er' &nd o7 +e e''on' o7 Word W&r I

! !' +&rd o 7!nd re&'on 7or +e w&y +e +&' 'o on, been re,&rded &' &

-&'er -!nd &nd one w+o wo/d +&6e been 6!1or!o/' !7 +e +&d !6ed

o 1ond/1 +!' own P&n.

S1+!e77en 6ery 1e&ry ,r&'ed +e 6&/e o7 /rn!n, +e oonen8'

7&n?b/ +& w&' no new d!'1o6ery. He 7/r+er '&w +& +e e77e1

deended on '/11e''!6e by&''!n, -o6e' ro,re''!6ey re''ed deeer

ow&rd' +e oonen8' re&r. B/ +& +&d been &re1!&ed &nd

e51eeny bro/,+ o/ &' 7&r b&1? &' $<< B.C. !n S/n T/8' e&1+!n,

on T+e Ar o7 W&r. S1+!e7Fen8' oer&!on& e5erne'' !n w&r ,&-e'

+&' been &11&!-ed by -&ny o7 +!' '/bord!n&e'. B/ ! w&' ne6er e'ed

!n w&r &nd doe' no '/77!1e &' roo7 o7 +!' -&'ery o7 'r&e,!1 +eory.

T+!' 1&n now be e5&-!ned !n +e !,+ o7 +!' &er'. On +e!r e6!den1e

+!' ,r&' o7 'r&e,y w&' bro&d b/ '+&ow -ore -&+e-&!1& +&n'y1+oo,!1&. A+o/,+ +e w&' & 'ron, be!e6er !n +e 6!r/e' o7

!nd!re1 &ro&1+ +e 'ee-' o +&6e re,&rded ! r!n1!&y &' & +y'!1&

,eo,r&+!1& -&err&+er +&n &' & 1o-o/nd w&y o7 &y!n,

re''/re /on +e -!nd &nd '!r! o7 +e oo'!n, 1o--&nder &nd

roo'. T+ere !' !e !n S1+!e77en8' &er' +& '/,,e'' /nder'&nd!n,

o7 +e 7!ner o!n' o7 'r&e,y &nd +e '/ber w&y' !n w+!1+ ! 1&n

de1!'!6ey 1+&n,e +e b&&n1e.

Nor do +!' &er' '+ow &ny 1e&r re&!'&!on o7 +e e5en o w+!1+

'r&e,!1 '/11e'' deend' on w+& !' &1!1&y possile. T+e &er'

""FOREWORD

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


ro6!de !e e6!den1e o7 1on1ern w!+ +e 6!& 1+&n,e !n &1!1&

1ond!!on' +& w&' be!n, rod/1ed by +e re-endo/' de6eo-en

!n +e 7!reower o7 we&on' &nd +e!r -/!!1&!on. H!' d!'1/''!on

o7 +e 'r&e,!1 robe- o7 !n6&d!n, Fr&n1e &nd &1+!e6!n, & /!1?

6!1ory +ere re1o,n!'e' +& +e 7orre''e' &re !?ey o be 'er!o/'ob'&1e' o +e Ger-&n &d6&n1e &nd e-+&'!'e' +e need o7 +e&6y

7!ed &r!ery o o6er1o-e +e-. B/ ! doe' no &?e &11o/n o7 o+er

&nd newer &1!1& +!ndr&n1e'. T+ere !' no -en!on !n S1+!e77en8'

-!!&ry e'&-en +&nded o +!' '/11e''or !n "#<0 o7 +e /!1?7!r!n,

7!ed &r!ery de6eoed by +e Fren1++e 7&-o/' 9$'nor o7

-&1+!ne,/n'. E6en !n +!' 7!n& +o/,+' on +e w&r robe- 'e

7or+ !n +!' -e-or&nd/- o7 De1e-ber "#": +ere &re ony wo

!n1!den& -en!on' o7 +e -&1+!ne,/nw+!1+ w+en w&r 1&-e !n

"#"; ro6ed +e ,re&e' ob'&1e o &ny &d6&n1e &r&y'!n, oer&!on'on1e +e 7ron +&d been e5ended o +e 1o&' &nd no oen 'r&e,!1

7&n? 1o/d be 7o/nd. Now+ere doe' S1+!177en 1on'!der b&rbedw!re

en&n,e-en' w+!1+ be1&-e '/1+ &n !-or&n '/e-en o +e

-&1+!ne,/!! !n rod/1!n, +e ren1+de&do1?. Moreo6er +e d!d

no &?e &de/&e &11o/n o7 +e e77e1 o7 de-o!!on' &r!1/&ry o7

r&! br!d,e' &' & br&?e on +e '/!e' needed o -&!n&!n +!' 'r&e,!1

&d6&n1e. In one o7 +e e&ry dr&7' o7 +!' "#<0 -e-or&nd/- 7or +!'

'/11e''or +e de6oed & en,+y &r&,r&+ o +e -&er b/ droed

+!' o/ !n +e 7!n& dr&7 &nd '?&ed o6er +e robe-. T+& !''y-o-&!1 o7 & enden1y o d!'1o/n d!77!1/!e' !n be1o-!n, -ore

&rden 7or & on, 1+er!'+ed &n.

Wor'e '!no ony 7or Ger-&ny b/ 7or +e wordw&' +!' &1?

o7 /nder'&nd!n, o7 +e w!der o!!1& e1ono-!1 &nd -or& 7&1or'

w+!1+ &re !n'e&r&be 7ro- +e -!!&ry 7&1or' on +e +!,+er &ne o7

'r&e,y +& !' &y er-ed ,r&nd 'r&e,y. H!' 7&!/re o /nder

'&nd +e'e non-!!&ry 7&1or' &nd +e!r !n7/en1e !' &by e5&-!ned by

Ger+&rd R!er &nd 7or-' one o7 +e -o' !nere'!n, &r' o7 +!' boo?.

In re6!o/' ,ener&!on' '&e o!1y +&d ,o6erned +e /'e o7 -!!&ry

-e&n'&' ! -/' !7 o!1y !' o 7/7! !' /ro'e &nd -&?e 'en'e.

B/ +& roer re&!on'+! be,&n o be &ered &nd !n e77e1 re6er'ed

w+en B!'-&r1?8' re-o6& 7ro- +e C+&n1eor'+! !n "%#< w&' 1o'ey

7oowed by S1+!e77en8' &o!n-en o be +e&d o7 +e Gener& S&77.

A' R!er +&' o!ned o/ +e S1+!e77en P&n 7or-' +e r!-e e5&-e

o7 '&ere&'on!n, be!n, d!'ored by & /rey -!!&ry w&y o7

+!n?!n,. T+e 1on'e/en1e' were d!'&'ro/'.

FOREWORD":

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


THE deoy-en &nd oer&!on& &n' o7 +e C+!e7 o7 +e Gener&

S&77 Gr&7 S1+!e77en +ere /b!'+ed 7or +e 7!r' !-e !n +e!r

en!rey &re w!+o/ do/b &-on, +e -o' 1onro6er'!&

do1/-en' o7 re1en -!!&ry +!'ory. Prob&by no ,ener& '&77 '/dy

e6er &ro/'ed '/1+ w!de're&d !nere' &nd e51!e-en &-on, +e

,ener& /b!1. I +&' e oo'e & w+oe 7ood o7 -!!&ry &nd o!!1&

!er&/re. Je +e'e &n' +&6e 'o 7&r been ?nown o +e /b!1 ony !n +e 7or- o7 & '/--&ry o7 +e!r 1onen' by -!!&ry wr!er'&nd

+e'e re7er -o'y ony o +e -e-or&nd/- o7 "#<$. O7 +e 1o-ee

e5 & +& +&' 'o 7&r &e&red !' & 7ew 'enen1e'. Re&!6ey +e 7/e'

rerod/1!on -&y be 7o/nd !n +e o77!1!& /b!1&!on o7 +e /ei!hs%

ar!hi.1 Je +!' oo !' !n1o-ee &ry 7or o!!1& re&'on'. In +e

-!d' o7 +e /&rre o6er +e 7&-o/' w&r ,/! /e'!on Ger-&n

o77!1!&' &r!1/&ry !n +e Fore!,n M!n!'ry +&d ,r&6e +e'!&!on'

&bo/ /b!'+!n, +o'e &''&,e' o7 S1+!e77en8' -e-or&nd& w+!1+

d!'1/'' -&r1+!n, no @/' +ro/,+ Be,!/- b/ +ro/,+ Ho&nd &'

we. For +e'e wo/d +&6e re'ened Ger-&ny8' &11/'er' (&nd

'&nderer') w!+ new ro&,&nd& -&er!&. S/1+ 7e&r' o' +e!r

7o/nd&!on w!+ +e &e&r&n1e !n "#:: o7 +e -e-o!r' o7 +e yo/n,er

Mo?e w+!1+ !n1/ded & -e-or&nd/- o7 "#"$ 'e!n, o/ +!'

d!77eren o!n o7 6!ew on +!' /e'!on &' & ?!nd o7 &oo,!&. B/ +e

/&-' o7 +e Fore!,n M!n!'ry er'!'ed '!n1e no one w&ned o ,e

!n6o6ed !n !1?!'+ e5&n&!on' o +e D/1+ &bo/ S1+!e77en8' 6!ew'

on D/1+ o!1y. L&er on /b!1&!on w&' &nned w!+!n +e7r&-ewor? o7 S1+!e77en8' ,iensts!hriften# w+!1+ were !''/ed by +e

1 ,er Wellrieg igi2 is igi3# +er&/',e,eben 6o- Re!1+'&r1+!6 ,ie milit4ris!hen

Operationen u 6ande# Bd. I ("#:$) . $$0". P&ry /oed by W. Groener ,as Testa%

ment des 7rafen "!hlieffen ("#:9) . "$ 77. o,e+er w!+ re7e1!on' on +e o77en'!6e o7

A/,/' "#";. W. Foer'er 7raf "!hlieffen und der Weltrieg ("#:$) . :#3% &nd ;"3.

Ide- 'us der 7edanen8erstatt des deuts!hen 7eneralstas ("#3") o77er' 'o-e !nd!1&!on'.

H. 6on K+ ,er deuts!he 7eneralsta in -orereitung und ,ur!lifiihrung des Weltriegs

("#:<) . "009<. H/,o Ro1+' "!hlieffen. Ein 6eens% und Charaterild fr das deuts!he

-ol (:. A/7. "#:") . $" 77. &nd 9; 77($. A/7. . 0; 77. &nd #$ 77).

"3

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


re1on'!/ed Gener& S&77 7ro- "#39 onw&rd'. B/ +e 'er!e' w&'

ne6er 1o-eed be1&/'e o7 +e o/bre&? o7 +e w&r.:

T+e -&n/'1r!' on w+!1+ +e 'e1ond &r o7 +!' boo? !' b&'ed &re

&-on, +e S1++e77en &er' or!,!n&y +&nded o6er o +e Ar-y

&r1+!6e' ('/b'e/eny !n1oror&ed !n +e /ei!hsar!hi !n Po'd&-) by

S1b!e77en8' 'on!n&w M&@or 6on H&+n?e. Aon, w!+ o+er -!!&ry

do1/-en' +ey 7e !no +e +&nd' o7 +e A-er!1&n Ar-y w+!1+

/rned +e- o6er o +e N&!on& Ar1+!6e' !n W&'+!n,on. I w&' +ere

+& I 7o/nd +e- &7er -y &en!on +&d been dr&wn o +e -&er

by Pro7e''or Fr! E'e!n d/r!n, & 6!'! /nder&?en 7or /!e 'e&r&e

/ro'e' !n +e 'r!n, o7 "#$3. No ony w&' I ,r&ned 7ree &11e'' o

+e -&n/'1r!' b/ I &'?ed 7or &nd re1e!6ed +oo'& 1o!e' o7 +e

&er' w+!1+ -o' !nere'ed -e. In +e -e&n!-e +e en!re S1++e77en

&er' +&6e been re/rned o Ger-&ny. T+e o77!1!& -&n/'1r!' &re !n+e +&nd' o7 +e Feder& De7en1e M!n!'ry o w+o- I &- ,re&y

ob!,ed 7or 7/r+er &11e'' o +e do1/-en' &nd er-!''!on o /b!'+

+e- &' we &' 7or +e !n -&?!n, '?e1+-&' &nd 7/r+er +oo'&'.

T+e '!,n!7!1&n1e o7 +e S1++e77en P&n e5end' 7&r beyond /rey

-!!&ry +!'ory. I' o!!1& 1on'e/en1e' -&de ! no+!n, e'' +&n

7&e7/ 7or Ger-&ny. In &er !-e' ! +&' been oo?ed on &' & de'!,n

7or & re6en!6e w&r &,&!n' Fr&n1e -&de !n 1o/'!on w!+ +e e&d!n,

br&!n o7 +e Fore!,n M!n!'ry B&ron Fr! 6on Ho'e!n ow&rd' +e

end o7 "#<$. In 1on'e/en1e +e S1+!e77en P&n +&' be1o-e +e 1enreo7 e6ery d!'1/''!on &bo/ +e roe o7 +e Ger-&n ,ener& '&77 be7ore

"#"; &nd &bo/ +e w+oe /e'!on o7 Ger-&n -!!&r!'-. S/1+ &re

+e 'e1!& 1!r1/-'&n1e' w+!1+ -&y @/'!7y !' re'en /b!1&!on no

by &n o77!1er '1+ooed !n +e -e+od' o7 +e Gener& S&77 b/ by &

o!!1& +!'or!&n w+o +&' on, -&de +!' ?!nd o7 robe- +e ob@e1

o7 'e1!& '/dy. T+e &/+or 7ee' +& +!' /b!1&!on !' !nd!'en'&be

:" b&'e +!' !n7or-&!on on & eer 7ro- Pro7e''or Wo7,&n, Foer'er (+e 7or-er

re'!den o7 +e +!'or!1& de&r-en o7 +e Re!1+'&r1+!6) &nd on & rey by Foer'ero & '&'+!n, &&1? -&de by P. R&''ow :$istoris!he ;eits!hrift# "93 . 3<" 77.) on +e

-y'ery-&?!n, o7 -!!&ry wr!er' &bo/ +e S1+!e77en e,end. T+!' rey &e&red

!n +e W!hr8issens!haftli!he /unds!hau (De1e-ber "#$:). C7. &'o H. 6on Mo?e

Erinnerungen# *riefe# ,oumente 13<3%191&# . ;:# 77. &nd +e e''&y by W. Foer'er

Woe Gr&7 S1+!e77en Ho&nd !- Ern'7& 6er,ew&!,en !n4 ,ie =riegss!huldfrage

("#:$) . ::9&n e''&y w+!1+ !n -y o!n!on r!e' o one down &''&,e' /oed 7ro-

S1+!e77en8' -e-or&nd/-. I wo/d !?e o &?e +!' oor/n!y o7 e5re''!n, -y

'!n1ere ,r&!/de 7or +e !n6&/&be +e I +&6e der!6ed 7ro- W. Foer'er8' er'on&

&''!'&n1e &nd &'o 7ro- +!' '1+o&ry wr!!n,'. My need o e5re'' +!' !' & +e ,re&er

&' -y own re'e&r1+e' +&6e ed -e o 1on1/'!on' w+!1+ &re o7en !n d!re1 1onr&' o +!'.

" INTRODUCTION

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


&' & re!-!n&ry '/dy &nd '/e-en o +e 'e1ond 6o/-e o7 +!'

boo? "taatunst und =riegshand8er# ,as Prolem des >Militarismus> in

,euts!hland# o7 w+!1+ +e 7!r' 6o/-e &e&red !n "#$;.3 O7 1o/r'e

!e doe' no 7ee 1&ed /on o &e&r &' &n e5er !n /rey -!!&ry

-&er'o &re1!&e 7or e5&-e Gr&7 S1+!e77en8' 'r&e,!1 &1+!e6e

-en' &' '/1+. He !' no e-ed by +e roe e!+er o7 1!6!!&n'r&e,!' or +!'or!1& /-!re !n +e /&rre o7 +e -!!&ry e5er'.

B/ w+& -/' be &11o-!'+ed w!+!n +e 7r&-ewor? o7 '/1+ &

/b!1&!on &nd w+& -&y be &1+!e6ed by & 1!6!!&n !' +ree7od4

An &n&y'!' o7 +e +!'or!1& 7e&/re' o7 S1+!e77en8' 'r&e,!1 &n'

1o-&red w!+ +o'e o7 +!' rede1e''or &nd +!' '/11e''or.

A orr&! o7 S1+!e77en &' & -&n &nd &' +e +oder o7 +!' o77!1e.

An &re1!&!on o7 +e o!!1& '!,n!7!1&n1e o7 +!' &n'!n +e!r

!nen &' we &' !n +e!r 1on'e/en1e'.

GERHARD R ITTER

Fre!b/r, !- Bre!',&/ M&r1+ "#$0.

3 R. Odenbo/r, *er&, M/n!1+.

INTRODUCTION

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


P ART ONE

EPOSITION

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I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S

OPERATIONAL IDEAS

i. The shift of emphasis from East to West

THE d!77eren1e beween S1+!e77en8' 1&-&!,n &n' &nd & +e

oer&!on& &nd deoy-en &n' o7 +!' rede1e''or !' +e

1on1e o7 & ,re& o77en'!6e !n +e We'&n o77en'!6e w+!1+

wo/d &nn!+!&e +e en!re Fren1+ Ar-y & & '!n,e bow &nd &1+!e6e

/!1? &nd o& 6!1ory on +e We'ern 7ron. I !' r/e.&' Peer R&''ow

+&' re1eny o!ned o/" +& +e "#<$0 -e-or&nd/- o11/!e' &

'e1!& o'!!on !n +& ! d!d no en6!'&,e & w&r on wo 7ron' b/ &

1&-&!,n &!-ed e51/'!6ey &,&!n' +e wo ,re& We'ern Power'

w+!e R/''!& rendered -o-en&r!y !-oen by de7e&' !n +e E&'

&nd re6o/!on & +o-e w&' e7 o/ o7 1on'!der&!on. B/ !n &re1!

&!n, S1+!e77en8' &n' &' & w+oe +!' !' o7 no ,re& !-or&n1e 7or

!n +e e6en o7 & wo7ron w&r +e +&d e''en!&y de6eoed +e '&-e

b&'!1 !de&' on, be7ore &nd w&' o do 'o &,&!n !n "#":.

W+& w&' ! +en +& ed +!- o '/1+ & '+&r &nd 7/nd&-en&

de&r/re 7ro- +e &n' o7 +!' rede1e''or w+o +&d en6!'&,ed &n

o77en'!6e de7en1e !n wo d!re1!on' w+o'e &!- '!n1e +e &e 'e6en!e'

+&d been o -o6e +e we!,+ o7 +e o77en'!6e +r/'' no we'w&rd'

b/ e&'w&rd' T+!' !' +e 7!r' o7 -&ny /e'!on' w+!1+ we -/' &'?

o7 +e S1+!e77en P&n. And be7ore &ny+!n, e'e !' &n'wer de-&nd'

& 1o'er oo? & +e deoy-en &n' o7 +e eder Mo?e.

T+e no!on o7 & wo7ron w&r &,&!n' R/''!& &nd &,&!n' Fr&n1e+&d o11/!ed +!- &,&!n &nd &,&!n +ro/,+o/ +!' 1&reer &' C+!e7 o7 +e

Gener& S&77. A' e&ry &' !%0< +e +&d +o/,+ ! ne1e''&ry o -&?e

? Translators( note@ Here &nd e'ew+ere deoy-en +&' been /'ed 7or +e Ger-&n

'ufmars!h. A 1o--on render!n, !' 1on1enr&!on b/ +!' !' no -ore '&!'7&1ory.

I !' &r!1/&ry /n'&!'7&1ory !n 1onne1!on w!+ +e S1+!e77en P&n w+!1+ 6!'/&!'ed

&n e5en'!on o7 +e 'ufmars!h+e 7or-!n, / o7 &n &r-y !n re&r&!on 7or & 1&-&!,n

o6er & 6ery w!de 7ron.

1 $istoris!he ;eits!lirift# "93 ("#$:) . 3<3 7. T+e +e&d!n, W&r &,&!n' Fr&n1e &!ed o

En,&nd !' /oed by R&''ow 7ro- Groener8' boo? ,as Testament des 7rafen "!hlieffen#

. % w+!1+ +&' & 7&1'!-!e rerod/1!on o7 +e oen!n, o7 one o7 +e dr&7' !n S1+!e77en8'

own +&ndwr!!n,. O/r Te5 '+ow' +owe6er +& +e +e&d!n,' were 1+&n,ed 'e6er& !-e'.

"

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on,er- ro6!'!on &,&!n' 1ooer&!on beween +e S&6 E&' &nd

+e L&!n We' &,&!n' +e 1enre o7 E/roe& ro+e!1 6!ew w!n1+ w&' y!1& o7 +!' n/!&ry +!n?!n,: &nd one !n w+!1+ +e '&yed

/n'+&?en e6en +o/,+ +e 7o/nd R/''!&8' en-!y 7or Ger-&ny d!77!1/

o /nder'&nd on o!!1& ,ro/nd' &nd & Fr&n1oR/''!&n &!&n1e

7/nd&-en&y /nn&/r& &nd /n!?ey.3 An oer&!on& '/dy -&de

!n "%$# '/,,e'' !n +e e6en o7 wo 7ron' +e e'&b!'+-en o7 one

7ron w!+ & -!n!-/- o7 re'o/r1e' &' r&!d &nd e77e1!6e & 1&-&!,n

&' o''!be on +e o+er 7!n&y +e re1o6ery o7 w+&e6er -&y +&6e

been o' !n +e 7!r' +e&re.; T+!' 'o/nd' !?e +e 7!r' &e&r&n1e o7

+e S1+!e77en 7or-/&. B/ !n "%9" &7er +e /ne5e1ed e5er!en1e

o7 +e Peoe8' W&r !n Fr&n1e Mo?e be,&n o ,row -/1+ -ore

do/b7/. In & 6ery de&!ed oer&!on& &n de'!,ned !n Ar! "%9"

7or +e e6en (e6en +en /!e /n!?ey) o & w&r on wo 7ron' +e

re&1+ed +e 1on1/'!on +& Ger-&ny 1&nno +oe o r!d +er'e7 o7

one ene-y by & /!1? o77en'!6e 6!1ory !n +e We' !n order +en

o /rn &,&!n' +e o+er. We +&6e @/' 'een +ow d!77!1/ ! !' o

br!n, e6en +e 6!1or!o/' w&r &,&!n' Fr&n1e o &n end&n &'on!'+

!n,y 'ober @/d,-en 7or +e -&n w+o w&' @/' +en & +e -o-eno7 +!' r!/-+ !n +e W&r' o7 Un!7!1&!on So now Mo?e &nned

o '! +e Ger-&n Ar-y !no wo &-o' e/& &r' re&dy o &?e

+e o77en'!6e !n bo+ E&' &nd We'b/ ony &' & -e&n' o7 de7en1e.

He 6!ewed err!or!& 1on/e'' !n R/''!& or &nyw+ere e'e w!+

e5re-e d!'7&6o/r & Po!'+ b/77er '&e w!+ !' err!or!& de-&nd'

on E&' &nd We' Pr/''!& wo/d be -erey & !&b!!y.

Ony 7or & -o-en d/r!n, +e B&?&n 1r!'!' o7 "%99 d!d Mo?e8'

+o/,+' /rn ow&rd' &n /ne/& d!'r!b/!on o7 Ger-&n 'ren,+

w!+ & '+!7 o7 e-+&'!' ow&rd' +e We'. T+e !ner6& +&d w!ne''ede5en'!6e re&r-&-en by +e Fren1+ &nd ! w&' Fr&n1e w!+ +er

7&1/y or /!1? -ob!!'&!on w+o now 'r/1? +!- &' +e -o'

d&n,ero/' oonen &,&!n' w+o- Ger-&ny '+o/d /rn 7!r'. B/

ob'er6e +& &+o/,+ Mo?e e5e1ed & ,re& de1!'!6e b&e !n

: See &'o -y boo? "taatsnnst und =riegshatid8er# I . 3<<.

3 Me-or&nd/- o7 Febr/&ry 3rd "%99. Q/oed by S1+-1r7ed ,ie deuts!hen

'ufmars!hplane i"Ai%i3go :ors!hutigen mid ,drstelhmgeu aus dem /ei!hsar!lii# -))# "#:#)

. 0$. Mo?e8' @/d,-en on !nern&!on& o!!1' o7en 6&r!ed. In "%9" +e +o/,+ +&

beween Ger-&n' &nd R/''!&n' +ere w&' & -//& &n&,on!'- o7 7&!+ &nd +&b! & 6&r!&n1e !4! -&er!& !nere'' &nd +& R/''!&8' &y !n +e 7!,+ &,&!n' +e Cenr&

Power' wo/d rob&by be Fr&n1e. :)id.# . S$ &nd %.)

( )id.#■ . ".

"% I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8'

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


Lorr&!ne !n +e +!rd wee? o7 -ob!!'&!on +ere !' no -en!on o7 &

o& 6!1ory !n +e We'. I7 6!1ory !' o/r' we '+& ry o e5o! !

b/ we 1&nno e5end +e /r'/! o P&r!'. I -/' be e7 o d!o-&1y

o 'ee !7 ! 1&n &1+!e6e & e&1e 'ee-en on +!' 7ron e6en !7 ony on

+e b&'!' o7 +e status quo ante.> So ! 1&-e o +&& 'e&r&e ne,o

!&ed e&1e w!+ & Fr&n1e de7e&ed !n +e 7!ed I7 +!' were /nob&!n

&be or +e b&e wen &,&!n' Ger-&ny +e de7en1e !n +e We' w&'

o be 1&rr!ed on w!+ d!-!n!'+ed 7or1e' w!+dr&w!n, !7 need be o

+e R+!ne. T+en +e &r,e' o''!be 7or1e' were o be +rown e&'

w&rd' w+ere Mo?e @/d,ed +& +e *!'/& !ne & e&' '+o/d +od7or +e 7!r' 7ew wee?'.$

A Mo?e8' &er deoy-en &nd oer&!on& &n' &re b&'ed on +e

r!-&ry &''/-!on o7 & ower7/ o77en'!6e !n +e E&' w!+ & -ore or

e'' o77en'!6e de7en1e !n +e We'. Fr&n1e +&6!n, -e&nw+!e ,re&y

'ren,+ened &nd en&r,ed +er 'y'e- o7 7orre''e' !n1/d!n, P&r!'

&nd +&6!n, b/! / +er 7or1e' o 'o-e+!n, !?e +e Ger-&n e6e no

on,er 'ee-ed o o77er & 7r/!7/ 7!ed 7or !n6&'!on w+ere&' R/''!&n

err!ory 7or 6&r!o/' re&'on' o77ered ,ood ro'e1'. T+&n?' o +e

,re& 7orre''e' +e -!,+y ob'&1e o7 +e R+!ne &nd +e n&rrow ,& beween +e *o',e' &nd Be,!/- Ger-&ny8' We'ern 7ron w&'

e-!neny '/!ed o de7en1e. B/ +e E&' w!+ !' 6&' '&1e' o77ered

-/1+ -ore '1oe 7or o77en'!6e oer&!on'. Here -oreo6er +e '&!en

o7 E&' Pr/''!& w&' +re&ened w!+ !--ed!&e en1!r1e-en &nd

'r&n,/&!on w+!e on +e o+er +&nd ! ro6!ded &n e51een '&y

or &,&!n' & R/''!&n &r-y 1on1enr&!n, !n Po&nd or &d6&n1!n, 7ro-

Ko6no. F/r+er-ore +e ony w&y o de7end +e 9$<?!o-ere'on,

E&'ern 7ron!er 7ro- Ly1? o K&ow!1e w&' by /n!' d!'er'ed o6er &

w!de &r1 &d6&n1!n, !n &n o77en'!6e &nd !n?!n, / on ene-y 'o!.F!n&y Ger-&ny +&d o be 'ron, eno/,+ !n +e E&' o &6o!d deend

en1e on +e de1!'!on' o7 +er A/'r!&n &y. E6en &7er +e '!,n!n, o7 +e

D/& A!&n1e !n "%9# Mo?e d!d no & 7!r' 1o/n on +e A/'ro

H/n,&r!&n &r-y &d6&n1!n, 7ro- G&!1!& !n'e&d +e 7e&red +&

! wo/d +&n, on o +e C&r&+!&n r!d,e !n & /rey de7en'!6e

roe. A +e '&-e !-e +e w&' 1on6!n1ed +& e6en w!+ +e -&!n

Ger-&n 'ren,+ &one +e 1o/d &/n1+ & 6!,oro/' o77en'!6e on

!ner!or !ne' beween +e R/''!&n &r-!e' ro/nd W&r'&w &nd Ko6no

+/' re6en!n, +e!r /n!on &nd de7e&!n, +e- 'e&r&ey. In +e We'

-e&nw+!e +e &n w&' o +od 7or &' on, &' o''!be & de7en1e

& )id.# . 0$ 77. (Me-or&nd/- o7 Febr/&ry 3rd "%99).

THE SHIFT OF EMPHASIS FROM EAST TO "#

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


o'!!on on +e S&&r. T+!' &y beween Forb&1+ &nd S&&r/n!on w!+

e1+eoned 1o6er on +e r!,+ &nd e7 7&n?'. Mo?e be!e6ed +!'

o'!!on o be 6ery 'ron,. In &dd!!on ! w&' 1o6ered !n 7ron by

+e &d6&n1ed 7orre'' o7 Me &nd on !' 'o/+ern 7&n? by Sr&'bo/r,.

He @/d,ed ! & -!'&?e !--ed!&ey o &/n1+ & 'r&e,!1 o77en'!6e &nd

'o 7or,o +e &d6&n&,e /ndo/bedy o77ered by & &1!1& de7en'!6e.

T+e o77en'!6e w r&' r&+er o be e7 o +e Fren1+ w+o &7er & w&ned

o re&?e A'&1eLorr&!ne. A +e '&-e !-e +e 'er!o/'y 1on'!dered

+e o''!b!!y +& +e Ger-&n' wo/d +&6e o rere& o +e R+!ne

&nd !nended o re/n!e & +ree rere&!n, Ger-&n &r-!e' be+!nd +e

M&!n beween M&!n &nd Fr&n?7/r. Here & de1!'!6e b&e 1o/d be7o/,+. W+en &nd w+ere we '+& be &be o br!n, +e 7ro- +e

A/'r!&n +e&re o +e R+!ne w! deend on +e '/11e'' &1+!e6ed on

+e *!'/&. T+ere !' no -en!on o7 o& 6!1ory !n +e E&' (&n/&ry

"%%<).0

T+e /ndery!n, r!n1!e' o7 +!' 'r&e,y '&yed /n1+&n,ed /n!

Mo?e8' re!re-en !n "%%%. D/r!n, +!' &' ye&r' o7 o77!1e +owe6er

+e A/'r!&n' /nderoo? (!n +e W&der'eeBe1? &,ree-en o7 "%%:)

o &/n1+ &n o77en'!6e &,&!n' R/''!& w!+ +e re'/ +& +e &,ed

F!ed M&r'+&8' &' 1&-&!,n &n -&de !n Febr/&ry "%%% w&' &beo ro6!de 7or 1o&bor&!on beween +e &!ed &r-!e' on +e E&'ern

7ron. T+ere w&' o be & '!-/&neo/' o77en'!6e 7ro- G&!1!& &nd 7ro-

We' Pr/''!& 7or +e en1!r1e-en o7 +e -&!n R/''!&n 7or1e be+!nd

W&r'&w &nd & '/rr!'e &&1? w+!e ! w&' deoy!n,. I w&' o

7or1e +e R/''!&n' o 1o-e o/ o7 +e!r 7or!7!ed o'!!on' be+!nd +e

*!'/& &nd +e B/, &nd !n one d!re1!on or +e o+er o ry o 'ee?

& de1!'!on !n +e oen. A,&!n +ere !' no -en!on o7 en1!r1e-en &

b&e o7 &nn!+!&!on or &n &d6&n1e !no +e R/''!&n !ner!or.9 On

+e 1onr&ry +e new '!/&!on ony re'/ed !n +e E&'ern 7ron

be!n, &o1&ed +e '-&er &r o7 +e Ger-&n Ar-ye!,+een

d!6!'!on'.

Fro- & +!' ! !' 1e&r (") +& Mo?e !n '!e o7 +!' -!!&ry

& )id.# . %9 77. (Me-or&nd/- No. ::) &nd . ":3 (No. :# "%%9).

8 In "%9# Mo?e wroe4 To 7oow / & 6!1ory !n +e K!n,do- o7 Po&nd by & /r'/!

!no +e R/''!&n !ner!or wo/d be o7 no !nere' o /' b/ +!' 6!1ory wo/d en&be /'

o -o6e +e ,re&er &r o7 +e &r-y o +e R+!ne /'!n, '/!&be r&!w&y 1onne1!on'.

(S1+-er7ed No. "# . %<.) T+e W&der'eeBe1? &,ree-en' o7 "%%: de'1r!bed +e &!-

o7 +e oer&!on' !n R/''!& &' be!n, o &1+!e6e & 7ron !ne Ko6noBre'L!o6'?1o/r'e

o7 +e B/, o +e A/'r!&n 7ron!er !.e. &?!n, o''e''!on ro/,+y o7 Con,re''Po&nd.I7 &nd +ow +e oer&!on' &re o be 1on!n/ed &7er +& -/' be e7 o &er &,ree-en'.

Wo7,&n, Fo1r'r1r 7edanen8erstBitt drs 7enerahtas# . ;;.

I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN's OPERATIONAL:<

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


r!/-+' d!d no 1o/n on &1+!e6!n, & o& 6!1ory !n & wo7ron

w&r !.e. on be!n, &be o de7e& e&1+ oonen !n /rn. In'e&d +e w&'

1onen w!+ & de7en'!6e w+!1+ w&' o e5o! &ny oor/n!!e' 7oro77en'!6e +r/''. (:) +& !n d!re1 1onr&' w!+ S1+!e77en +e '+ +e

Ger-&n Ar-y !n wo &r' !n'e&d o &11/-/&!n, !' w+oe we!,+

on & '!n,e 7ron w+ere & b&e o7 &nn!+!&!on -!,+ &ow +!- o

1&rry on w+& wo/d +en be 6!r/&y & one7ron w&r. Per+&' +e

&er o!n +&' no been bro/,+ o/ w!+ '/77!1!en 1&r!y by -!!&ry

wr!er' / o d&e. For -o' wo/d -&?e ! &e&r +& S1+!e77en -erey

r&n'7erred +e !de& o7 & -&!n +r/' 7ro- E&' o We' w+ere&' !n 7&1

+e d!77eren1e ,oe' -/1+ deeer. T+&n?' o B!'-&r1?8' -&'ery d!

o-&!1 re&r&!on' &nd o +e 6&' e1+n!1& &nd -&er!& '/er!or!y

o7 +e Pr/''!&nGer-&ny Ar-y Mo?e +&d been &be o '&r & +!'

w&r' w!+ & +!,+ e5e1&!on o7 '/11e'' (one -!,+ &-o' '&y %< er

1en). Now 7ro- de1&de o de1&de +!' e5e1&!on +&d d!-!n!'+ed.

Ony by '/dy!n, Mo?e8' deoy-en &n' &7er "%9" 1&n one /nder

'&nd w+y B!'-&r1? 7e 'o ore''ed by +e !au!hemar des !oalitions# &nd

w+y +e e-oyed '/1+ e&bor&e &nd 7!n&y '/1+ d&r!n, r!1?' o &6o!d

& 1on7!1 w!+ R/''!&. T+e new ,ener&!on o7 d!o-&' '&nd!n, on

+e 7!r- o!!1& 7o/nd&!on w+!1+ B!'-&r1? +&d 1re&ed were -/1+-ore 1on7!den. T+ey '!-!7!ed +e!r wor? by 7!n&y dro!n, +e

re!n'/r&n1e w!+ R/''!& &nd 'eered 7/ &+e&d 7or +e +!,+ 'e&' o7

& word o!1y w+!1+ w&' 'oon o &n&,on!'e En,&nd &' we. T+e

'&-e 1on7!den &!/de w&' re7e1ed &7er Mo?e &-on, +e

yo/n,er ,ener&!on o7 Ger-&n 1+!e7'o7'&77.

A 1/r&!nr&!'er +&d &re&dy been '&,ed by Co/n W&der'ee

Mo?e8' /&rer-&'er,ener& de/y &nd !--ed!&e '/11e''or.

In "%%9 +e /r,ed & re6en!6e w&r &,&!n' R/''!& o be 1ond/1ed !n

+e 7or- o7 & do/be o77en'!6e by +e D/& A!&n1e &nd &,reed !nde&! w!+ +e 1+!e7o7'&77 !n *!enn&. A on1e +e 7o/nd +!-'e7

& o,,er+e&d' w!+ B!'-&r1? w+o dre&ded no+!n, -ore +&n &n

!rre'on'!be A/'r!&n w&r o!1y b&'ed on +e e5e1&!on o7 Ger-&n

&!d. In order +& Ger-&ny8' &y '+o/d ?ee 'r!1y on +e de7en'!6e

B!'-&r1? re6ened +e wo 1+!e7'o7'&77 7ro- 1on1er!n, & @o!n

oer&!on& &n.% A' & re'/ W&der'ee !nen'!7!ed +!' e77or' o o6er

+row +e od C+&n1eor. To +!' end +e -&de 1on&1 w!+ & ,ro/

o7 yo/n,er d!o-&' & +e Fore!,n M!n!'ry w+o 7&6o/red & -ore

6!,oro/' roA/'r!&n +ne !n Ger-&n 7ore!,n o!1y &nd w+o were

% See &'o -y boo? /oed &bo6e . :#; 77.

:"THE SHIFT OF EMPHASIS FROM EAST TO

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


7!n&y /nder +e e&der'+! o7 B&ron Ho'e!n o br!n, &bo/ +e

down7& o7 +e re&y o7 re!n'/r&n1e w!+ R/''!&. A' 7or +e We'ern7ron W&der'ee 1/n, e''en!&y o +e 1on1e o7 & de7en'!6e 1&-

&!,n b/ +e w&' 1e&ry /n1&'6 &bo/ +e !de& o7 o'!!on w&r7&re !n

+e S&&r. He de6eoed 6&r!o/' ro@e1' on +!' +e-e w+!1+ were o

7&1!!&e +e r&n'!!on 7ro- & &1!1& de7en'!6e o &n o77en'!6e. S&1e

7or ! w&' o be ,&!ned !7 ne1e''&ry by &n e&ry &nned w!+dr&w&

o +e R+!ne. Per+&' ! w&' W&der'1e8' !n7/en1e w+!1+ ed Mo?e

!n +!' 7!n& deoy-en &n' o !n1re&'e +e Ger-&n 7or1e' on +e

We'ern 7ron. B/ on +e w+oe W&der'e18' ro@e1' were -ere

6&r!&n' o7 Mo?e8' b&'!1 !de&' +e ree&ed +e- w!+ '-& &er&!on'

&nd 'o-e re'er6&!on' !n 7&6o/r o7 +e &1!1& o77en'!6e !n & -e-or&n

d/- on deoy-en !n +e We' !n "%#<.# T+e 1+!e7 &nd 7/nd&-en&

1+&n,e !n +e Ger-&n oer&!on& &n' w&' bro/,+ &bo/ by

S1+!e77en.

H!' 6ery 7!r' -e-or&nd/- &' C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 !n Ar!

"%#" e5re''ed re,re +& !n +e +re&ened wo7ron w&r +e

de1!'!on o &&1? or de7end !n +e We' w&' no !n Ger-&n +&nd'.

S!n1e +e Fren1+ 7or!7!1&!on' 1o/d no be ener&ed we '+& +&6eo e +e- r/n / &,&!n' /'. B/ +ey wo/d no 1o-e 'o 6ery

/!1?y +ey wo/d w&! 7or +e Ger-&n &&1? be7ore &d6&n1!n,

&,&!n' A'&1eLorr&!ne. So o7 ne1e''!y +e de1!'!on wo/d +&6e

o be 7o/nd !n +e E&' e'e1!&y &' ! w&' 7e&red +& +e A/'ro

H/n,&r!&n 7ron wo/d no +od o,e+er w!+o/ Ger-&n +e. T+e

o77en'!6e w+!1+ / o now +&d been &nned &,&!n' +e R/''!&n' on +e

N&r1w &nd +e N!e-en w&' be1o-!n, -ore &nd -ore d!77!1/. E6ery

ye&r +e wo r!6er' were be!n, 7/r+er 7or!7!ed &nd +ere w&' '1&r1ey

& 1+&n1e o7 1ro''!n, +e 'w&-y ow&nd'. Soon +e Ger-&n o77en'!6e7ro- E&' &nd We' Pr/''!& wo/d be &' d!77!1/ &' +e o77en'!6e &,&!n'

Fr&n1e. W+& w&' o be done

To be,!n w!+ S1+!e77en w&ned o ry & @o!n Ger-&nA/'r!&n

o77en'!6e 7ro- S!e'!& &nd G&!1!& !no 'o/+ern Po&nd& &n o

w+!1+ +e +ed 7or ony & 7ew ye&r' &nd o w+!1+ we '+& re7er &er.

# F/r+er de&!' &r1 ,!6en by W. Foer'1r 7edanen8erstatt# . :" 77. Co!e' o7 &

n/-ber o7 S1+!177en8' &nd W&der'1e8' -e-or&nd& were / & -y d!'o'& d/r!n, -y

re'e&r1+e' &-on, +e Ar-y &r1+!6e' !n Po'd&- !n "#;3 by W. Foer'er +en re'!den

o7 +e Kn11',1'1+!1+!1+e For'1+/n,'&n'& de' Heere'. In +e 7oow!n, noe' I re7er o+e- &' >'..> In +e 7!r' wr!en by W&der'ee "" "%#< +e &/+or w&n' o e&6e +e

o77en'!6e !be Fren1+ &' d!d Mo?e. In +e /n!?ey e6en o7 o/r be!n, &be o /'e

o/r w+oe &r-y &,&!n' Fr&n1e I wo/d no 1+&n,e +e oer&!on& &n.

I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN's OPERATIONAL::

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


More '+or!6ed '! w&' +!' 7!r' '/,,e'!on 7or +e de7en1e !n +e

We'+e 1on'r/1!on o7 7or!7!1&!on' & Mo'+e!- &nd S&&rb/r,.

Howe6er -/1+ ! ,oe' &,&!n' o/r r&d!!on o b/!d 7or!7!1&!on'

we 1&nno &' +e we&?er '!de re@e1 +e -e&n' /'ed by o/r oonen

o &r&y'e o/r -!!&ry &n'. T+e 7or-/&!on o7 +e 'enen1e &re&dy '+ow' +ow -/1+ +e e5ed!en wen &,&!n' +e ,r&!n 7or +!- &er +e

e6en oo'ed +e 'ron, 7or!7!1&!on o7 & de7en1e !ne be1&/'e +e

re,&rded & Fren1+ +r/' !no A'&1eLorr&!ne &' o'!!6ey de'!r&be."<

T+e d!re1!on !n w+!1+ +!' !nner +o/,+' were &re&dy /rn!n, !'

'+own by +!' re,re +& +e Ger-&n &nd A/'r!&n 7or1e' d!d no 7or- &

1o+eren w+oe o+erw!'e ! wo/d +&6e been o''!be o +row +e!r

w+oe we!,+ &,&!n' Fr&n1e & +e o/'e +/' '/rr!'!n, +e ene-y

be7ore +e w&' re&dy. A,&!n' +!' 6&' 7or1e +e Fren1+ 7or!7!1&!on'

'!n1e +ey 1o/d be by&''ed +ro/,+ Be,!/- ()wo/d no

7or- & ,re& eno/,+ ob'&1e o r/e o/ &n o77en'!6e.""

I w&' rob&by +!' -e-or&nd/- o w+!1+ +e +orr!7!ed 1r!!1!'-

o7 od Mo?1 re7er' w+en !e &?ed o W&der'e1 on Ar! :3rd &nd

:;+ "%#" &bo/ +e new &n' o7 +!' 'e1ond '/11e''or. I &- ,re&y

re!e6ed +e od +!' 7or-er &''!'&n '&dy +& yo/ '+&re -y

o!n!on.": T+ey were +!' &' word' <"" -!!&ry &77&!r' 7or +e d!ed

+& '&-e e6en!n,. H&d +e 'en'ed +& & new '!r! w&' & wor?

&o,e+er d!77eren 7ro- +& o7 +!' own 'r&e,y A ye&r &er Mo?e8' !de&' were be!n, e6en -ore &eny &b&n

doned. In & -e-or&nd/- o7 A/,/' "%#: S1+!e77en e5e1ed &n

ene-y o77en'!6e !n +e We' &' we &' !n +e E&' b/ @/d,ed +e

,re&er d&n,er o 1o-e 7ro- & Fren1+ &&1?. In G&!1!& +e 7e A/'r!&

&one w&' -ore +&n & -&1+ 7or +e R/''!&n' (wenye!,+ d!6!'!on'

&,&!n' weny). A 'e&r&!on o7 Ger-&n 'ren,+ '/1+ &' Mo?e

+&d &nned wo/d be wron,. Ger-&ny '+o/d de7e& 7!r' one ene-y

&nd +en +e o+er de1!'!6ey. (Here one 1&n dee1 +e be,!nn!n, o7

"<C7. A. Gr&b.!/ ,as estimgsprolem in ,!ms!iiland ami seine 'nsiir8tg auf die

sirategis!he 6age on l"Ao is 191. (D!''er&!on Ber!n "#3 $) . :" 77. A'o 1onr&d!1!n,

e&1+ o+er +e &11o/n' o7 Coone Gener& 6on E!ne- Erinnenmgen sines "oldat!n ("#3:)

. #$ 77. &nd 6on Frey&,Lor!n,+o6en 7en!ralfeldmars!liall 7raf on "!hlieffen ("#:<)

P 4« ff.

11 '..# Ar! "%#". T+e b&'!1 &!/de o7 +!' -e-or&nd/- 1orre'ond' w!+ w+&

6on Boe!1+er e' o7 +e r!n1!e' w+!1+ S1+!e77en +&d wr!en down w+!e '!

W&der'ee8' '/bord!n&e. A-on,' +e- !' +e 7oow!n,4 S/11e'' deend' on & /!1?

&nd !omplete 6!1ory (6on Boe!1+er Der Le+r-e!'er de' ne/e!!1+en Kr!e,1' !n4

-on "!hamhorst n "!hlieffen 130&%190&# ed. by 6on Co1+en+&/'1n ("#33) . :$9).

": W&der'ee ,enunirdig!iten# II . :<$.

THE SHIFT OF EMPHASIS FROM EAST TO :3

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


:; I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL IDEAS

+e !de& o7 & o& 6!1ory.) F!r' +e -ore d&n,ero/' ene-y Fr&n1e

w&' o be / o/ o7 &1!on +e de1!'!6e b&e !n +e We' -/' be

'o/,+ &' 'oon &' o''!be. (Mo?e +&d &nned o w&! /!ey !

+e Fren1+ 6en/red 7ro- +e!r !ne o7 7or!7!1&!on' o w!+!n r&n,eo7 +e Ger-&n de7en1e o'!!on' &nd +en o o/n1e on +e-.)

For S1+!e77en8' /ro'e ! w&' ne1e''&ry o 1on1enr&e & +e roo'

&6&!&be. W!+ +!ry'e6en d!6!'!on' er+&' re!n7or1ed by en

I&!&n +e Ger-&n' '+o/d & e&' be e/& o +e Fren1+."3

W+!e & 7/nd&-en& 1+&n,e w&' +/' 1o-!n, &bo/ !n +e oer&

!on& &n 7or Lorr&!ne &nd +o/,+' were &re&dy /rn!n, ow&rd'

&n o6er& '+!7 o7 e-+&'!' ow&rd' +e We' +e R/''!&n 1&-&!,n

&n' o7 S1+!e77en8' wo rede1e''or' &'o 7e by +e w&y'!de. W!+

Mo?e8' 1on'en W&der'ee +&d -&de 'o-e 1+&n,e' &re&dy. T&?!n,&11o/n o7 & 1+&n,e !n +e R/''!&n'8 deoy-en &n' +e +&d &nned

'!n1e Febr/&ry "%#< o &d6&n1e +e deoy-en &re& o7 +e -&-

Ger-&n 7or1e' 7&r+er o +e E&' &on, +e !ne Or1'b/r,Ly1?

w+!e & +e '&-e !-e !n1re&'!n, +e 7or1e' !nended o en,&,e +e

N!e-en &r-y. T+e o77en'!6e +r/' w&' o be -&de by wo &r-!e'

one ,o!n, !n +e d!re1!on o7 B!&y'o? +e o+er &,&!n' +e N!e-en

&bo6e Ko6no. In 1on@/n1!on w!+ & b!, A/'r!&n o77en'!6e r!,+ o7

+e *!'/& +!' &-o/ned o & 'o-ew+& e5ended en6eo!n,

-&noe/6re w!+ +e ob@e1 o7 7or1!n, +e R/''!&n &r-y +rown

o/ o W&r'&w o 1o-e re-&/rey o/ o7 !' 7or!7!ed r!&n,e

&nd '&nd & de1!'!6e b&e. T+e we&?ne'' o7 +e &n w&' +& +e

Ger-&n &r-y &d6&n1!n, &1ro'' +e N&rew &nd Bobr &,&!n' B!&y'o?

wo/d no ony 1o-e / &,&!n' +e R/''!&n 7or!7!1&!on' & Lo-&

&nd O'ow!1 b/ wo/d &'o +&6e o 1ro'' 'w&-y ow&nd' w+!1+

& & b&d !-e o7 ye&r 1o/d be &n !n'/r-o/n&be ob'&1e."; A' we

+&6e 'een S1+!e77en +&d &re&dy e5re''ed &n5!ey o6er +!' !n Ar!

"%#". B/ +!' e1+n!1& ob'&1e doe' no 'ee- o +&6e we!,+ed 'ode1!'!6ey w!+ +!- &' d!d +e ,ener& 7e&r +& +e wo/d be /n&be o

&1+!e6e '/1+ /!1? &nd de1!'!6e 6!1or!e' !n +e E&' &' +o'e 7or w+!1+

+e +oed !n +e We'. In & -e-or&nd/- o7 De1e-ber "%#: +e &r,/ed

+& +e Mo?eW&der'ee &n +&d +&d & 1+&n1e o7 '/11e'' &' on, &'

+e N&rew 1ro''!n,' & Lo-& +&d no been 7or!7!ed &nd &' on, &' +e

-&!n R/''!&n &&1? w&' &nned &,&!n' +e A/'r!&n'. B/ now +e

,re&er &r o7 +e R/''!&n &r-y w&' o be 1on1enr&ed &,&!n'

"3 AF. See &'o W. Foer'er 7edanen8erstatt# . :$ 7. (/oed ony br!e7y).

"; W&der'ee Febr/&ry "%#<. '..B W. Foer'er4 7edanen8erstatt# p. ;$ 7F.

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


Ger-&ny &nd be+!nd Lo-& !n &r!1/&r. A +!' -e&n +& +ere

w&' no +oe o7 '/rr!'!n, +e R/''!&n &r-y w+!e ! w&' &''e-b!n,

e'e1!&y &' +e R/''!&n' were 7&!ry we !n7or-ed &bo/ Ger-&n

!nen!on'. B/ '+o/d ! be o''!be o 1ro'' +e N&rew &7er & or o b6&'' +e R/''!&n 7or!7!1&!on' +e ene-y wo/d +&rdy be !?ey

o w!+dr&w 'o/+w&rd' !no +e oen &r-' o7 +e A/'r!&n' +e w&'

-ore !?ey o 7& b&1? o +e e&' !no +e !ner!or o7 +!' enor-o/'

e-!re w 9+ere +e 1o/d -&?e /'e o7 +!' r&!w&y 'y'e- w+!e o/r

own 1o--/n!1&!on' wo/d be &' /n7&6o/r&be &nd 6/ner&be &'

&nyone 1o/d !-&,!ne. We wo/d no &1+!e6e & de1!'!6e b&e or

r+e de'r/1!on o7 +e R/''!&n &r-y b/ & 'er!e' o7 7ron& b&e'

(w!+o/ '/b'e/en &nn!+!&!on). For e&ry &nd e77e1!6e +e 7ro-

+e A/'r!&n &r-y (on w+!1+ Mo?e 1o/ned) +e d!'&n1e beweenG&!1!& &nd +e +e&re' !n nor+ern Po&nd wo/d be oo ,re&39$

ro ;$< ?!o-ere' o be,!n w!+. So no ony +e oer&!on &,&!n'

Lo-& -/' be &b&ndoned b/ &n o77en'!6e beyond +e N&rew &'

we. T+e re/!red 'ren,+ (& e&' wenywo d!6!'!on') wo/d

be -ore +&n we 1o/d br!n, / /!1?y on +e !n&de/&e r&!w&y'

r!,+ o7 +e *!'/& &nd -/1+ -ore +&n we 1o/d '&re !n +e

We'."$

T+e &' 1&/'e o7 +e 'enen1e ,!6e' +e e''en1e o7 S1+!e77en8' w+oe

r&- o7 +o/,+. How 7&r ! w&' @/'!7!ed !' d!77!1/ 7or & 1!6!!&n o1+e1? &r!1/&ry 7or &n +!'or!&n w!+o/ &11e'' o e1+n!1& d&&

'/1+ &' +e Gener& S&778' !n7or-&!on &bo/ +e ene-y & +e !-e.

Howe6er we 1&nno &o,e+er e ! &'' be1&/'e we &re now

o/1+!n, on +e 1enr& robe- o7 +e &er S1+!e77en P&n. T+!'

&r,/-en o7 +e C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 e-bod!ed -ore or e'' +e

'&-e ob@e1!on' o & -&@or o77en'!6e !n +e E&' w+!1+ were o be

ree&ed !-e &nd &,&!n /n! "#";. We -&y +/' / +e 7oow!n,

/e'!on'4

(") T+e eder Mo?e +&d &ro6ed W&der'ee8' deoy-en &n

(w+!1+ w&' -erey & 6&r!&n o7 +!' own) &' &e &' +e end o7 M&r1+

"%#<. Co/d +e '!/&!on !n +e E&' &re&dy +&6e 1+&n,ed 'o 7/nd&

-en&y by De1e-ber "%#: +& +e w+oe &n w&' !-r&1!1& &nd

10 '.. See &'o W. Foer'er 7edanen8erstatt# . ;% 77.Re!1+'&r1+!6 ,ie milit4ris!hen

Operation %D 6ande# I (. %). Here +e re7e1!on' !n S1+!e77en8' -e-or&nd& o7 A/,/' &nd

De1e-ber "%#: &re 1onne1ed w!+ +e 1on1/'!on o7 +e Fr&n1oR/''!&n -!!&ry

1on6en!on o7 A/,/' "9+ "%#:. B/ +e -e-or&nd& +e-'e6e' o77er no 1/e o +!'.

T+ey -erey d!'1/'' +e 1+&n,e o7 +e R/''!&n deoy-en &n'4 -&!n +r/' &,&!n'

Ger-&ny !n'e&d o7 A/'r!&.

THE SHIFT OF EMPHASIS FROM EAST TO :$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


o/ o7 d&e In &n oer&!on& &n re Ger-&nA/'r!&n @o!n &1!on

&,&!n' +e R/''!&n' !n Po&nd w+!1+ S1++e77en +&d dr&wn / !n

No6e-ber "%#3 &nd (&11ord!n, o & noe) &,reed w!+ Gener&

Ober+o77er"0

! w&' &''/-ed +& +e R/''!&n' wo/d !n&r1+ +&7 o7 +e!r &r-y (+!ry d!6!'!on') &,&!n' A/'r!& &nd +e o+er +&7 (+!ry

wo d!6!'!on') &,&!n' Ger-&ny."9 How 1&n +!' be re1on1!ed w!+

S1+!e77en8' '/o'!!on o7 De1e-ber "%#:

"9I7 ! +&d be1o-e +oee'' o ry o '/rr!'e +e R/''!&n' w+!e

+ey were '! deoy!n, &nd !7 +e &&1? !n +e d!re1!on o7 B!&y'o?

re'ened '/1+ enor-o/' e1+n!1& d!77!1/!e' were +!n,' &ny beer

!n +e We' S/rey nobody 1o/d do/b&nd Mo?e +&d o7en

're''ed +!' o!n"%+& Ger-&ny8' e&'ern 7ron!er ende''y on,

&nd w!+o/ n&/r& de7en1e' 1o/d ony be de7ended by 'ron,o77en'!6e +r/'' no !?e +e We'ern 7ron!er !n A'&1e &nd Lorr&!ne

by de7en'!6e o'!!on' or 1+&!n' o7 7orre''e'. W+& ,/&r&nee w&' +ere

+& +e Ger-&n o77en'!6e !n +e E&' wo/d no 1o-e oo &e !7

Fr&n1e w&' o be de7e&ed 7!r' &nd +e R/''!&n' were o be ,!6en !-e

o deoy +e!r -&''e' br!n, / +e!r re'er6e' 7ro- A'!& &nd o6err/n

+e A/'roH/n,&r!&n 7ron&' w&' !ndeed +e 1&'e !n See-ber

"#"; And w&' ! 'o 1er&!n +& & de1!'!on wo/d be re&1+ed -ore

/!1?y !n +e We' +&n !n +e E&' !n 6!ew o7 +e /rey de7en'!6e

&!/de o7 +e Fren1+ Gener& S&77 & +& !-e"#

"%T+e 7e&r +& +e R/''!&n Ar-y -!,+ &6o!d & de1!'!6e b&e

&nd rere& !no +e !ner!or 'ee-' o +&6e we!,+ed e'' +e&6!y on +e

eder Mo?e +&n d!d +e oo'!e+& ! -!,+ o6err/n Ger-&ny8'

e&'ern 7ron!er w+!1+ w&' d!77!1/ o de7end &nd re&1+ +e *!'/&

&1ro'' E&' &nd We' Pr/''!&. W&' ! re&y /!e +oee'' o &/n1+ &n

!--ed!&e &&1? &nd de7e& +e R/''!&n Ar-y 'o +e&6!y +& !'

'r!?!n, ower wo/d be bro?en 7or 'o-e !-e +/' -&?!n, !

1& '.. A'o W. Foer'er 7edanen8erstatt# . $< &nd 7raf "!hlieen und der Weltrieg

(: 'ufl.F# . :9 (/o&!on !n 7/).

171 &- no '/re !7 +!' !' & '! (!n -y noe' o7 "#;3). In +e '&-e -e-or&nd/- &

-!!on R/''!&n r!7e' &re -en!oned. Co/n!n, ony +e !n7&nry r!7e' o7 & R/''!&n

d!6!'!on ("9<<<) one &rr!6e' & 7!7yn!ne d!6!'!on'. T&?!n, &11o/n o7 1&6&ry &nd

&r!ery one &rr!6e' & 7ory7o/r & +e -o'. In A/,/' "%#: weny d!6!'!on' &,&!n'

A/'r!& &re -en!oned !n De1e-ber "%#3 wenywo o weny7o/r &,&!n' Ger-&ny.

A,&!n +!' ,!6e' & o& o7 7ory7o/r.

"% See &'o Re!1+'&r1+!6 ,ie milit4ris!hen Operation u 6ande# II . 3 7.

"# More &bo/ +!' beow. Con'!der!n, +e do1/-en' o7 +e Fren1+ Gener& S&77 !

'ee-' 'r&n,e +& Foer'er 1&n '&y +& !n "%#: &n e&ry Fren1+ o77en'!6e w&' o be

e5e1ed w!+ ne&r1er&!ny :7edanen8erstatt# . $<).

:0 I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


er-!''!be o r!'? -o6!n, Ger-&n roo' we'w&rd o 'ren,+en +e

7ron !n Lorr&!ne In & '/dy 7o/nd &-on, +!' &er':< Coone

Gener& L/dw!, Be1? C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 7ro- "#33 o "#3%

e5re''e' +e o!n!on +& +e &n5!ey o7 S1+!e77en &nd +e yo/n,erMo?e e' +e o77en'!6e '+o/d 1o-e o no -ore +&n & 7ron&

b&e wen oo 7&r. A e&' Ger-&ny wo/d +&6e &1+!e6ed & new

de7en1e !ne -/1+ 7&r+er e&' &nd ony +&7 &' on, w+!1+ wo/d

+&6e re+e6ed +er o7 worry &bo/ +er re&r. F/r+er-ore S1+!e77en +!-

'e7 &!d 7re/en 're'' on +e o''!b!!y o7 oer&!n, '/11e''7/y on

!ner!or !ne' !n +e E&' +&n?' o +e R/''!&n' be!n, ob!,ed by

+e!r oor r&!w&y 'y'e- o deoy +e!r &r-!e' !n w!dey 'e&r&ed

&re&' !.e. o '! / +e!r 'ren,+. In +!' w&y e6en & n/-er!1&y

!n7er!or ene-y 1o/d +oe o 1ond/1 '/11e''7/ '-&'1&e oer&!on'.D!d S1+!e77en er+&' !n6e' +e +r&'e de1!'!6e b&e w!+ &

d!77eren -e&n!n, 7ro- +& o7 +e eder Mo?e w+o ne6er !n1/ded

& o& /6er!'&!on o7 +e R/''!&n Ar-y !n +!' &n'

"#I7 +ere w 9ere no eno/,+ r&!w&y' beyond +e *!'/& 7or +e

e5e1/!on o7 W&der'ee8' deoy-en &n !n '/77!1!en 'ren,+ wo/d

+ere no +&6e been !-e o b/!d +e- W&der'ee +&d de-&nded '/1+

r&!w&y' &nd +!' de-&nd o7 +e Gener& S&77 +&d been ,r&ned /n

re'er6edy !n "%#:.:" F/r+er-ore !n 'o 7&r &' +ere w&' & +re& o

Ger-&n !ne' o7 1o--/n!1&!on on R/''!&n 'o! d!d ! re&y -&?e&ny oer&!on !-o''!be S/rey +!' 1&nno +&6e been S1+!e7en8'

o!n!on

:<I7 ! w&' d!77!1/ o -/'er eno/,+ roo' &,&!n' +e R/''!&n'

111 +e E&' w&' +!' no '! +e ony 7ron w+ere Ger-&ny o,e+er

w!+ A/'r!& 1o/d &1+!e6e n/-er!1& '/er!or!y e6en !7 Ger-&ny

'en ony +e '-&er &r o7 +er &r-y +ere

I7 6&' -&r1+!n, d!'&n1e' r/ed o/ @o!n &1!on w!+ +e A/'ro

H/n,&r!&n' (!?e &n en1!r1e-en or do/be en6eo-en o7 +e

R/''!&n Ar-y) o &1+!e6e & b&e o7 &nn!!!&!on wo/d no +e

Ger-&n' +&6e der!6ed &n enor-o/' oer&!on& re!e7 7ro- & @o!n

&!ed o77en'!6e 7ro- bo+ 'o/+ &nd nor+ And !7 +!' @o!n &1!on

were re@e1ed w&' +ere no +e d&n,er -en!oned by W&der'ee !n

:<L. Be1? "tudien ("#$$) . "9$. Be1? +ere 'ee-' o re7er o +e '!/&!on (o be

d!'1/''ed beow) o7 & Gro''er O'&/7-&r'1+ (& w&r !n!!&y ony &,&!n' R/''!&) &nd

doe' no '&y 1e&ry w+e+er +e +&' !n -!nd +e R/''!&n deoy-en &n 7or +!' '!/&!on

(deoy-en &ro/nd Bre'L!o6'?) !n 7or1e '!n1e "#":. B/ +!' 6!ew' &re &re&dy wor+

no!n, +ere.

:" W. Foer'er 7edanen8erstait# . ;$.

THE SHIFT OF EMPHASIS FROM FAST TO WEST :9

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


"%#"+& A/'r!& wo/d & on1e o'e +e&r 7or +e o77en'!6e::

A' we +&6e &re&dy 'een !n Ar! "%#" S1+!e77en +!-'e7 e5re''ed +e

7e&r +& +e A/'roH/n,&r!&n 7ron wo/d no +od w!+o/ Ger-&n

&''!'&n1e4 b/ !n A/,/' "%#: +e +ed +e oo'!e 6!ew.He 'ee-' o +&6e been 'o-ew+& /n1er&!n !n +!' -&er. In &ny 1&'e

+e 7!r' r!ed & 1o-ro-!'e4 &n o77en'!6e !n 1o'e 1o&bor&!on w!+

+e A/'r!&n' no 7ro- E&' Pr/''!& b/ 7ro- S!e'!&. Per+&' +!'

'o/!on e5re''ed +e d!'r/' w+!1+ +e 'ee-' o +&6e +&d 7ro- +e

be,!nn!n, o7 +e A/'r!&n'8 7!,+!n, /&!!e'. T+e "%#3 -e-or&nd/-

w+!1+ de6eoed +e new &n w&' e-+&!14 &n e11enr!1 o77en'!6e

7ro- E&' Pr/''!& &nd G&!1!& '/1+ &' Mo?e +&d &nned wo/d be

d!'&'ro/' ! wo/d -&?e no 7or 1ooer&!on b/ 7or & '!!n, o7

7or1e' &nd ! +&d o be re&1ed by & 1on1enr&ed &&1? by +e

&!ed &r-!e'. I oo?' &' !7 S1+!e77en +&d oor e5e1&!on' o7 +e

A/'r!&n' /ne'' +ey +&d Ger-&n e&der'+! &nd 1o/d be !--ed!&ey

re!n7or1ed. A +e!r 7!r' -ee!n, !n Ar! "%#" Be1? +e A/'r!&n

C+!e7 o7 S&77 &re&dy 7o/nd +!- &1!/rn &nd no 6ery ob!,!n, &nd

&er on +e -e w!+ & de7!n!e d!'!n1!n&!on on S1+!e77en8' &r o

en,&,e !n &n !n!-&e d!'1/''!on o7 @o!n oer&!on& &n'.:3 In +e

1o/r'e o7 & on, 1orre'onden1e Be1? 7o/nd ! 6ery +&rd o 1on6!n1e

+!- +& !7 ! 1&-e o w&r +e A/'r!&n Ar-y wo/d re&y &&1?&nd +& +e &' en ye&r' +&d 'een & 1on'!der&be !-ro6e-en bo+

!n +e A/'r!&n'8 -!!&ry 1&&1!y &nd !n +e r&!w&y 'y'e- &6&!&be

7or deoy!n, +e!r 7or1e'.:; In A/,/' "%#3 Be1?o +!' ,re&

'/rr!'ew&' !n7or-ed by S1+!e77en +& +e !de& o7 &n o77en'!6e

&1ro'' +e N&rew +&d been &b&ndoned. Ony 7o/r !n7&nry d!6!'!on'

&nd one Re'er6e d!6!'!on were o re-&!n o de7end E&' &nd We'

Pr/''!& +e re' o7 +e Ger-&n E&' Ar-y (7o/reen !n7&nry &nd

+ree 1&6&ry d!6!'!on') w&' o &d6&n1e 7ro- Ger-&n S!e'!& &,&!n'

+e Uer *!'/& (on +e !ne &w!1+o'Annoo !.e. !n +e d!re1!ono7 L/b!n) &nd beyond +e r!6er w&' o @o!n / w!+ +e -&!n A/'r!&n

&r-y. Fro- +ere +ey were o 'r!?e & +e R/''!&n Po!'+ &r-y

!n +e re,!on o7 W&r'&w &nd o &nn!+!&e ! w!+ +e!r '/er!or

::W&der'ee ,en8rdigeiten# II . :<% (d!&ry enry o7 M&y :3rd "%#").

GH7rosse Politi der europ4is!hen =ainette# *II . ""< 77. (No'. ";33 ";3;).

:;*on G&!'eHor'en&/ ran Iosephs Weggef4hrte ("#3<) . 3;; . 3;0 7. T+!'

d!'r/' 1&n &'o be 7o/nd !n +e boo? by 6on K/+ (w+o w&' S1+!e77en8' 1o&bor&or)

,er deuts!he 7eneralsta in -orereitung und ,ur!hfhrung des Weltriegs ("#:<) . "0$.

Here ! !' e-+&!1&y '&ed +& +e ony re&'on w+y S1+!e77en +&d de6eoed +e new o77en'!6e &n w&' +& o+erw!'e +e A/'r!&n' won8 &&1?.

:%I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN's OPERATIONAL

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


'ren,+ !n & b&e beween +e *!'/& &nd +e B/,. A11ord!n, o

S1!n!n,er +e A/'r!&n -!!&ry &&1+e S1+!e77en 1o/ned on +e

-&!n R/''!&n 7or1e' &d6&n1!n, on E&' Pr/''!& w+ere +ey were

e5e1ed o -&?e & /n,e !n +e &!r o +e *!'/& &nd +e wo

e&'ern-o' ro6!n1e' o7 Pr/''!& were o be '&1r!7!1ed o +e-. T+ey

wo/d &rr!6e oo &e 7or +e -&!n b&e e&' o7 +e *!'/& ro6!ded

! w&' o''!be o ?ee +e new &n &b'o/ey 'e1re.:$ A +!' w&'

&n &e- o re&!'e Mo?e8' !de& o7 '/rr!'!n, +e R/''!&n' d/r!n,

+e!r deoy-en by & r&!d &d6&n1e b/ 7ro- +e 'o/+ !n'e&d o7

+e nor+ &nd w!+ we&?er Ger-&n 7or1e' w+!1+ were o be re!n

7or1ed by +e A/'r!&n -&!n &r-y.:0

T+e &n +&d 'e6er& we&?ne''e'. T+e A/'r!&n' enered !no ! -o'!n w!!n,y. No ony d!d +ey +&6e re&'on o 7e&r & R/''!&n 7&n?

&&1? 7ro- Podo!& b/ +ey &'o 7e +& +e Ger-&n &d6&n1e o

&w!1!o' w&' +re&ened on !' e7 7&n? (7ro- +e br!d,e+e&d' &

6&n,orod &nd W&r'&w). S1+!177en +!-'e7 w&' 'oon 1on6!n1ed +&

!e 1o/d no '&1r!7!1e E&' &nd We' Pr/''!& w!+o/ end&n,er!n, M&r?

Br&ndenb/r,. He !n7or-ed +e A/'r!&n' o7 +!' !n M&y "%#$ &nd

&,reed &,&!n o deoy +e Ger-&n &r-y r!,+ o7 +e *!'/& (!.e. on

+e 'o/+ern border o7 E&' Pr/''!&) !7 +e A/'r!&n' w 9o/d 1o6er Uer

S!e'!& by & e7 w!n,&r-y &nd 7ro- +ere &&1? +e *!'/& 7ron beween W&r'&w &nd 6&n,orod. Beyond +e *!'/& +e A/'r!&n'

were o &1 !n &11ord&n1e w!+ +e '!/&!on !n?!n, / w!+ +e -&!n

A/'r!&n &r-y &d6&n1!n, 7ro- +e /er S&n or e'e 1o-!n, o +e

&''!'&n1e o7 +e Ger-&n N&rew &r-y.

Under'&nd&by eno/,+ +e A/'r!&n' de1!ned o r!'? '/1+ & ,or!o/'

,&-be 7or +e!r &!e'. So 7or +e !-e be!n, ! w&' '! o be & @o!n

'o/+ern o77en'!6e 7ro- S!e'!&. B/ '+ory be7ore C+r!'-&' "%#$

S1+!e77en od +e A/'r!&n' +& +e +&d re6ered o Mo?e8' od

'1+e-e o7 &d6&n1!n, 7ro- E&' Pr/''!& &1ro'' +e N&rew +o/,+ w!+

we&?er 7or1e' &nd w!+ +e -&!n e77or d!re1ed & Ro&n !.e. w!+ &

-/1+ -ore re'r!1ed ob@e1!6e. A&r 7ro- +!' & Re'er6e d!6!'!on

88 Ober' R/do7 K!'!n, Gener&7ed!/&r'1+& Gr&7 S1+!e77en /nd d!e Kr!e,'

6orbere!/n,en V'erre!1+Un,&rn' !n4 Milit4r8issens!haftli!he Mitteilungen# +,. 6o-

O'erre!1+!'1+en B/nde'-!n!'er!/- 7r L&nde'6ere!d!,/n, 0; &+r,. "#33 . "$3#.

A'o4 6on G&!'eHor'en&/ iid.# . 3$" 7.

:C T+e o& 'ren,+ o7 +e Ger-&n E&' Ar-y re-&!ned /n1+&n,ed +owe6er4

e!,+een d!6!'!on'. W+en S1+!e77en !n7or-ed +e A/'r!&n C+!e7 o7 S&77 Be1? o7 +!'

7!,/re & +e end o7 "%#: +e &er 1&n +&rdy +&6e been '/rr!'ed &' 6on G&!'e

Hor'e/&/ iid.# . 3;0. 'ee-' o +!n?. Nor 1&n one '&y +& +e '+!7 !n +e e-+&'!' o7 /e Ger-&n o77en'!6e o +e We' +&d &re&dy o11/rred !n "%#:.

ISP

THE SHIFT OF EMPHASIS FBOM EAST TO :#

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


&nd & 7ew 6and8ehr br!,&de' were o 1o6er S!e'!& &nd -&!n&!n

1on&1 w!+ +e A/'r!&n'.

To +e end o7 S1+!e77en8' er- o7 o77!1e +!' !' +e &' we ?now o7

+e -&er. T+e r&!o o7 'ren,+ beween +e Ger-&n &r-!e' !n +e

E&' &nd +e We' w&' red/1ed 7ro- ! 4 2 o 1 4, &nd &er o 1 !.

T+e !&!'on beween +e Ger-&n &nd A/'r!&n Gener& S&77' w&'

bro?en o77 1o-eey. Hen1e7orw&rd +ey de6eoed +e!r deoy

-en &nd oer&!on& &n' 'e&r&ey +e one 7or E&' Pr/''!& +e

o+er 7or G&!1!&.:9 Ine!,en1e o7 +e ene-y ed +e A/'r!&n' o 7e&r

-ore +&n e6er +& R/''!& wo/d oen w!+ & ,re& o77en'!6e 7ro-

+e *o+yn!&n 7orre'' r!&n,e &nd +ey &d@/'ed +e!r &n' o -ee

+!' +r/' by &n o77en'!6e de7en1e on +e!r r!,+ 7&n? be7ore &d6&n1!n,

nor+w&rd' !n &11ord&n1e w!+ +e &n' o7 +e eder Mo?e. A11ord!n, o W. Foer'er +!' !' w+y S1+!e77en droed 7/r+er ne,o!&

!on' w!+ *!enn&.:% B/ w&' ! re&y +e 'oe &nd /!-&ey de1!'!6e

re&'on A7er 1!"2, w&' +e re&y & & !nere'ed !n & @o!n Ger-&n

A/'r!&n o77en'!6e T+e A/'r!&n' 7e +e +&d no re&ed +e- 6ery

we. T+ey 1o-&!ned o7 +!' re!1en1e &nd 1&!-ed o +&6e been

beer !n7or-ed &bo/ Ger-&n oer&!on& &n' !n W&der'1e8'

!-e. W+& S1+!e77en +!-'e7 +o/,+ &bo/ & +!' !' '+own !n &

eer o7 M&r1+ 1!"# o +e Ger-&n -!!&ry &&1+X !n *!enn& Co/n

H!!'enH&e'er w+!1+ bro/,+ o & 1o'e +e on, 1orre'onden1e w!+ Gener& Be1?.:# In ! +e 1o-&!n' o7 +e A/'r!&n C+!e7 o7

S&778' !-or/n&e re/e'' 7or !n7or-&!on. Be1? +e '&y' w&' 6ery

re!1en +!-'e7 &nd W&der'ee &bo/ w+o- +e w&' &w&y' &?!n,

+&d ne6er re&y ,!6en +!- de&!ed !n7or-&!on. A +e 1o/d &'' on

were +e ordres de ataille. Un7or/n&ey Mo?e +&d e +!-'e7 be

!nned down o ro6!d!n, e!,+een d!6!'!on' 7or +e E&' Ar-y. He

:9In "#;3 I '&w & -e-or&nd/- by S1+!e77en o7 Ar! $%&, "#<:4 Deoy-en !n +e

Nor+ &nd Oer&!on &,&!n' R/''!&. I ony de&' w!+ +e Ger-&n o77en'!6e &,&!n' +e

N&rew w!+ 1o6er ro6!ded &,&!n' W&r'&w no re7eren1e o 1ooer&!on w!+ +e A/'r!&n'. '..

:%W. Foer'er 7edanen8erstatt# . $< 7. Ide- "!li$effen und dei Weltrieg ("#:$)

. :$. S1+!e77en +&d no been &be o -&?e Gener& Be1? &d+ere o +e !de& o7 & @o!n

o77en'!6e '!n1e +e &nned +!' !n!!& oer&!on' !n +e d!re1!1n o7 *o+yn!& &nd

Podo!&. T+/' !' !n 1onr&d!1!on o +e do1/-ened re'en&!on o7 K!'!n, iid.# &nd !

1&nno e&'!y be re1on1!ed w!+ S1+!e77en8' eer o H!!'enH&e'er /oed beow. I +&6e

7o/nd do1/-en&ry 6er!7!1&!on !-o''!be. B/ I '/'e1 +& +ere Foer'er +&' 7oowed

S1+!e77en8' rero'e1!6e 6!ew !n +e &er8' -e-or&nd/- o7 "#": (e5 I*) +e

+!'or!1& re!&b!!y o7 w+!1+ I do/b.

G9 '.. In & eer 7ro- *!enn& o7 Febr/&ry :nd "S#0 liigelad2utant Co/n Mo?e +&d

reored o +e C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77& &? w!+ Be1? &bo/ @o!n deoy-en &n'.

3 I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8' OPERATIONAL

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


S1+!17en 1o/d no ,e o/ o7 +& b/ +e w&' ,o!n, o !n1/de &

+!,+er roor!on o7 Re'er6e d!6!'!on'.3< We 1&nno e o/r'e6e' be

be&en by +e Fren1+ on +e 7!7een+ or 'e6eneen+ d&y o7 -ob!!'&!on

w+!e +e A/'r!&n' &re +&!y 1o-e!n, +e!r deoy-en !n

G&!1!&. I wo/d deend on +e b&e !n Fr&n1e w+e+er & '!n,e

A/'r!&n 1ro''ed +e S&n. T+e /n'o?en &n&,on!'- beween +e wo

C+!e7' o7 S&77 w&' & 1on'e/en1e o7 +!' '!/&!on. I '&y we -/' be&

Fr&n1e 7!r' H!' E51een1y o7 1o/r'e '&y' +& R/''!& !' +e -&!n

+!n,. Con'e/eny Be1? d!d no r/' Ger-&ny8' !nen!on' &nd

'-1ed & o!!1& 1+&n,e o7 7ron be+!nd +!' (S1+!e77en8') &!/de 7or

! 1o!n1!ded w!+ +e !-e o7 +e 1on7/'ed '!/&!on !n +e Ne&r E&'.

T+e re1en eer 7ro- +e &-b&''&dor o K&!'er W!+e- w&' 1on

ne1ed w!+ +!' oo.3" I !' !-o''!be (wr!e' S1+!e7Fen) o e

Be1? +& +e e-+&'!' o7 Ger-&n oer&!on' !' now !n +e We' or

+e w! be1o-e e6en -ore '/'!1!o/'. I !' /nne1e''&ry o ry o ,e

7/r+er !n7or-&!on 7ro- Be1?. We &re&dy ?now +& +e A/'r!&n'8

r&n'or 7or deoy-en !' !ne77!1!en +& +e A/'r!&n roo' 1&nno

be 6ery +!,+y r&ed &nd +& +e A/'r!&n &d6&n1e 7ro- G&!1!& w! be

6ery +e'!&n.

W&' +!' 1one- 7or A/'r!& b&'ed on 'o-e+!n, -ore +&n

-!!&ry 1on'!der&!on' D!d ! er+&' ber&y & ?!nd o7 o!!1&

3% A&reny / d!d no '&y !?e +&. T+e 'ren,+ o7 +e 7or1e' !nended 7or +e E&'

'ee-' o +&6e 7/1/&ed ree&edy. T+e &6er&,e !' ,!6en by Foer'er :iid.# . $") &'

+ree &r-y 1or' 7o/r Re'er6e d!6!'!on' (!.e. ony en !n7&nry d!6!'!on') &nd wo 1&6&ry

d!6!'!on'.

&n/&ry 3"'. "%#0. E/e/b/r, o W!+e- II !n +e 7or- o7 & r!6&e eer. Crosse

Politi# I . "<# I7. No. :09< &'o :09":. T+e /e'!on w&' w+e+er Ger-&ny wo/d

1o-e o +er &y8' +e !7 '+e be1&-e !n6o6ed !n & -!!&ry 1on7!1 w!+ R/''!& o6er

+e Sr&!' /e'!on. Ber!n8' rey w&' ne,&!6e. Be1? +&d 1o-&!ned o +e Ger-&n

A-b&''&dor Gr&7 E/enb/r, &bo/ S1+!e77en8' e5&,,er&ed re!1en1e. A eer 7ro-

S1+!177en w+!1+ &rr!6ed & 7ew d&y' &,o 1re&ed +e !-re''!on +& o/r o!!1& &!/de

w&' r&+er /n1er&!n. . . . I w&' '+or &nd !' 1onen' 6&,/e &nd o6er1&/!o/'. T+eeer w&' &' &1!/rn &' +e wr!er '+owed +!-'e7 !n 1on6er'&!on &nd ! deeened &'

+e +&d &re&dy '&!d +e !-re''!on o7 +!' /n1er&!ny. He Be1? +&d ony one w!'+ one

1on6!1!on4 o +od 7&' o Ger-&ny. And +e w&' ,r&e7/ 7or &ny &d6!1e. B/ +e wo/d

!?e o re1e!6e +!' &d6!1e o be od e5&1y w+& +e o'!!on w&' !n 1er&!n 1&'e' &nd

'!/&!on'. Be1? &'?ed !7 S1+!e77en 1o/d be !nd/1ed o ener !no & de&!ed 1orre'

onden1e. E/enb/r, r&n'-!ed +!' re/e' o +e K&!'er w+o d!'1/''ed E/enb/r,8'

eer w!+ Ho+1no+e &nd +&d S1+!e7Fen !n7or-ed o7 !' 1onen'. T+e 6erd!1 o7 +e

d!'1/''!on' w&' +& 7or +e !-e be!n, +ere w&' no 1& 7or +e &?' beween +e wo

C+!e7' o7 S&77 w+!1+ were de'!red by +e A/'r!&n' nor !n &r!1/&r 7or & de7!n!!on o7

+e /e'!on ree&edy -ooed by +e A/'r!&n' &' o w+en we wo/d 1on'!der +e

!asus foederis e'&b!'+ed. On +e Sr&!' /e'!on ! w&' de'!r&be +& A/'r!& '+o/d

1o-e o &n &,ree-en w!+ En,&nd.

3 "THE SHIFT OF EMPHASIS FROM EAST TO

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


3: I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL IDEAS

dyed!n+ewoo Pr/''!&n!'- o7 w+!1+ +e eder Mo!?e +&d been 'o

1o-eey 7ree3: One 1o/d &-o' be!e6e 'o w+en one re&d' w+&

S1+!e77en +&d o '&y &bo/ +e &!&n1e w!+ +e H&b'b/r, E-!re !n

"#": on, &7er +!' re!re-en.33 He ree&' ! 'e6er& !-e' bo+ !n+e dr&7' &nd !n +e 7!n& 6er'!on o7 +e -e-or&nd/-4 I !' ony 7or

A/'r!&8' '&?e +& Ger-&ny +&' be1o-e +e ene-y o7 R/''!& &nd

+& be1&/'e o7 er'on& !rr!&!on' w+!1+ -!,+ ne6er+ee'' +&6e 'oon

,!6en w&y o r&d!!on& 7r!end'+! &,&!n +&d +ey no been &,,r&6&ed

by +e '!,n!n, o7 & re&y w!+ R/''!&8' ene-y. In o+er word'

S1+!e77en 1on'!dered +e D/& A!&n1e o7 "%#9 & d!'&'ro/' -!'&?e

by B!'-&r1?. Je +e 1o/d no re,&rd A/'r!& w!+o/ & o/1+ o7

en6y. He +o/,+ +er &'? re&!6ey e&'y. S+e +&d ony +e

'-&er &r o7 +e R/''!&n Ar-y &,&!n' +er &nd +&d &w&y' 7or1e'

o '&re 7or +e /r'/! o7 +er &!-' !n +e B&?&n en!n'/&. Ger-&ny

on +e o+er +&nd no ony &r&1ed +e ,re&er &r o7 +e R/''!&n

Ar-y b/ &'o 7&1e' +e en!re Fren1+ Ar-y w!+o/ +e '!,+e'

'/or. How +e w&r !' o be 1ond/1ed !n '/1+ & '!/&!on -/'

be e7 o Ger-&ny. S+e +&' done +er d/y &' & -e-ber o7 +e Tr!e

A!&n1e by -&?!n, &n ene-y o7 R/''!& . . . &nd by dr&w!n, /on

+er'e7 +e ,re&er &r o7 +e R/''!&n Ar-y.

In o+er word' !n "#": S1+!e77en '&w no need e!+er -!!&ry or

o!!1& o &''!' +e A/'r!&n' &,&!n' R/''!&8' '/er!or!y. He be!e6ed

+en (&' +!' 7/r+er &r,/-en' '+ow) +& +e w&' &1!n, w!+!n +e

!nen!on' o7 +e eder Mo?1. He w&' no ,o!n, o e&6e &ny Ger-&n

roo' on +e e&'ern 7ron!er & & &nd wo/d 7!r' +row +!' /nd!6!ded

'ren,+ &,&!n' +e An,oFren1+. T+!' 8as !n +e 'r&n,e +oe +&

+e &b'en1e o7 &n ene-y on +e!r own 7ron -!,+ !nd/1e +e R/''!&n'

no o &&1? b/ o 'ee +ow +e!r &!e' 7&re &nd +en o de1&re e&1e

&' 'oon &' +ey -ee w!+ &n &11!den. T+e A/'r!&n' +e +o/,+

1o/d w&! /n! +e Ger-&n' were !n P&r!'. A/'r!& need no worry4+e R/''!&n &r-y !nended &,&!n' Ger-&ny w! no -&r1+ !no

G&!1!& be7ore +e d!e !' 1&' !n +e We'. And A/'r!&8' 7&e w! be

de1!ded no on +e B/, b/ on +e Se!ne. W!+o/ do/b +!' !'

& 7!n& e5&,,er&!on o7 +e !de& o7 &n o77en'!6e !n +e We' w+!1+ 1&n

ony be 1&ed ,roe'/e. T+e +!'or!&n w! +e'!&e o re&e &n /er

&n1e o7 e5re-e od &,e o &n e&r!er '&,e o7 &-!!n,. Je ! 'r!?e'

-e &' &n !/-!n&!n, 'y-o- o7 & o!!1& w&y o7 +!n?!n,

& w&y w+!1+ 1o/d no de&r 7ro- +e r&d!!on o7 'ee!n, !n Fr&n1e

3: S/den!&r- Moite und der "taat ("#$<) . ""9 77. 33 See e5 I*.

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


+e re& ene-y &nd !n R/''!& +e re& 7r!end w+!1+ /nder'ood

+e -o!6e' o7 B!'-&r1?8' o!1y o7 &!&n1e' &' !e &' ! d!d +e

d&n,er' o7 +e new R/''!&n !-er!&!'- n&!on&!'- &nd &n'&6!'-

o7 +e wen!e+ 1en/ry or +e !nern& d!77!1/!e' o7 +e D&n/b!&n-on&r1+y.3;

A7er +e -e-or&nd/- o7 A/,/' "%#: w!+ !' de1!'!on on &

-&!n o77en'!6e !n +e We' S1+!e77en by no -e&n' 'oed -&?!n,

&n' 7or &n e&'ern 1&-&!,n. P&nn!n, 1on!n/ed o7 1o/r'e on,

&7er +e +&d d!'1on!n/ed 1orre'onden1e w!+ +e A/'r!&n Gener&

S&77. L&erd&y -!!&ry !er&/re -en!on' w&r ,&-e' Gener& S&77

nde' &nd &1!1&'r&e,!1& robe-' !n w+!1+ e6ery 1on1e!6&be-e+od 7or +e 1ond/1 o7 w&r !n +e E&' w&' &yed o/. T+e'e

!n1/ded +e de7en1e o7 E&' Pr/''!& on +e M&'/r!&n L&?e' &nd 7ro-

K!/!!'ber, & de7en1e &,&!n' R/''!&n &&1?' on +e *!'/& &nd e6en

& -&@or &&1? o 1e&r +e &!r on +e E&'ern 7ron be7ore '&r!n, &n

o77en'!6e !n +e We'.3$ T+ere w&' &n &nn/& Gener& S&77 r!de +ro/,+

+e e&'ern 7ron!er d!'r!1' @/' &' !n +e We'. And d/r!n, +e w!ner

w&r ,&-e' &owed +e 1on'&n !n6en!on o7 new -!!&ry '!/&!on'

&nd +e e'!n, o7 new 'o/!on'. B/ 7ro- & +!' ! '+o/d no be

!-&,!ned +& &7er "%#: S1+!e77en +&d &ny 'o/!on o +e wo7ronrobe- o+er +&n +e ,re& o77en'!6e !n +e We'. For +!- +e

+eore!1& e5er1!'e' o7 +e Gener& S&77 +&d no r&1!1& !-or&n1e

e51e &' & -e&n' o7 e'!n, !nd!6!d/& robe-' !n +!' &1!1&

'r&e,!1& &nn!n,. T+e &nn!n, !'e7 1&n ony be 7o/nd !n +e

&nn/& 'fmars!hplaue o7 +e Gener& S&77 &nd !n +e re&r&ory

oer&!on& dr&7' o7 !' C+!e7.

3" Sy-o-&!1 o7 S1+!e77en8' &!/de ow&rd' A/'r!& &re +e re6e&!n, 1o--en'

w+!1+ +e -&de !n +e -&r,!n o7 & eer dr&7ed by +!' de/y Q/&rer-&'erGener&

Ober+o77er o +e M!n!'er o7 W&r 6on Go''er O1ober 3<+ "%##. Ober+o77er +&d wr!en4 We -/' '! 1o/n on & w&r on wo 7ron' &nd we '+o/d no 1o/n on +e

!--ed!&e !ner6en!on o7 o/r &!e'. S1+!e77en8' 1o--en w&'4 T+e w&r on wo 7ron'

need no be &?en !no 1on'!der&!on & &. T+e w&r &,&!n' Fr&n1e &one !' /!re eno/,+

o 'r&!n e6ery ner6e. Co/n!n, on +e !ner6en!on o7 o/r &!e' W+& &n !/'!on

Soon &7erw&rd' +e ree&'4 Eno/,+ o7 +e w&r on wo 7ron' One 7ron !' &-e.

Re!1+'&r1+!6 =riesriistimg mi I =ri!gs8irls!liaft# 1, 'nglage.md ("#3<) . 930.

3" *on Co1+en+&/'en (ed.). 'id.# . :9"%" ob6!o/'y b&'ed on &-e -&er!& !n

+e &r1+!6e' o7 +e Ge!&er& S&77. H. 6on K/+ ihid.# . "00 "9: "9$ 7. S1+!e77en8'

,ieiists!lirift!ti# +r',. 6o- Gener&'&b de' Heere' Bd. I4 T&?!'1+'r&e,!'1+e A/7,&ben

("<33)4 Bd. II4 D!e ,ro''en Gener&'&b're!'en O' ("#3%). *on o1ner S1+!1771n'

*1r-S1+n!' !n4 Wehr8issens!hafiJ!lie /nnds!liau# "#3%. W. reener 7edan!n8erstatt#

PP $;#

3 3THE SHIFT OF EMPHASIS FROM EAST TO

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


O7 +e 7or-er by 7&r +e -o' !-or&n !' +e 'o1&ed 7rosse

Ostaufmars!h (+e &n 7or +e E&'ern 7ron) w+!1+ S1+!e77en 1&/'ed

o be wor?ed o/ 1on1/rreny w!+ +e Westattfmars!h. B/ +!' w&'

ony &,&!n' & '!/&!on w+!1+ +e +!-'e7 re,&rded &' -o' /n!?ey&nd w+!1+ &7er +e Fr&n1oR/''!&n M!!&ry Con6en!on o7 "%#: w&'

!ndeed &-o' /n+!n?&be n&-ey one !n w+!1+ Fr&n1e wo/d &

7!r' '&nd !dy &'!de !n +e e6en o7 & w&r beween R/''!& &nd +e

Cenr& Power'. In +!' 1&'e ne&ry +e w+oe Ger-&n Ar-y ('!5een

&r-y 1or' 'e6en Re'er6e d!6!'!on' &nd '!5 1&6&ry d!6!'!on') w&' o

be +rown e&'w&rd' !n 7o/r &r-!e' &nd deoyed on & '!n,e 7ron

7ro- T+orn o +e Me-e re&1+!n, -/1+ 7&r+er o +e nor+e&'

+&n W&der'ee +&d &nned. Fro- +ere +e !nen!on w&' o &/n1+

& -&@or o77en'!6e &1ro'' +e N&rew &nd !n +e ,ener& d!re1!on o7 B!&y'o?. In & w&y +!' w&' !?e +e oer&!on& &n' o7 +e eder

Mo?e &nd W&der'ee b/ S1+!e77en w&ned o -&?e +!' en6eo

-en 7ro- 7&r+er nor+ +o!n, +& w!+ +e 1o&bor&!on o7

+e A/'r!&n' +e 1o/d en1!r1e &nd &nn!+!&e +e -&!n R/''!&n

7or1e' beween +e *!'/& &nd +e B/,. He w&' &w&y' 6ery do/b7/

!7 +!' wo/d '/11eed 7or +e '! r&ed +e N&rew ob'&1e 6ery

+!,+y &nd d!d no r/' +e A/'r!&n' o &rr!6e !n !-e 7or +e -&!n

b&e.30

A11ord!n, o Foer'er +e'e do/b' were '+&red by S1+!e77en8''/11e''or w+o &r!1/&ry 7e&red +& +e R/''!&n' wo/d -o6e +e!r

deoy-en &re& 'o 7&r b&1? (o Bre'L!o6'?) +& +e 1+&n1e' o7

en6eo!n, +e!r -&!n 7or1e' wo/d be e5re-ey /e'!on&be. In +e

'o/+ +ey 1o/d /'e +e 1o6er o7 +e Pr!e -&r'+e' &nd +ey 1o/d

'1&r1ey be o/7&n?ed 7ro- +e nor+ be1&/'e +e Ger-&n e7 w!n,

(w+!1+ Mo?e +&d -e&n o 'ren,+en '/b'&n!&y) w&' !'e7 oen

o o/7&n?!n, by 'ron, R/''!&n re'er6e &r-!e' 7ro- Co/r&nd.

F/r+er-ore +ere were ,re& e1+n!1& d!77!1/!e' o be o6er1o-e

!n +e w&y o7 r&!w&y r&n'or bo+ 7or deoy!n, roo' &nd 7or

&d6&n1!n, +ro/,+ L!+/&n!&. S1+!e77en &' we &' +e yo/n,er Mo?e

30 W. Foer'er iid.# . $$ 7F. R/''!&n re'!'&n1e on +e N&rew !' r&ed -/1+ ower +ere

+&n ! w&' !n De1e-ber "%#: ('ee &bo6e &'o Foer'er . ;#). T+!' -&y be 1onne1ed

w!+ +e new' +& +e R/''!&n' were ,o!n, o -o6e +e!r deoy-en 7&r+er b&1? o +e

e&'. I 7&! o 'ee +e re&!on'+! beween +e oer&!on& &n de'1r!bed by Foer'er &nd

+e ,re& o77en'!6e !n +e E&' -en!oned by 6on K/+ :iid.# . "00). A11ord!n, o K/+

+e &n w&' o e&6e +e '-&er &r o7 +e Ger-&n Ar-y !n !' ,&rr!'on' re&dy o

enr&!n. A' 'oon &' +e Fren1+ &d6&n1ed o +e &&1? +e'e re'er6e' were o be r&n'ored

o +e We' &nd o -&?e & '/rr!'e &&1? on +e Fren1+ 7&n?.

34 I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


7e&red +e ony o/1o-e wo/d be 7ron& 6!1or!e' w+!1+ wo/d

no br!n, & /!1? de1!'!on -e&nw+!e +e Fren1+ wo/d 1o-e !n &nd

&&1? - 'ren,+ !n Lorr&!ne &nd A'&1e w!+o/ -ee!n, &ny re&

Ger-&n re'!'&n1e. To d!'en,&,e +e Ger-&n E&' Ar-y 7ro-roon,ed 7!,+!n, 7ro- +e b6&'' &nd /r'/! -&r1+e' o7 +e

E&'ern 7ron &nd +en o r&n'or ! 7ro- +e ro&de'' &-o' r&!w&y

e'' 6&'ne'' o7 R/''!& o +e R!!ne wo/d & &?e oo on, o '&6e

+e We'ern 7ron.

T+e'e &r1 6ery 'er!o/' &r,/-en' &nd +ey 1&nno be re7/ed by

ro6!n, +& S1+!e77en &nd +!' '/11e''or were wron, !n &''/-!n, +&

+e R/''!&n' wo/d &6o!d & de1!'!6e b&e &nd w!+dr&w !no +e 6&'

!ner!or o7 +e!r 1o/nry w!+o/ & 'er!o/' r!& o7 'ren,+. We +&6e

&re&dy o/1+ed on +!' /e'!on (&bo6e . 2# 7.) w+en -en!on!n,

S1+8177en8' 1r!!1!'- o7 +!' rede1e''or8' deoy-en &n 7or +e E&'.

I 6Y &' +en & /e'!on o7 &n o77en'!6e de7en1e !n +e E&' &nd +e We'

'!-/&neo/'y &nd &r!1/&ry o7 w+e+er '/1+ & de7en1e 1o/d be

e5e1ed !n +e E&' o '-&'+ -&@or 7or-&!on' &nd 'o &r&y'e +e

R/''!&n'8 7!,+!n, ower &nd w! o &&1?. T+e !de& 'ee-ed &/'!be

& e&' ! w&' no ro6eny +oee''. B/ +ere ! !' & d!77eren -&er.

T+e /e'!on !' w+e+er R/''!& w&' 'o &1ed 'r&e,!1&y &' o o77er

+e Ger-&n' & 'er!o/' 1+&n1e o7 /!1? o& 6!1ory !7 ony +e -&!n&&1? 1o/d be '+!7ed 7ro- We' o E&' & +e 6ery be,!nn!n,. For

o!!1& re&'on' &one ! !' /n!?ey +& +e R/''!&n' 1o/d +&6e d&red

o rere& be7ore '/1+ & -&@or o77en'!6e 7or +& wo/d +&6e 1on

r&d!1ed e6ery ob!,&!on w+!1+ bo/nd +e- o Fr&n1e. F/r+er-ore

! wo/d +&6e 'e6erey '+&?en +e do-e'!1 o'!!on o7 +e T'&r!'

Go6ern-en &nd -!,+ +&6e bro/,+ on +e d&n,er o7 & re6o !n

Po&nd or +e U?r&!ne. In "#"; +!' w&' no +e !nen!on o7 +e

R/''!&n H!,+ Co--&nd or !' !rre'on'!be r&+er +&n 1&/!o/'

+e&d Gr&nd D/?e N!1+o&'.On +e o+er +&nd +e yo/n,er Mo?e w&' 7/y @/'!7!ed !n +!'

7e&r +& &' 'oon &' &r,e Ger-&n 7or1e' &e&red !n +e E&' +e

R/''!&n &re& o7 deoy-en wo/d be -o6ed b&1? o Ko6noGrodno

Bre'L!o6'?. Fro- "#": onw&rd' +ere e5!'ed wo 6&r!&n' o7 +e

R/''!&n deoy-en &n. T+e 7!r' (A or A/'r!&) &''/-ed&' d!d

+e We'ern ,ener& '&77'+& +e 7!r' -&!n Ger-&n &&1? wo/d

be &,&!n' +e We'. In +!' e6en +e R/''!&n -&!n 7or1e' ('!5een

&r-y 1or') were o o6err/n G&!1!& 7ro- +e nor+ &nd e&' w+!e

+e '-&er &r o7 +e!r &r-y (we6e &r-y 1or') w&' o be deoyed

T HE S H IF T O F F MPH AS I S F RO M E AST T O 3$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


on +e N&rew Bobr &nd N!e-en &nd !n6&de E&' Pr/''!& &' 7&r &' +e

*!'/&. B/ !n +e e6en o7 +e -&!n Ger-&n deoy-en be!n, !n

+e E&' (6&r!&n G or Ger-&n!&) +e we'ern 7ron!er d!'r!1' o7

R/''!& &r!1/&ry Po&nd were !n!!&y o be &b&ndoned &nd +e-&!n R/''!&n 7or1e w&' o be &''e-bed !n +e 7or!7!ed &re& nor+ o7

+e Pr!e -&r'+e'.39

I 1&nno be den!ed +& +e'e re1&/!on&ry -e&'/re' wo/d +&6e

-&de o& 6!1ory 6ery d!77!1/ 7or +e Ger-&n' !7 +ey +&d

-&r1+ed +e!r -&!n 7or1e' &,&!n' R/''!&. I ony re-&!n' 7or /' o

'ee w+e+er +ey wo/d +&6e 'ood & beer 1+&n1e +&d +ey -&n&,ed

o de1e!6e +e R/''!&n' &bo/ +e!r /!-&e !nen!on' !.e. !7 be'!de'

+e &n 7or & -&!n deoy-en !n +e We' +ey +&d +ed & 'e1ond

one !n re&d!ne'' w+!1+ wo/d +&6e &owed +e- o 1on7!ne +e-'e6e' o &n &1!6e de7en1e !n +e We' & +e be,!nn!n, o7 +e w&r &nd

+en w+!e +e R/''!&n' were &d6&n1!n, on G&!1!& o &e&r !n

/ne5e1ed 'ren,+ bo+ !n E&' Pr/''!& &nd !n +e re&r o7 +e -&!n

R/''!&n 7or1e' (er+&' 7ro- S!e'!&).3% B/ +!' 'e1/&!on !' /rey

+eore!1&. For one +!n, ! r&!'e' +e /e'!on w+e+er & 6ery /!1?

&d6&n1e o7 &r,e 7or1e' !n +e E&' wo/d +&6e been o''!be w!+o/

&r,e'1&e r&!w&y 1on'r/1!on w+!1+ wo/d +&6e re6ened &

1o-ee '/rr!'e. For &no+er ! re'/o'e' ,!6!n, / +e !de& o7 &

-&@or o77en'!6e !n +e We' 1o-eey &nd d!6!d!n, +e Ger-&n

Ar-y !no wo (&be! /ne/&) &r' !n +e -&nner o7 +e eder

Mo?e. B/ +!' wen d!re1y &,&!n' S1+!e77en8' b&'!1 !de&+e

de7e& or &nn!+!&!on o7 e&1+ ene-y !n /rn. I7 +!' !de& w&' !-r&1

!1&be or & e&' +!,+y /n1er&!n o7 '/11e'' +en ! w&' rob&by +e

'&-e !n +e E&' &' !n +e We'. A '!-e '+!7 o7 +e -&!n o77en'!6e

7ro- We' o E&' &' re1o--ended by -&ny 1r!!1' o7 S1+!e77en &nd

+!' '1+oo &7er 1"1S, wo/d +&6e wro/,+ & 7&& we&?ne'' !n +e

39 Jo/n D&/!!o6 (Q/&rer-&'erGener&) 6a /ussie dans la 7uerre Mondiale K191%

191<F# P&r!'. "#:9. . ";$ 77. Ide-. Le' re-!re' oXr&!on' de 8&r-Xe r/''e de "#";

!n4 /eue militaire franLaise# 6o. #3 N<. :3 . "0< 7. (M&y "#:3). *on K/+ S1+!e77en8'

-o' ,!7ed /! d!d no be!e6e +& +e R/''!&n' wo/d rere& !no +e !ner!or o7

+e e-!re 1!+er Kiid.# . "%$ 7) nor d!d Conr&d 6on Hoendor7. B/ bo+ do/bed

w+e+er & /y4e'o1 b&!e o7 en6eo-en &,&!n' +e R/''!&n -&- &r-y & Bre'

L!ro6'? w&' o''!be &nd 7e&red +& +e &&1?er'8 7&n?' wo/d be +re&ened !n +e

nor+ &' we &' !n +e 'o/+ o7 +e 7ron. T+e 6!ew o7 +o'e '/or!n, +e -&@or o77en'+ e

!n +e E&' !' re'ened &-on, o+er' by M&@or K. M&yr Kr!e,'&n /nd '&&r

n!&nn!'1+1 *or&/''!1+ !n4 ;eits!hrift fiir Politi# I* "#:$ . 3%$ !7. b/ w4!+

!n'/77!1!en &r,/-en'.

3% See &'o +e 'e1/&!6e re7e1!on' by L. Be1? "tudieu. . "90 77.

0I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


Ger-&n We'ern 7ron w!+o/ o77er!n, & ,re& eno/,+ 1+&n1e o7

'/11e'' o @/'!7y +e e5er!-en. A7er +e M!!&ry Con6en!on o7

I N#: ! w&' !-o''!be 7or +e Fren1+ o '&y ne/r& !n & R/''o

Ger-&n w&r. F&1ed w!+ & we&? Ger-&n +od!n, &r-y +ey were

/n!?ey o '&y +e!r &&1? &nd w&! be+!nd +e!r 7or!7!ed !ne 7or &

Ger-&n o77en'!6e. T+!' wo/d +&6e -e&n & 'er!o/' bre&1+ o7 &r!1e

3 o7 +e 1on6en!on3# e'e1!&y !7 & -&@or Ger-&n o77en'!6e w rere

end&n,er!n, R/''!&. Be'!de' +e Fren1+ Ar-y w&' ,row!n, !n 1on

7!den1e &nd &,,re''!6e '!r! 7ro- de1&de o de1&de. I7 +ere7ore +e

de1!'!on !n +e E&' were o be de&yed 7or &ny en,+ o7 !-e ! wo/d

rob&by 1o-e oo &e 7or +e We'ern 7ron.

!n "#"3 +e yo/n,er Mo?1 de1!ded o d!'1on!n/e wor? on +eGr

() Yr Ostatifmars!li be1&/'e +e +o/,+ ! '/er7/o/'.8"< W+en on

+e &7ernoon o7 A/,/' !' "#"; W!+e- II &'?ed +!- o deoy +e

w +oe &r-y !n +e E&' !n'e&d o7 +e We'!n +e 6&,/e +oe o7

?ee!n, Fr&n1e o/ o7 +e w&r &7er &+!' w&' no on,er o''!be

or e1+n!1& re&'on'. A7er "#"% 'o-e 1r!!1' rero&1+ed +e Ger-&n

Gener& S&77 b!ery 7or +!' 'ee!n, !n ! +e or!,!n o7 Ger-&ny8'

1o--!-en o & 7&& one'!ded 1o/r'e.;" T+& ! w&' @/' +!' !'

/nden!&be&nd ! w! o11/y /' & ,re& de& &er on. B/ & o&

6!1ory !n +e E&' w&' no & & 1er&!n &nd & qui! o& 6!1ory w&'/n!?ey !n +e e5re-e. I7 +e 7rosse Ostaufmars!h w&' no &n &''/red

7or-/& 7or 6!1ory d!d +e 7or-/& !e !n +e ,re& o77en'!6e !n +e

We' +ro/,+ Be,!/- W&' ! 'o 1er&!n o7 o& '/11e'' +& one

1o/d '&?e e6ery+!n, on +!' '!n,e 1&rd &nd e&6e +e A/'r!&n'

e-or&r!y o +e!r 7&e +& one 1o/d &11e +e o!!1& 1on

'e/en1e' o7 & bre&1+ o7 ne/r&!y &nd +e re1!!&e de1&r&!on o7

w&r To &n'wer +!' /e'!on we -/' &?e & 1o'er oo? & S1+!e77en8'

&n' 7or &n o77en'!6e on +e We'ern 7ron.

2. Pre!-!n&ry '&,e' o7 +e oer&!on& &n o7 1"$

A ' +e -e-or&nd/- o7 Ar! "%#: &re&dy !nd!1&e' S1+!e77en8'

-&!n &!- w&' o 7!,+ +e de1!'!6e b&e !n +e We' &' /!1?y &'

8 Lo' 7or1e' d!'on!be' /! do!6en Zre e-oyXe' 1onre 8Ae-&,ne . . . '8en,&,e

RONT [ ond e en o/e d!!,en1e de -&n!re /e 8Ae-&,ne &! [ /er [ & 7o!' [ \8E]

e & *8O/e'. ,ouments ,iplomatiques ranLais# 'Xr!e L . ", . #+, N. 44.-.

8 Re!1+'&r1b!6 ,ir mi(Mns!hen Operati (na@ % n 6ande# I. . 17 .

THUS ). M AJR 4 .li(s2%ri2ifiir 1(oliii# I/. @NG#.

THE SHIFT OF EMPHASIS FROM EAST TO 39

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o''!be 'o &' o be 7ree &7er o& 6!1ory o de7e& R/''!&. In +!'

-e-or&nd/- o7 Ar! "%#" +e &''/-ed /!e r!,+y (&' we now

?now) +& +e Fren1+ be+!nd 1o6er o7 +e!r 'ron, 7or!7!1&!on' on

+e Uer Mo'ee &nd +e Me/'e wo/d no !--ed!&ey 1o-e o/!no +e oen b/ wo/d w&! 7or +e Ger-&n' o &&1?. How 1o/d

+e er!od o7 -//& w&!!n, be '+orened +ow 1o/d +e Ger-&n'

'e!e +e !n!!&!6e T+!' /e'!on +&d &re&dy o11/!ed W&der'ee ('ee

&bo6e &,e ::). S1+!e77en8' &re+en'!on' wen e6en 7/r+er. Are&dy

d/r!n, &1!1& d!'1/''!on' !n "%#: +e !' '&!d o +&6e 1on'!dered +e

o''!b!!y o7 +e Fren1+ o/7&n?!n, +e Ger-&n r!,+ w!n, by &

6!o&!on o7 L/5e-bo/r, ne/r&!y. (A 7e&r w+!1+ W&der'ee oo !'

'&!d o +&6e e5re''ed.) T+/' +e "%#3; Westaufinars!h &re&dy re

'ened +e !1/re o7 & 6ery 'ron, w!n, &r-y nor+e&' o7 MeD!e

den+o7en. In "%#; S1+!e77en rod/1ed &n e&bor&e new -e-or&nd/-

w+!1+ !n 1onr&' w!+ +& o7 "%#" e5e1ed &n !--ed!&e o77en'!6e

by +e Fren1+ &nd /r,ed -o6e' o 7ore'& !. He 7e&red +& +e Fren1+

wo/d no &' Mo?e +&d &''/-ed &d6&n1e on & w!de 7ron &,&!n'

+e Ger-&n o'!!on !n +e S&&r +/' e5o'!n, +e!r 7&n?' o +e

d&n,er o7 en6eo-en b/ wo/d ry o bre&? +ro/,+ !n 'ren,+ &

& '!n,e o!n. He &r!1/&ry 7e&red +e +re& o +e '&!en o7

S&&rb/r,. T+!' -!,+ 7or1e +e Ger-&n' o &d6&n1e 7ro- +e 1o6er o7 +e S&&r o'!!on &nd r!'? &n o77en'!6e w!+ n/-er!1&y !n7er!or 7or1e'.

One 1&n 'ee +ow +e do/bed +e 7e&'!b!!y o7 & en,+y de7en1e

!n re&red o'!!on' &nd +ow -/1+ +e re7erred o &?e +e o77en'!6e.

To w!n w e -/' ende&6o/r o be +e 'ron,er o7 +e wo & +e

o!n o7 !-&1. O/r ony +oe o7 +!' !e' !n -&?!n, o/r own 1+o!1e o7

oer&!on' no !n w&!!n, &''!6ey 7or w+&e6er +e ene-y 1+oo'e'

7or /'. T+!' 'enen1e !' 6ery 1+&r&1er!'!1 o7 +e Gener& S&778'

'r&e,!1 +!n?!n,. T+e &!/de ! e5re''e' !' &-o' +e oo'!e o7

w+& one 7!nd' !n +e 1one-or&ry deoy-en &n' o7 +e Fren1+Gener& S&77 w+o'e !de&' /nder +e !n7/en1e o7 Gener& Bonn& 1&n

be' be e5re''ed !n er-' o7 +e 'r&e,!1 de7en'!6e &nd 'e1/r!y.

S1+!e77en d!d no &re1!&e +!' +e wondered +ow +e Ger-&n

deoy-en 1o/d be 'o &rr&n,ed +& !n '!e o7 +e r&!d Fren1+

-ob!!'&!on Ger-&ny wo/d ?ee +e !n!!&!6e7or e5&-e by

der&!n!n, 7&r+er 7orw&rd. In &ny 1&'e +e 1o/ned on +e o''!b!!y

o7 & +e&don b&e beween +e wo &d6&n1!n, &r-!e'. S+o/d +e

ene-y +e'!&e S1+!e77en w&' 7or &&1?!n, +!- !n +!' !ne o7

7orre''e'. T+e 7orw&rd o'!!on Fro/&rdN&n1yPon S. *!n1en

I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL%

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w&' o be bo-b&rded by 1on1enr&ed +e&6y &r!ery +e &e&/

we' o7 N&n1y w&' o be &?en &nd +e Fren1+ de7en1e 'y'e-

bro?en /.

T+!' +e 7!r' o7 S1+!e771n8' oer&!on& &n' 7or +e We' w&'re-&r?&be !n -ore w&y' +&n one.

In +e e&1e re&y o7 "%9" B!'-&r1? +&d !n'!'ed on +e &nne5&!on

o7 Lorr&!ne ony be1&/'e +e Ger-&n Gener& S&77 de1&red Me

!nd!'en'&be o +e de7en1e o7 Ger-&ny8' we'ern 7ron!er& de1!'!on

w+!1+ +e !' ?nown o +&6e 7o/nd 6ery +&rd be1&/'e +e 7ore'&w +e

de6&'&!n, o!!1& 1on'e/en1e' o7 +!' &nne5&!on o7 Fren1+

err!ory. Mo?e +&d ,re& 7&!+ !n +e de7en'!b!!y o7 +!' new

Ger-&n 7ron!er. T+e dee w!de b&rr!er o7 +e Uer R+!ne +e *o',e' Sr&'bo/r, Me +e S&&r +e n&rrow 7!ed 7or oer&!on'

beween +e nor+ern *o',e' &nd +e L/5e-bo/r, 7ron!er& +!'

'ee-ed o +!- o o77er 'end!d oor/n!!e' 7or de7en1e. B/ +e

&w&y' oo?ed on +e new ro6!n1e o7 Lorr&!ne &' & ?!nd o7 de7en'!6e

7ore,ro/nd we '/!ed o +e 7!,+!n, o7 &r,e b&e' &nd +e w&'

&w&y' w!!n, o w!+dr&w &' 7&r &' +e R+!ne !7 need be. P&!ny

S1+!e77en d!d no '+&re +!' 7&!+ !n +e de7en'!6e b/ w&ned o 1&rry

+e &&1? !no Fr&n1e !--ed!&ey. T+e -!!&ry !er&/re o7 +e

S1+!e77en '1+oo o7en rod/1e' & -!!&rye1ono-!1 &r,/-en 7or+!'4 +& !n & wo7ron w&r /nder -odern 1ond!!on' w!+ +e

!n1re&'ed 1on'/-!on o7 -/n!!on' &nd -&er!&' Ger-&ny 1o/d no

+&6e done w!+o/ +e S&&r 1o&7!ed' or Lorr&!ne ore'. I +&6e no 7o/nd

'/1+ 1on'!der&!on' !n S1+!e771n8' own -e-or&nd& &nd +e!r 'o/nd

ne'' !' /e'!on&be 7or +ere w&' '! +e R/+r +e w+oe o7 Uer

S!e'!& &nd !7 ne1e''&ry +e Swed!'+ ore -!ne'. T+e r/+ !' +& +e

1on'!der&!on' w+!1+ de1!ded S1+!e77en were rob&by e51/'!6ey

'r&e,!1 &nd +!' !n +e n&rrow 'en'e o7 +e word. In +!' 1one5 !

!' '!,n!7!1&n +ow o!-!'!1&y +e e5re''ed +!-'e7 on +e de7en'!

b!!y o7 +e S&&r !ne on1e +e de1!'!on on & -&@or o77en'!6e +ro/,+

Be,!/- +&d been -&de !.e. &7er &bo/ "%#9. Fro- +en on we &re

od +e ree&edy e +e Gener& S&77 e'&b!'+ !n w&r ,&-e' +& &

Fren1+ &&1? on Lorr&!ne wo/d -ee w!+ ,re& d!77!1/!e' &nd +&

+e 'ron, MeD!eden+o7en o'!!on wo/d 7or1e +e ene-y o

d!6!de +!' 7or1e' &nd &d6&n1e nor+ &nd 'o/+ o7 ! !n 'r&e,!1 de7!e'

/n'/!&be 7or +e deoy-en o7 &r,e 7or1e'. A11ord!n, o 6on

K/+\ +e &&1?' !n +e w&r ,&-e' -!'1&rr!ed &-o' re,/&ry

3#PRELIMINARJ STAGES OF THE OPERATIONAL PLAN OF

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


be1&/'e o7 Ger-&n 7&n? r!o'e'." T+e'e ,&-e' 'ee- o +&6e

been !nended o ro6e +& +e e7 w!n, o7 +e Ger-&n &r-6

1o/d be -/1+ we&?ened !n 7&6o/r o7 +e r!,+ (w+!1+ w&' o br!n,

+e de1!'!on) w!+o/ !n1/rr!n, +e d&n,er o7 & 1o/neren6eo-en7ro- +e e7. O7 1o/r'e ! wo/d -&?e & +e d!77eren1e !7 +e Fren1+

7or1e' &d6&n1!n, +ro/,+ Lorr&!ne +&d o 1onend '!-/&neo/'y

w!+ & b!, Ger-&n o77en'!6e +ro/,+ Be,!/-. B/ !n &ny 1&'e

S1+!e^en -/' +&6e +&d ,re& 7&!+ !n +e Ger-&n o'!!on !n Lorr&!ne

be1&/'e &er +e de1!ded &,&!n' !' 'y'e-&!1 !-ro6e-en ('!

&nned !n "%#"). L!e e6en oo'ed ! be1&/'e ! wo/d !-ede -ob!e

w&r7&re4 +e Fren1+ -/' no be der!6ed o7 +e oor/n!y o7

r/nn!n, !no & '&1? beween Me &nd Sr&'bo/r,. How +en 1&n

one e5&!n +e &n5!ey &bo/ & Fren1+ bre&?+ro/,+ e5re''ed !n

+!' "%#; -e-or&nd/- D!d +e & +& !-e /nderr&e +e de7en'!6e

'ren,+ o7 -odern 7!ed 7or!7!1&!on' &r!1/&ry &' +e 1o/d no

+&6e ?nown +e 7!ree77e1 o7 +e -&1+!ne,/n (ony !nrod/1ed !n

+e Ger-&n Ar-y !n "#<") Or w&' ! '!-y & w!'+ 7or /!1?

de1!'!on' w+!1+ -&de +!- &b+or o'!!on w&r7&re &nd /r,e &n

&11eer&ed o77en'!6e&nd were +e'e &n5!e!e' ony '/b'!d!&ry

-o!6e' w!+o/ ,re& '!,n!7!1&n1e In &ny e6en +!' &n o bre&? !no

+e Fren1+ o'!!on' !7 +e ene-y +ed b&1? w&' -o' /n+&y 7oron +e 6ery 'o +e '/,,e'ed 7or +e /ro'e+e +e!,+' o7 N&n1y

+e Fren1+ Ar-y w&' & +& !-e e5e1!n, +e -&!n Ger-&n &&1?.

(Deoy-en &n No. "3 o7 Gener& M!r!be.:) S/1+ &n &''&/e6en !7

+ere +&d been & bre&?+ro/,+wo/d +&6e r/n 'r&!,+ !no +e

&r-' o7 +e Fren1+ &r-!e' &''e-bed on +e 7&n?' o re1e!6e !. One

1&n we /nder'&nd W&der'ee8' +orror w+en +e +e&rd r/-o/r' o7

+!' &n w+!1+ +e be!e6ed -!'&?eny o be +e K&!'er8'. We &re

do!n, e5&1y w+& +e Fren1+ +&6e +oed &nd re&red 7or +e

wroe !n +!' d!&ry. He be!e6ed !?e +e eder Mo?e +& +e ony

" *on K+ iid.# . "93. See &'o +e !nere'!n, de'1r!!on' o7 +e '&77 r!de' o7 "#<;

&nd "#<$ by 6on Co1+1n+&/'en iid.# . 3<" 7 &nd 6on oener S1+!e77en' *er

-_1+n!'. !n Milit4r8issenseha2tlh! /unds!hau# III &+r,. "#3% (Sonder+e7) . :% 77.

. ;: 7. A11ord!n, o +!' !n "#<$ S1+!e77en e6en 1o/ned on +e o''!b!!y (w+!1+ w&'

re,&rded &' /!e /n!?ey) o7 +e w+oe Fren1+ Ar-y &d6&n1!n, 7or &n &&1? beween

Me &nd Sr&'bo/r,. He &nned o &ow ! o ener&e deey !no A'&1e &nd +en o

en1!r1e ! w!+o/ 6!o&!n, Be,!&n ne/r&!y.

: W. F er'er 7!danen8erstiitt# . no 77. (&7er Bo/1+er) &'o (ony 6ery '+or b/

w!+ '?er1+-&n) 6es armes fra(.iQ(.ises dans la grande guerre# . I 6o (new 1d. "#30)

. :; 77.

I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL<

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+oe o bre&?!n, +ro/,+ +e Fren1+ 7ron !ne &y !n & b&e o7

/r'/! 7oow!n, +e re/'e o7 & Fren1+ &&1?.3

In 7&1 S1+!e77en +!-'e7 w&' no +&y w!+ In' new oer&!on&

&n 7or on,. He 'oon ,&6e / 7or e6er +e !de& o7 & bre&?+ro/,+.In & -e-or&nd/- o7 A/,/' :nd "%#9 +e e5&!ned +&

""" +e ,& beween +e *o',e' &nd +e Be,!&n 7ron!er & Ger-&n

&d6&n1e w&' !-o''!be. T+ere w&' no 1+&n1e o7 're&d!n, o/. An

o77en'!6e w+!1+ 'ee?' o w+ee ro/nd *erd/n -/' no '+r!n? 7ro-

6!o&!n, +e ne/r&!y o7 Be,!/- &' we &' o7 L/5e-bo/r,."

T+!' ,&6e +e 1/e w+!1+ w&' o deer-!ne & 7//re oer&!on& &n'.

T+e!r 7/r+er de6eo-en / o "#<$ w&' -&de no !n de&!ed

-e-or&nd& o7 +e C+!e7 o +e Gener& S&77 b/ !n w&r ,&-e'

Gener& S&77 r!de' &nd +e &nn/& deoy-en &n'. A11ord!n, oFoer'1r8' !n7or-&!on +e Ar-y &r1+!6e' 1on&!ned ony one /nd&ed

-e-or&nd/- by S1+!e77en on +!' /e'!on. T+!' 1o/d +&6e been

wr!en &bo/ "%## '!n1e ! &,ree' w!+ +e Westaufmars!h &' ! w&'

en6!'&,ed (w!+ 1er&!n 6&r!&!on') !n +e deoy-en &n' o7 +e

Gener& S&77 beween Sr!n, "%## &nd "#<;. I +&' & n/-ber o7

!nere'!n, o!n'.#

I '+ow' +& be7ore "#<;$ S1+!e77en +&d no de1!ded o '&?e e6ery

+!n, on one 1&rd &nd rey on +e ,re& en6eo-en 1/!n, &1ro''

Be,!/- o D/n?!r?. On +e 1onr&ry ! e6en 1on&!n' & 1&/!on&,&!n' '/1+ bodne''. T+e en6eo-en -/' no be e5ended oo

7&r be1&/'e +e deoy-en +&' & do/be &'?4 & 1o/ner&&1? !7 +e

ene-y &d6&n1e' !--ed!&ey &7er 1o-e!n, +!' deoy-en (!.e. !n

Lorr&!ne) &nd &n o77en'!6e !7 +e '&y' be+!nd +!' 7or!7!1&!on'. T+e

-&!n /e'!on &' be7ore w&' +ow o +&'en +e de1!'!on !n +e We' !7

+e Fren1+ &' w&' '! /n1er&!n '+o/d 7or,o +e &d6&n&,e o7 7&'er

-ob!!'&!on &nd w&! 7or +e Ger-&n &&1? be+!nd +e!r 1+&!n o

3 W&der'11 ,en8Jrdig!itai# II . 3"%. *on Co1+en+&/'en iid.# . :$# 1on&!n'

1r!!1& re-&r?' by S1+!e77en on +e'e &n' b/ /n7or/n&ey w!+o/ d&e' or 7/r+er

de&!'.

N'..

8 `*. Foer'er■ "' der de/'1+1 A/7-&r'1+ &n d!e Fr&no'1/ 6err&en worden

*ei$aer Monatsh!fte# . #3: . "<0< 7. In "#;3 I '&w +!' -e-or&nd/- en!ed4

A/-&r'1+ We' /nd Oer&!on ,e,en Fr&n?re!1+.8 T+e need !' 're''ed 7or /!1?

'/11e''e' &,&!n' Fr&n1e !n 6!ew o7 +e d&n,er 7ro- R/''!&. T+e deoy-en w&' o &?e

&1e on +e !ne S. *!+Tr!1rS&&rbr!!1?enS&&rb/r,Sr&'bo/r,. In +e We' e6ery

+!n, &6&!&be w&' o be / !n +e 7!ed4 !n +e E&' ony +e roo' &re&dy '&!oned

beyond +e *!'/& !n e&1e!-e '!n1e +ey -!,+ no be e&'y o w!+dr&w. No @/'

wo+!rd' o7 +e &r-y !n +e We' o one+!rd !n +e E&' b/ &n e6en +!,+er r&!o.

In +e E&' rere& o +e *!'/& !7 ne1e''&ry. '..

;"PRELIMINARJ STAGES OF THE OPERATIONAL PLAN OF IQO$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


7orre''e'. For re&'on' &re&dy ,!6en &n &&1? e51/'!6ey on +e

7orre'' !ne *er dr!nB e77or do1' no 'ee- o re1o--end !'e788 B/

'/1+ & 7ron& &&1? w&' no &o,e+er re@e1ed ! w&' re&!ned &nd

1o-e-ened by &n en6eo-en -&noe/6re +ro/,+ L/5e-bo/r,

&nd Be,!/-. I 1o/d e6en +&en +& +e ene-6 &d6&n1ed +!' e7 w!n, +ro/,+ L/5e-bo/r, &nd Be,!/-. B/ e6en !7 +e d!d no &nd

!n'e&d &d6&n1ed 'o/+ o7 D!eden+o7en &nd Me &n en6eo-en o7

+!' e7 w!n, +ro/,+ L/5e-bo/r, &nd er+&' Be,!/- &'o

ro-!'ed +e be' 1+&n1e o7 '/11e''.

T+!' 1orre'ond' w!+ +e deoy-en &n o7 "#<;$. T+e We'

Ar-y 1o-r!'!n, weny+ree &r-y 1or' &nd 7!7een Re'er6e

d!6!'!on' w&' d!6!ded !no 'e6en &r-!e'. T+e'e were o be deoyed

7&n? o 7&n? beween B&'e &nd +e ne!,+bo/r+ood o7 A&1+en.0 T+e

'ron,e' ,ro/ (n!ne &r-y 1or' &nd 7o/r Re'er6e d!6!'!on') w&' o be

!n Lorr&!ne w+!e wo 'ron, w!n, &r-!e' (!n & 'e6en &r-y 1or'

&nd '!5 Re'er6e d!6!'!on') wo/d be 7&r+er nor+ w!+ +e &'? o7

&d6&n1!n, +ro/,+ L/5e-bo/r, &nd +e 'o/+ern ! o7 Be,!/-

ow&rd' MX!re' &nd Sen&y. T!!!' &-o/ned o &n en6eo!n, b&e

o''!by !n +e *erd/n &re& /'!n, e6ery &6&!&be -&n o e5end +e

7ron d!'en'!n, w!+ & re'er6e &nd!?e & S1+!e77en8' oer&!on&

&n'b&n?!n, on & /!1? de1!'!on. T+e 7ron& &d6&n1e !n Lorr&!ne

(&!-ed & +e N&n1y &e&/) w&' ony !nended o oen +e 1&-&!,n&nd !e down 'ron, ene-y 7or1e' on +& 7ron. T+e re& de1!'!on

w&' o be &1+!e6ed by &n en6eo!n, -o6e-en !n +e nor+. Je +e

r!,+ w!n,&r-y w&' no 'ron,er!ndeed ! w&' 'o-ew+& we&?er

+&n +e o77en'!6e 7or1e' +! Lorr&!ne &nd +e &er were 7/r+er-ore

1o6ered !n +e 'o/+ by wo 'ron, w!n, &r-!e' !n A'&1e (1o-r!'!n,

'e6en &r-y 1or' &nd 7!6e Re'er6e d!6!'!on'). I7 one '/d!e' +e Fren1+

'r&e,!1 &n' !n 7or1e 7ro- "%#% o +e be,!nn!n, o7 "#<0 (P&n' ";

&nd "$)9 ! &e&r' +& +!' !-e S1+!e77en ,/e''ed +e ene-y8'

!nen!on' w!+ &'o-'+!n, &11/r&1y. T+e Fren1+ were -&!ny 1on1erned o 1o6er +e 7ron!er w!+ Lorr&!ne &nd o !ner1e &ny -o6e

o ener&e +e 1+&!n o7 7orre''e'. Tr/e '!n1e "%%: +e Fren1+ Gener&

S&77 +&d been 1on'!der!n, w+& w&' o be1o-e &n !n1re&'!n,y

< S?e1+-&4 *erliner Monaishefte# . "<0". S?e1+-&' o7 +e deoy-en +!!'

7or +e Westaufmars!h# "%#3; "%##"#<< "#<$0 1&n be 7o/nd !n 6on Co1+en+&/'en

iid.# . :03.

8 W. Fo1r'er 7edanemerstatt# . "": 77. Fren1+ Gener& S&77 do1/-en' /b!'+ed

by +e Ser6!1e H!'or!/e de 8a&M&@or de 8AnnXe 6es 'nnes ranLaises dans la 7rande

7uerre (!-e Xd. P&r!' "#30) "." 6o. " . :# 77. &nd -&' " &nd :.

I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL:

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


7&6o/r!e +e-e o7 !nern&!on& -!!&ry !er&/re+e o''!b!!y o

& Ger-&n &&1? o/7&n?!n, +e 7orre'' !ne 7ro- +e nor+ +ro/,+

Be,!/-. B/ +!' o''!b!!y doe' no 'ee- o +&6e been &?en

'er!o/'y !n P&r!' ! "#<$. In &ny 1&'e +e de7end!n, 7or1e' &''e-bed

7or +!' 1on!n,en1y on &nd be+!nd +e e7 7&n? were /!e

!n&de/&e &nd S1+!e7en8' o77en'!6e &nned '!n1e "%## wo/d

1er&!ny +&6e !n6o6ed +e Fren1+ 7ron !n ,re& 1on7/'!on !7 no

1o&'e.

W+y w&' +!' deoy-en &n 1+&n,ed 'o '/ddeny &nd r&d!1&y

!n "#<$ &' one 1&n 'ee 7ro- +e oer&!on& &n !n o/r Te5

W+y w & ' +e r!,+ w!n, o7 +e Ger-&n o77en'!6e 7or1e' '/ddeny

re!n7or1ed e&6!n, ony &n e!,++ &r o7 +e We' Ar-y8' 'ren,+

7or +e e7 And w+y w&' +e en6eo-en +ro/,+ Be,!/- 'o 7&re5ended +& ! re&1+ed o L!e &nd D/n?!r? !n'e&d o7 MX!re' +&

0% 1ro''ed +e w+oe o7 Be,!/- &nd 'o/+ern Ho&nd !n'e&d o7 ony

L/5e-bo/r, &nd +e 'o/+ern ! o7 Be,!/- T+!' 'r!?e' -e &' &

1enr& robe- !n +e 1orre1 +!'or!1& &re1!&!on o7 +e ,re&

S1+!17!en P&n. T+e ,re& 1+&n,e 1&nno be e5&!ned &' &n &d&&!on

o '+!7' &nd 1+&n,e' !n Fren1+ 'r&e,!1 &n' 7!er!n, +ro/,+ o

Ber!n &nd -&?!n, Ger-&n oer&!on& &n' oo? o/ o7 d&e 7or

&+o/,+ +e Fren1+ Gener& S&77 w&' 1on!n/&y d!'1/''!n, +e

o''!b!!y o7 & Ger-&n o77en'!6e +ro/,+ Be,!/- +ere were no'/1+ 1+&n,e' /n! "#<0. On +e 1onr&ry +e do1/-en' o7 +e Fren1+

Gener& S&77 e&6e no do/b +& +e -od!7!1&!on o7 Fren1+

'r&e,!1 &n' re1e!6ed !' 7!r' !-e/' 7ro- !ne!,en1e reor'

d/r!n, +e w!ner o7 "#<;$ o!n!n, o +e 'er!o/' !nen!on o7 +e

Ger-&n Gener& S&77 o -&?e &n en6eo-en 7ro- +e nor+e&'.%

B/ e6en +e'e d!d no 1&/'e &n e''en!& 1+&n,e. T+e 1+&n,e w&' no

/nder&?en /n! +e w!ner o7 "#<$0 &nd +en 7e6er!'+y :fireuse%

mentFB ! ony oo? 7!n& '+&e !n & 1o-eed 6&r!&n ("$ isF !n

3 6es 'rmes ranLaises dans la 7rande 7uerre# t. I 6o. ! . 3" 77. D!'1/''ed &re4 +e

Ger-&n roo 1on1enr&!on' !n +e We' +e 'eed!n, / o7 Ger-&n -ob!!'&!on +e

!-ro6e-en o7 +e r&!w&y newor? nor+ o7 Tr!er !n +e F!7e &nd on +e Be,!&n

7ron!er !-ro6e-en o7 +e 7or!7!1&!on' o7 Me &nd beween Sr&'bo/r, &nd

Mo'+e!- w+!1+ 'ee-' o !nd!1&e & de7en'!6e re 7or +e Ger-&n e7 w!n,. T+ere !'

no -en!on o7 +e 7&n&'!1 'ory od by P&Xoo,/e o7 +e &e,ed ber&y& by & 'en!or

Ger-&n '&77 o77!1er o7 +e S1+!e77en P&n !n +e w!ner o7 "#<3; w+!1+ Foer'er

ro6ed beyond do/b o be &n !n'&n1e o7 +e Fren1+ Ine!,en1e be!n, &?en !n by &n

!-o'or *erliner Monatshefte# "#3: . "<3$ 77. (Foer'er ?new ony +e 7!r' ed!!on

o7 +e Fren1+ Gener& S&77 Do1/-en' o7 "#::.) I !' we ?nown +& /n! "#"; +e

Fren1+ Gener& S&77 w&' !,nor&n o7 +e 7/ -&,n!/de o7 +e Ger-&n oer&!on& &n'.

;3PRELIMINARJ STAGES OF THE OPERATIONAL PLAN OF IQO$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


De1e-ber "#<0. E6en +!' w&' !n&de/&e &nd !e '/!ed o 1o/ner

S1+!e77en8' o77en'!6e &n' o7 "%## o "#<;. So +e de1!'!6e !-e/'

o +e 7/r+er de6eo-en o7 'r&e,!1 &n' 1&-e 7ro- S1+!e77en

&nd no +e o+er w&y ro/nd.#

One -!,+ be e-ed o '/o'e +& !7 ! w&' no & 1+&n,e !n

Fren1+ Gener& S&77 &n' w+!1+ !n7/en1ed S1+!e77en8' de1!'!on' !

w&' o''!by +e ,re& o!!1& 1r!'e' o7 "#<;04 +e &r&y'!' o7 +e

T'&r!' e-!re by +e R/''o&&ne'e w&r +e en'/!n, re6o/!on &nd

+e Moro11o 1r!'!' e&d!n, o Fr&n1oGer-&n en'!on. B/ on 1o'er

!n'e1!on e6en +!' e5&n&!on !' /n'&!'7&1ory. A e&' +e 1+&n,e

!n +e o!!1& '!/&!on 1&nno +&6e ,!6en +e initial !-e/' o &

1+&n,e !n S1+!e77en8' oer&!on& &n'. A+o/,+ +e R/''o&&ne'e

w&r be,&n on Febr/&ry $+ "#<; ! d!d no &?e & de7!n!ey /n7&6o/r

&be /rn 7or +e R/''!&n' /n! &e '/--er. T+e re6o/!on !n S.

Peer'b/r, bro?e o/ !n &n/&ry 1"$. And +e Moro11o 1r!'!' be,&n

w!+ W!+e- II8' 6!'! o T&n,!er w+ere +e &nded on M&r1+ 3"'

"#<$. B/ S1+!e77en8' oer&!on& &n' +&d ob6!o/'y been 1on1e!6ed

on +e ,re& ,ener& '&77 r!de We' w+!1+ oo? &1e !n /ne

"#<;."< Here 7or +e 7!r' !-e +e e5re''ed +!' do/b' &' o w+e+er &

-o6e-en e5ended o MX!re' wo/d be eno/,+ o 7or1e +e Fren1+

o e6&1/&e +e!r 7or!7!ed !ne. Per+&' +ey wo/d '&nd +e!r ,ro/nd&nd +e Ger-&n &r-y wo/d be '! / e&' &nd we' o7 +e!r !ne o7

7orre''e'. Ano+er o''!b!!y !' o by&'' +e o'!!on en!rey

&nd o -&r1+ w!+ +e w+oe &r-y or & e&' !' -&!n &r ro/nd

*erd/n. In o+er word' one wo/d no &&1? +e !ne *erd/n

Be7or b/ +e !ne *erd/nL!e be1&/'e one -/' e5end +& 7&r

we' !n order o &1+!e6e +e ne1e''&ry 7reedo- o7 -&noe/6re. T+e

new 7ron +&d !' 7orre''e' &'o b/ +ey d!d no re'en +e '&-e

d!77!1/!e' &' +o'e on +e Me/'e 7ron. T+e !ne' o7 1o--/n!1&!on

wo/d no be /n7&6o/r&be. I7 &nyw+ere ! !' +ro/,+ +e Be,!&nr&!w&y' +& & 1onne1!on 1&n be 7o/nd beween +e Ger-&n &nd

Fren1+ r&!w&y 'y'e-'. B/ &,&!n' +e'e &d6&n&,e' &re '/b'&n!&

# R1!1+'&r1+!6 ,ie milit4ris!hen Operationen u 6ande# I . $; -en!on' +e e5en'!on

o7 +e Fren1+ e7 w+!, 7ro- *erd/n o MX!re' &' +e de1!'!6e -o!6e 7or S1+!e77en8'

bod &n o7 "#<$0. A' +!' dr&7 o7 "#<$ '+ow' S1+!e77en 1o/ned 7!r-y on +!' e5en'!on

&nd ,&6e ! &' +e re&'on 7or +!' 7&rre&1+!n, en6eo-en. B/ '/1+ &n e5en'!on !' no

'+own 1e&ry e6en !n P&n "$ b!'. C7. Foer'er8' 6ery 1r!!1& &re1!&!on o7 +e'e

&n' !n 7edanen8erstatt# . ""0.

"< C7. H. 6on Mo?e Erinnerungen# *riefe# ,oumente 13<<%191&# . :#:. D!&ry enry

o7 Ar! "%+ "#<;. I w&' on +!' '&77 r!de +& Mo?e 7o/nd +!-'e7 & +e ,re&e'

6&r!&n1e w!+ S1+!e77en8' 6!ew'.

;; I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


dr&wb&1?'4 +e bre&d+ o7 nor+ern Be,!/- !' 1on'!der&be ! w!

&?e 'o on, o 1ro'' ! +& +e Fren1+ w! +&6e !-e 7or & ?!nd'

o7 1o/ner-e&'/re'. T+ere 1&n be no /e'!on o! '/rr!'e. Be'!de'+e deoy-en &re& wo/d be 6ery w!de &nd +e e7 7&n? o7 +e

deoy!n, Ger-&n &r-y (w+!1+ -/' re&1+ Sr&'bo/r,) w! be

'er6ed o +e Fren1+ on & &er.""

Here ob6!o/'y !' +e n/1e/' o7 +e new &n o7 1"$ &nd ! re

'/ed 7ro- /rey e1+n!1& 1on'!der&!on'. I 1o/d +&enS1+!e77en

re&'oned+& +e en6eo-en & Me!ere' 7&!ed o &1+!e6e +e

1o&'e o7 +e 7orre'' 7ron ro/nd *erd/n &' /!1?y &' w&' +oed. So

w+y no re&1+ 7&r+er &' 7&r &' L!e B/ !n +& 1&'e +e deoy-en

wo/d +&6e o be -&de !n ,re& bre&d+ !7 ony 7or e1+n!1& re&'on'd/e o +e r&!w&y' +e w+oe o7 Be,!/- wo/d +&6e o be 1ro''ed

&nd +ere wo/d be & we&?en!n, o7 +e e7 w!n, (& '!/&!on w+!1+ !n

+e &n o7 1!"" +&d ro-ed & w&rn!n, &,&!n' o6erre&1+!n, one'e7

!n Be,!/-). B/ +e '&77 r!de o7 1"4 rod/1ed & '&r!n, re'/4 +e

r!,+ w!n, o7 +e B/e (Ger-&n) &r-y &d6&n1!n, beween Tr!er &nd

A&1+en &,&!n' L!e,eN&-/r ro6ed oo we&? &nd ,o !ed down !n

7ron& b&e' w+ere&' +e e7 w!n, de7e&ed +e Fren1+ w+o +&d

1o-e o/ o7 +e!r 7orre'' 1+&!n by 7&n? &&1?' 7ro- Me &nd

Sr&'bo/r,.": T+e -or& w&' ob6!o/'o 'ren,+en +e r!,+ w!n,

w!+o/ /nd/e 1on1ern 7or +e e7. T+e 'r&e,!1 &n o7 1"$#

w&' +e 7!r' o dr&w !.

T+!' &n w&' rob&by 1on1e!6ed d/r!n, +e w!ner o7 1"4$,

er+&' &bo/ +e !-e +e re6o/!on bro?e o/ !n S. Peer'b/r,.

R/''!& 1o/d be r/ed o/ &' &n oonen 'o 7&r &' +e ne5 ye&r o7

-ob!!'&!on w&' 1on1erned &nd S1+!e77en 1o/d /'e +e w+oe

Ger-&n Ar-y on +e We'ern 7ron. T+!' +e d!d. In +e 'r&e,!1 &n

7or 1"$#,

"3

w+!1+ 1&-e !no e77e1 on Ar! 1s%, 1"$, +e d!'r!b/!ono7 7or1e' &re&dy re'e-be' +& !n +e ,re& -e-or&nd/- o7

De1e-ber on w+!1+ !n /rn +e deoy-en &n 7or 1"#7 w&'

b&'ed.

On +e &' '&77 r!de We' (1"$ w+!1+ S1+!e77en w&' o 1ond/1

+e r!ed o/ +e oer&!on& o''!b!!!e' o7 +e new &n by &?!n,

"" *on oen1r Militdr8issens!haftli!he /unds!hau# "#3% (Sonder+e7) . ;: 7. A'o (e''

7/y) 6on Co1+en+&/'en iid.# . :0$ 7.

": *on oener iid.# . ;3 7. (w!+ '?e1+-&).

"3 W. Foer'er *erliner Monatshefte# . "<0;. Ide- 7edanen8erstatt# . 9<. Re!1+'

&r1+!6. ,ie militdris!hen Operational# I . $$ S?e1+-& o7 +e deoy-en &n

"#<$0 !n 6on Co1+en+&/'en iid.# . :09.

4 ISP

PRELIMINARJ STAGES OF THE OPERATIONAL PLAN OF I#<$ ; $

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


4 I THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFE's OPERATIONAL IDEAS

1o--&nd o7 +e B/e Ar-y +!-'e7. He / +!' 1&rd' on +e &be 7or

+e 7!r' !-e '+ow!n, +o'e &?!n, &r !n +e r!de +& +e -e&n o

1/ +ro/,+ ne/r& Be,!/- !n ,re& bre&d+. T+e 'r&e,!1 &n o7

1!""

w&' e5!1!y re@e1ed. In +e word' o7 +e 7!n& d!'1/''!on +eFren1+ o'!!on on +e Me/'e w&' no ord!n&ry one. E6en !7 &&1?ed

7ron&y &nd '!-/&neo/'y en6eoed on !' nor+ern 7&n? +e

1orner'one o7 +e o'!!on w! no be '+&?en w+!e +e en6eo!n,

&r-y 'e&r&ed 7ro- +e e7 w!n, wo/d r/n +e d&n,er o7 be!n,

&&1?ed by 6&'y '/er!or 7or1e'. So +e o'!!on &' '/1+ w&' no o

be &&1?ed & & b/ en6eoed on & ,r&nd '1&e. B/ '!n1e '/1+ &n

en6eo-en wo/d -ee 'e6er& de7en1e !ne' (be+!nd L!1M&/be/,e

w&' & 'e1ond !ne L& FereL&onR+1!n!') &nd be1&/'e 7/r+er-ore

+e ene-y 1o/d ob'r/1 +e &d6&n1e 7ro- Anwer &nd '!+e &r-y !n wo by +e ob'&1e' o7 L!e,e &nd N&!//r +e w+oe

Ger-&ny &r-y & e&' & A1!6e &r-y 1or' wo/d +&6e o be

bro/,+ !no +e !ne D!ed1n+oenBr/''1'. T+e re'/ +ere7ore w&'

o be & ,re& e7 w+ee o7 &-o' +e en!re Ger-&n Ar-y w!+ Me

D!eden+o7en &' +e !6o& Me w+!1+ w&' o be re!n7or1ed &nd

w&' o 1o6er +e e7 w+!, en&b!n, 7/r+er re!n7or1e-en' o be

dr&wn o +e r!,+.";

One 1&n &re&dy 'ee !n +!' +e 1o-ee 'r&e,!1 &n o7 De1e-ber.

S!n1e !n +e 1o/r'e o7 +e e5er1!'e +ree o7 +e ene-y '!de8' &e-' &de7en1e 1&-e o ,r!e7 S1+!e77en -/' +&6e been 1on6!n1ed o7 +e

e51een1e o7 +!' new &n. None1+n!1& 1on'!der&!on'&r!1/&ry

o!!1& one'&yed no &r !n !' de6eo-en. T+e w+oe +!n,

e-er,e' &' & /rey +eore!1& oer&!on& '/dy. S1+!e77en d!'1/''!n,

! w!+ +!' o77!1er' on +e '&77 r!de 1&ed ! /rey &1&de-!1. For

+!- +e ,re& e&'!n, o7 re''/re on +e E&'ern 7ron d!d no -ore +&n

1on7!r- &nd er+&' !nen'!7y & 1+&n,e w+!1+ w&' &?!n, &1e !n +!'

oer&!on& !de&'. I -&y +&6e en w!n,' o +!' -!!&ry !-&,!n&!on

en1o/r&,!n, +!- ow&rd' & -ore d&r!n, en6eo-en o7 Fr&n1e b/

! w&' no de1!'!6e 7or +e new ,!,&n!1 en6eo-en &n. T+!' !'

'+own oo by +e 7&1 +& be'!de' Deoy-en P&n I S1+!e77en

re&red & 'e1ond &n Deoy-en II 7or +e e6en o7 & wo7ron

w&r (w!+ w!!1+ o''!b!!y +e '! re1?oned). I &-o/ned o e5&1y

+e '&-e d!'r!b/!on o7 7or1e' !n +e We' e51e +& &bo/ en

d!6!'!on' were &?en 7ro- +e We' Ar-y &nd &o1&ed o +e E&'.

"; *on oener iid.# . 4!

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


8+!! w&' done !n '/1+ & w&y +& d!e w+oe o d!e We'ern ro/ w&'

& 7eeed e/&y."3 T+e ,re& en6eo-en on +e !,+ w&' o be +e

ro,r&--e w+&e6er +&ened e6en !7 +e 1+&n1e' o7 '/11e'' were 6@re&dy d!-!n!'+ed by dr&7!n, roo' o +e E&'.

T+!' /nw&6er!n, o77en'!6e '!r! !' y!1& o7 S1+!e77en8' -!!&ry

+!n?!n, &nd +& o7 +!' '&77. A7er & one 1o/d !-&,!ne +e d!'

&e&r&n1e o7 R/''!& 7ro- +e r&n?' o7 Ger-&ny8' oonen' +&6!n,

/!e +e oo'!e e77e1. T+ere w&' no +e err!be re''/re o7 !-e

w+!1+ +&d we!,+ed on Ger-&n 'r&e,!1 &n' +!+ero. In w&r !

-e&n +e 1+&n1e o7 '&dd!n, +e Fren1+ w!+ +e !n!!&!6e &' Mo?e

+&d &nned !n 1!!7 !n +e e6en o7 & re!-!n&ry one7ron w&r

&,&!n' Fr&n1e. One 1o/d w&! 1&-y o 'e1 !7 &nd +ow +e ene-y wo/d 6en/re 7ro- +!' 7orre'' !ne. I7 +e &d6&n1ed on Lorr&!ne +e

w&' &re&dy o' &11ord!n, o +e 1&1/&!on' o7 +e w&r ,&-e' !n

+/e o7 +e /nd!6!ded Ger-&n &r-y. I7 +e &d6&n1ed +ro/,+ Be,!/-

+e 'ron, Ger-&n de7end!n, &r-y wo/d +&6e no d!77!1/y !n 1/!n,

o! +!' !ne o7 w!+dr&w& &nd bre&?!n, +!' !-e/' w!+ 7&n? r!o'e'.

F/r+er-ore +e Be,!&n' wo/d 1er&!ny +&6e re'!'ed & Fren1+

!n6&'!on !n'e&d o7 &dd!n, +e-'e6e' o +e n/-ber o7 Ger-&ny8'

ene-!e'. Nor wo/d En,&nd !n 1"$ +&6e been !n &ny o'!!on

-!!&r!y or o!!1&y o '/or +e &d6en/re o7 & Fren1+ &&1? on Ger-&ny +ro/,+ Be,!/-. On +e o+er +&nd +e Fren1+ +e-

'e6e' wo/d ne6er +&6e d&red o /nder&?e '/1+ &n &d6en/re w!+o/

R/''!&n +e. So +e ,re& S1+!e77en P&n o7 1"$ wo/d be /!e

!nn//re+en'!be !7 !n'e&d o7 be!n, 'een !n +e 1one5 o7 '/11e''!6e

+eore!1& '/d!e' ! +&d o be !nerreed &' +e rod/1 o7 & 'e1!7!1

+!'or!1& '!/&!on/ne'' ! were /nder'ood &' & &n 7or & '/rr!'e

&&1? on Fr&n1e. T+!' o''!b!!y w! o11/y /' &er on. For +e

-o-en '/77!1e ! o '&y +& +e !de& o7 w&,!n, & w&r &,&!n' Fr&n1e

!n & /rey de7en'!6e 7&'+!on ne6er o11/rred o S1+!e77en. W!+

Fr&n1e 88+e &11o/n +&d o be 'eed !.e. +ere +&d o be & Ger-&n

&&1? e&d!n, o & /!1? de1!'!on."0 Be+!nd & +!' w&' +!' ree&edy

e5re''ed 1on6!1!on 7!r' +& & -odern w&r -/' no be on, dr&wn

o/ be1&/'e ! r/!n' +e +!,+y de6eoed !nd/'r!& e1ono-y o7 +e

&r!1!&n' 'e1ondy +& one 1&nno de7e& +e ene-y w!+o/

L8̀ 8̀ . Foer'er 7edanen8!rstatt# . 3". Re!1+'&r!+!6 ,ie tuilildris!heii Oi%!raiien!n# I

. $$, 7oonoe ". T+ey were4 +ree A1!6e 1or' 7o/r Re'er6e d!6!'!on' 'e6en 6and8ehr

br!,&de' &nd wo 1&6&ry d!6!'!on'. T+/' +e &7ore-en!oned &n w&' en!ed4 Der A560ffs6085 ,e,en Fr.-?re!1+.

L PLAN OF I9O:

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


1! I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL

&&1?!n, +!-"9 &nd +!rdy +& & re& 6!1ory !' &1+!e6ed ony by

1o-eey de'roy!n, +e ene-y8' 'r!?!n, ower.

W+o wo/d d!'/e +e'e ,ener& r!n1!e' T+e ony /e'!on !'

w+e+er S1+!e7Ten8' &n o7 1"$ +&d '/1+ ,re& 1+&n1e' o7 o&

6!1ory !n +e We' +& & +e &end&n o!!1& &nd -!!&ry d!'

&d6&n&,e' were o/we!,+ed.

3. The military testament of 1"$

T+e ,re& -e-or&nd/- ,ener&y ?nown &' +e S1+!e77en P&n w&'

1o-o'ed by !' &/+or !n De1e-ber 1"$ &nd &n/&ry 1"# &' & ?!nd

o7 -!!&ry e'&-en 7or +!' '/11e''or o w+o- ! w&' +&nded !nFebr/&ry 1"#. A' o/r 1r!!1& ed!!on '+ow' ! w&' dr&wn / w!+ &

/!e e5r&ord!n&ry n/-ber o7 re!-!n&ry dr&7' 7&!r 1o!e' &nd

1orre1!on'. So-e o7 +e &er &re -&er!& o+er' &re ony 'y!'!1

6&r!&!on' w+!1+ '+ow +ow -/1+ 'ore +e &/+or 'e by & ,ood

1e&r e5o'!!on. T+e re'/ !' !-re''!6e eno/,+. Cer&!n ree!!on'

&re e5&!ned by +e -&ny re6!'!on' &' we &' by +e 7&1 +& !n +e

-!dde ('ee beow &,e 144 +e !nrod/1!on re1o--en1e'ob6!o/'y

be1&/'e o7 +e &er !n1/'!on o7 & &r&e dr&7.

Nobody 1&n re&d +e -e-or&nd/- w!+o/ be!n, &77e1ed by +e bre&d+ &nd bodne'' o7 !' o77en'!6e 1on1e 1o-b!ned &' ! !' w!+

1&re7/ &en!on o &1!1&'r&e,!1& de&!. For on, ! +&' been

re,&rded &' & '+ow!e1e o7 Ger-&n Gener& S&77wor?. A w+oe

,ener&!on o7 S1+!1771n8' d!'1!e' &nd &d-!rer' 1on'!dered ! & wor?

o7 ,en!/' &n !n7&!be 7or-/& 7or 6!1ory w+!1+ /n7or/n&ey 7e

!no +e +&nd' o7 &n !n&de/&e 8'/11e''or & -ere e!,on w+o

88w&ered ! down 'o +& ! w&' !n1&&be o7 7/ '/11e'' !n 1"14.1 O/r

&'? !' no o &w&rd r&!'e or b&-e to e-+&'!'e or /e'!on +e

!n,en!o/' /&!!e' o7 +e -e-or&nd/- b/ ony o o'e +e 'ober/e'!on4 d!d +e 1&-&!,n ro,r&--e !n !'e7 o77er 'o ,re& & 1+&n1e

F!n& &'? "S#3 !n 6on oen1r )id## . "%.

" T+e 7ore-o' e5onen o7 +!' 6!ew !' W. Groener. See +!' boo?'4 ,as Testament des

7rafen "!hlieffen ("#:9) &nd eldherr 8ider Willen ("#3<). In 7raf "!hlieffen und der Weltrieg

(: 'ufl.# "#:$) . 3; Foer'er 1&' ! & '!n &,&!n' +e '!r! o7 Gr&7 S1+!e77en o &''/-e

+& w!+ +!' -e-or&nd/- +e w&ned o be/e&+ +!' '/11e''or & 7or-/& 7or 6!1ory

+e -!n/e ob'er6&n1e o7 w+!1+ wo/d ,/&r&nee 6!1ory. A +e '&-e +e +!-'e7

:7edaneinferstatt# . ":) +&' 1red!ed S1+!e77en8' be/e' w!+ +od!n, +e 'e1re o7

6!1ory. &nd !n +!' e&r!er 7raf "!hlieffen und der Wehrieg +e ree&' w!+ &ro6& on

. 9# Greener8' re-&r? &bo/ & "iegesreri!r> w+!1+ !n "#"; /n7or/n&ey re-&!ned!n !' !,eon+oe.

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


o7 '/11e'' +& !' o!!1& &nd -!!&ry d!'&d6&n&,e' (o7 w+!1+ -ore

&er) were o77'e

T+e 7!r' +!n, w+!1+ 'r!?e' /' !' +& !n 1onr&' o & +e ?nown

oer&!on& -e-or&nd& o7 +e eder Mo?e we &re no de&!n, w!+

& -ere ro,r&--e 7or +e 7!r' 7ew d&y' o7 & 1&-&!,n b/ w!+ &

&n e-br&1!n, &-o' +e w+oe o7 & 1&-&!,n /n! +e -o-en o7

o& 6!1ory. Mo?e &' !' we ?nown +o/,+ +& no 'r&e,!1

&n ,oe' w!+ &ny 1er&!ny beyond +e 7!r' en1o/ner w!+ +e

ene-y8' -&!n 7or1e'. Ony +e &y-&n be!e6e' +e 1&n 'ee !n +e 1o/r'e

o7 & 1&-&!,n +e 1&rry!n, +ro/,+ o7 &n !n!!& !de& +o/,+ o/ !n

&d6&n1e 1on'!dered !n e6ery de&! &nd &d+ered o r!,+ o +e end.

S/1+ re7e1!on' +&d & !-e' 1o-e o S1+!e77en oo.:

Je +e b/! /+!' w+oe &n o7 1&-&!,n on & '!n,e !de& +o/,+ o/ !n &d6&n1e

1on'!dered !n e6ery de&! &nd &d+ered o r!,+ o +e end4 +e

1on'&n en6eo-en o7 +e ene-y by e5end!n, +e 7ron !ne or by

o/7&n?!n, -&r1+e'. Be1&/'e Mo?e d!'r/'ed -e+od!1& on,

er- 1&-&!,n &n' +e 'o-e!-e' 1&ed 'r&e,y & 'y'e- o7 -ere

e5ed!en'. T+e +eory o7 'r&e,y +e wroe !n +e )nstrution

fr die hRheren Truppenfhrer o7 1!#", '1&r1ey ,oe' beyond +e 7!r'

re-!'e' o7 1o--on 'en'e.3 B/ +!' -/' no be &?en o +&6e -e&n

+& 'r&e,y w&' no+!n, b/ !-ro6!'&!on +e e&6!n, o7 e6ery+!n,o 1+&n1e.; I need +&rdy be &dded +& Mo?e oo &1?nowed,ed

1er&!n ,ener& r!n1!e' !n +e 1ond/1 o7 w&r1on1enr&!on & +e

de1!'!6e o!n -o6!n, d!6!ded &nd 'r!?!n, /n!ed +e 1o-b!n&!on

o7 7ron& &nd 7&n? &&1? &1!6e de7en1e by & &1!1& o77en'!6e !n'e&d

o7 &''!6e w&!!n, +e need o ?ee +e !n!!&!6e &nd 'o on. T+e'e

were -&5!-' der!6ed 7ro- +!'or!1& e5er!en1e &r!1/&ry 7ro- +e

'/dy o7 +e N&oeon!1 w&r' +ey +&d been -od!7!ed &nd bro/,+

/ o d&e !n &11ord&n1e w!+ C&/'ew!8' e&1+!n, &nd w!+ +e

need' &nd oor/n!!e' o7 -odern ,ener&'+! !n +e &,e o7 -&''

&r-!e' +e r&!w&y &nd +e ee,r&+. B/ Mo?e ?e 7ree o7 &

( in Dr&7 * (ree&ed !n Dr&7 *I) +e '&y'4 T+e 7!r' !ne o7 7orre''e' (L!eM&/be/,e)

w! be bro?en +ro/,+. T+e 7/r+er 1o/r'e o7 +e oer&!on '+o/d no be red!1ed.

B/ !n +!' !n'&n1e +e o'!!on' &nd 7orre''e' ,o6ern +e 7//re -o6e' o7 bo+ '!de'

&nd / o & o!n -&?e +e- red!1&be.

3 T&?!'1+'r&e,!'1+e A/7'_e /oed &7er 6on C&e--erer D!e Enw!1?/n,

der 'r&e,!'1+en W!''en'1+&7 !- "#. &+r+/nder :Eil# fr Politi und -ols8irts!haft#

He7 "$ "#<;) . "0$.

" C7. Gener& 6on S1+!1+!n,8' 6ery !n'r/1!6e &r!1e' Mo?e' *er-_1+n!'

(Be!&,e /r 'llgemeinen ;eitung# No'. :::; PP ::% ::# :33; :99 See-berO1ober "#<").

THE MILITARJ TESTAMENT OF 1"$ 4"

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


do1r!n&!r!'- 'o -/1+ 'o +& -!!&ry +!'or!&n' &nd +eor!'' were

&er o /&rre &bo/ +e -&!n !de&' o7 +!' 'r&e,y !n re&!on o

N&oeon8'.$ Co-&red w!+ +e -/e!y o7 Mo?e8' !de&' S1+!e77en8'

1&-&!,n &n' oo? r!,!d &nd one'!ded. A 'enen1e !?e F&n? &&1? !' +e e''en1e o7 +e w+oe +!'ory o7 w&r0 wo/d be /n+!n?

&be 7ro- Mo?e +o/,+ +e oo &y' down !n +e )nstrution fr die

hRheren Truppenfhrer +& 'r&e,y +&' &1+!e6ed +e /-o' o7 w+!1+

! !' 1&&be w+en ! '/11eed' !n 'o de'!,n!n, &n oer&!on +& +e

ene-y !' &&1?ed !n 7ron &nd !n 7&n? '!-/&neo/'y. Gre& re'/'

&r1 bo/nd o 7oow. For S1+!e77en +e 7&n? &&1? be1&-e 'o-e

+!n, o7 & do1r!ne &nd &7er +!' d!'-!''& +e 'o/,+ o @/'!7y ! !n +!'

Cannae "tudien# /'!n, & -&!-er o7 e5&-e' 7ro- H&nn!b& o

Freder!1? +e Gre& N&oeon Gne!'1n&/ &nd Mo?e no w!+o/

w!'!n, +!'or!1& 7&1 &nd &'o 1/r!o/'y 7&!!n, o d!'!n,/!'+ beween

&1!1' &nd oer&!on& 'r&e,y.9 H!' d!'1!e' '&y +& d/r!n, w&r

,&-e' -&noe/6re' &nd '&77 r!de' S1+!e77en '+owed +!-'e7 & ,re&

-&'er !n +e n/-ber o7 'r&e,!1&&1!1& e5ed!en' &nd !de&' w+!1+

+e 1o/d rod/1e & &ny -o-en. I wo/d be !-roer o do/b '/1+

'&e-en'. A +e '&-e &nyone w+o '/d!e' +!' 7!n& d!'1/''!on' on

+e'e e5er1!'e' /b!'+ed !n 1"37% 1&nno +e no!1!n, +e reon

der&n &r &yed +ere &' we by +e !de& o7 en6eo-en 7&n? &&1? &nd o/7&n?!n,. I 'ee-' o be +e &en 'o/!on 7or

&ny &&1? by & n/-er!1&y !ner!or 7or1e.% T!-e &nd &,&!n +e 7ron&

&&1? !' 1r!!1!'ed on +e ,ro/nd +& ! 1&n &1+!e6e 6!1ory ony !

-&de w!+ o6erw+e-!n, '/er!or!y &nd +& e6en +en +e 6!1ory

w! be &n ord!n&ry one !.e. & -ere d!'od,e-en o7 +e ene-y8'

7ron no +!' &nn!+!&!on. A bre&?+ro/,+ (! !' &r,/ed) 1&n ony

'/11eed !n 1er&!n 'e1!& 1&'e' !.e. w+en +e ene-y8' 7ron re'en'

,&' &nd w+en +e'e ,&' &re ob6!o/' o +e &&1?er.#

$ *on C&e--erer iid.# . "3# 7. A'o 6on S1+!1+!n, iid.0 Leer o Frey&,Lor!n,+o6eno7 A/,/' ";+ "#": /oed by 6on oener iid.# p. "9.

9 Gr&7 A7red 6on S1+!e77en 7esammelte "!hriften# Bd. I "#"3 . :$:00. In &n e''&y

Der S1+&1+er7o, -! we1+en M!en w/rde er er'reb +e +!'or!1& de&r-en

o7 +e Gener& S&77 +&d o ro6e +& ! +&d &w&y' been +e en6eo-en w+!1+ ed o

+e ene-y8' &nn!+!&!on. Fre!+err 6on Frey&,Lor!n,+o61n 7eneralfeldmars!hall 7raf

on "!hlieffen ("#:<) . $%.

%E5&-e4 Sr&e,!1 &'? o7 "#<" !n4 ,iensts!hriften# +r',. 6o- Gener&'&b de' Heere'

Bd. I "#39 . %9. P&r!1/&ry 1+&r&1er!'!1 !' +e 7!n& d!'1/''!on o7 +e '&77 r!de E&'

:iid.# II "#3% . 3<:) !n w+!1+ +e en6eo-en !' re1o--ended &' +e 1&''!1 -e&n' o

de7e&!n, +e ene-y de1!'!6ey. F/r+er e5&-e' /oed by 6on oener iid.# . "9 7.

#S&77 r!de' "%#9 &nd "#<" /oed by 6on oener iid.# . 3< 7. F/r+er /o&!on' -

Foer'1r8' 7raf "!hlieffen und der Weltrieg# . # 77.

I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


T+ere 1&n be !e do/b +& S1+!e77en8' !n7/en1e &' e&1+er &nd

e5e-&r o7 +!' '&77 o77!1er' w&' &ry d/e o +e 1on'&n re!er&!on

o7 +e'e '!-e &nd !-re''!6e !de&'. And /n/e'!on&by +e

'+owed r&1!1& 'en'e !n re7err!n, en6eo!n, -&n/6re' &nd

&re1!&!n, +& +e 7!reower o7 -odern w&r7&re +&d -&de '/1

1e''7/ 7ron& &&1?' & r&r!y. T+e 1&-&!,n o7 A/,/'See-ber

1"14, '+owed +!' w&rn!n, &,&!n' ry!n, o bre&? +ro/,+ +e Fren1+

!ne o7 7or!7!1&!on' o be 7/y @/'!7!ed. F!n&y S1+!e77en &w&y'

re,&rded +!-'e7 &' Mo?e8' 7&!+7/ /! &nd o7en ree&ed +e

&er8' w&rn!n, +& +ere w&' no &n&1e& or 7or-/& !n 'r&e,y. A

+e '&-e rob&by /nder +e 'ron, !-re''!on -&de 11 +!- by +e

6!1ory & S&dow& +e be!e6ed !n o/7&n?!n, -&n/6re' &' !n &n /n&er&be &w."< H!' e''&y ,er =rieg in der 7egen8art !' !n'!red w!+

+!' be!e7. In order o e5end +e &&1?!n, 7ron o +e /-o' &nd

o/7&n? +e ene-y &nd o !n1re&'e +e 7!reower o7 +e !n!!&

&&1? +e w!'+e' o d!'en'e w!+ re'er6e' &o,e+er. T+e be'

re'er6e' (+e wr!e') &re -oor o&d' o7 1&rr!d,e' 7oow!n, / be+!nd.

In &ny 1&'e re'er6e' &re be' e-oyed !n +e 7ron !ne"" (&n !de&

w+!1+ 1ro' / 7re/eny e'ew+ere !n +!' wr!!n,). S1+!e77en do1'

no en6!'&,e & roon,ed 7ron& 'r/,,e beween +e wo &r-!e'

&'!n, er+&' 7or wee?' !n w+!1+ ! w! be ne1e''&ry o br!n, / w&6e &7er w&6e o7 re'er6e' o 7eed +e &&1?. On +e 1onr&ry e6ery

+!n, !' o be 'eed & one 'ro?e +e w+oe 1&-&!,n !' o be

bro/,+ o &n end w!+ & -&@or 1o/& '!n,e b&e o7 &nn!+!&

!on. T+e !n7&&be -e&n' o +!' !' +e ,re& en6eo-en.

E6en be7ore 1"14 +ere w&' no &1? o7 1r!!1' !n -!!&ry 1!r1e' w+o

re,&rded +!' '1+e-e &' 7&r7e1+ed &nd one'!ded. Gener& 6on B!!ow

S1+!e77en8' own /! &nd 1oe&,/e wd!o w&' o 1o--&nd +e 2 ;

Ar-y !n 1"14, w&' no 7/y 1on6!n1ed +& +e en6eo-en wo/d

be e77e1!6e +e ended -ore o +e 6!ew +& d!'o'!!on !n de+ &nd1ooer&!on &-on, +e d!77eren &r-' were de1!'!6e.": S!-!&r do/b'

'ee- o +&6e been ener&!ned by 6on S1+!1+!n,."3 An o/'&nd!n,

1r!!1 o7 S1+!e77en8' b&'!1 !de&'no w!+o/ &n ob6!o/' o/1+ o7

10,inistsduiftat# I . %9. T+e Mo?e'ee1+ !n4 7!sammelte "!liriften# II . ;;".

C7. W. Ee8' Le1/re4 Gr&7 S1+!e77en. "#:% :-eroffentli!lmngen der "!hles8ig%$olsteins%

!hen Jnii(ersitdtsges.# No. :< . ": 7).

11 7estimmelte "!hriften# I . "9 7 . C7. +e re&-en o7 +e /e'!on o7 re'er6e' & Me

!n Aend!5 ; (-e-or&nd/- o7 "#":).

": *on Co1+1n+&/'en iid.# . 3"9."3 A11ord!n, o 6on C&e-/!1rer iid.# . co! 7.

$1THE MILITARJ TESTAMENT OF

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


re'en-enw&' Fr!edr!1+ 6on Bern+&rd!."; W!+o/ -en!on!n,

S1+!e77en by n&-e Bern+&rd! -&!n&!n' +& o do w!+o/ 'ron,

re'er6e' !' !rre'on'!be +& ree&ed en6eo-en' -/' o'e +e!r

e77e1!6ene'' '!n1e +e ene-y w! re&re 7or +e- &nd &?e 1o/ner

-e&'/re' !n !-e. He &?' o7 & re&'e !no +e !ne&r &1!1' o7 Freder!1? +e Gre& &nd '!n1e +e de7ender oo 1&n e5end +!' ron !ne

+e 'ee' no+!n, b/ ro/be 7or & we&?er &,,re''or w+o +&' o

/'e / +!' &' -&n !n &n &e- o e5end +!' 7ron !ne !ner-!n&by.

I !' 1e&r +& Bern+&rd! -!'/nder'&nd' or d!'or' S1+!e77en8' !de&'

o7 'r&e,y re&!n, +e- ony &' &1!1& -&noe/6re' &nd & -ere

e5en'!on o7 +e 7ron !ne."0 S1+!e77en '&w 7or +!-'e7 +& & re&!6ey

+!n 7&r're1+ed o77en'!6e 7ron w!+o/ 'ron, re'er6e' -!,+

e6en/&y '! w+en bo+ ene-!e' e5ended +e!r 7ron !ne' !n &n

&e- o en6eo e&1+ o+er &nd +e d!'1/''ed !!' !n & w&r ,&-e !n+e 'r!n, o7 "#<$."0 I7 !n +!' ,re& 'r&e,!1 &n o7 De1e-ber o7 +&

ye&r +e '&?ed e6ery+!n, on +e one 1&rd o7 +e ,re& en6eo-en we

-/' be 1&/!o/' o7 1&!n, ! '!-y do1r!n&!r!'-. T+e 'r&e,y o7

+e eder Mo?e +&d ne6er &!-ed & !n7!1!n, & /!1? o& de7e& on

& n/-er!1&y '/er!or 1o&!!on. In +e W&r' o7 Un!7!1&!on +e 1on

7roned +!' ene-!e' w!+ &n &r-y w+!1+ w&' '/er!or !n /&!y &nd

& e&' e/& !n 'ren,+ +e &'o +&d &n &-o' !ne5+&/'!be re'er6e o7

r&!ned 1on'1r!' w+!1+ +!' ene-!e' d!d no o''e''. S1+!e77en d!d

no4 +&6e +!' '/er!or!y. I7 +e w&' no o re'r!1 +!-'e7 o &1!6e

de7en1e &' +!' ,re& rede1e''or +&d &nned o do &7er "%9" (&nd

we ?now +!' w&' +e &' +!n, +e e6er w&ned) +!' ony 1o/r'e w&'

+e ,re& 'r&e,!1 -&noe/6re w+!1+ +&d o be 1&rr!ed +ro/,+ by

+e !--ed!&e e-oy-en o7 & &6&!&be 7or1e'. And +e ony

-&n/6re oen !n 6!ew o7 +e 'r&e,!1 '!/&!on on +e We'ern

7ron w&' o en6eo +e Fren1+ !ne o7 7orre''e' &nd +e de7en1e

&r-y beyond by -&r1+!n, +ro/,+ Be,!/-. Con6!n1ed o7 +e !ron

ne1e''!y o7 &6o!d!n, & on,dr&wno/ w&r & & 1o'' +e 1+o'e +e,re& r!'? !n'e&d o7 +e de7en'!6e.

For +e r!'? w&' ,re& !ndeed+! 7&1 ! w&' !--en'e. Nobody w+o

'/d!e' +e 1o-ee e5 o7 +e S1+!e77en P&n 1&re7/y 1&n 7&! o ,&!n

+!' !-re''!on&r!1/&ry w+en 1o-&r!n, +e 7!n& 6er'!on w!+

"; Fr. 6on Bern+&rd! -om hentigen =rieg ("#":) II . ;: 7.

"$ T+!' !' &ry +e 7&/ o7 S1+!e77en8' e''&y Der Kr!e, !n d1r Ge,enw&r w+!1+

Bern+&rd! &&1?ed. In +!' e''&y &1!1& &nd 'r&e,!1 re&-en !' o7en no 1e&ry

d!'!n,/!'+ed.

"% W. Fo1r]1r. 7raf "!hlieffen and der Weltrieg# . "<.

I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL$2

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


+e re1ed!n, dr&'. T+e 7or-er rere''e' or '/re''e' -&ny do/b'

&nd ob@e1!on' w+!1+ 1o-e o/ 1e&ry !n +e &er. T+ey &re &

+e -ore 'er!o/' be1&/'e +e &n o7 De1e-ber "#<$ ony re1?oned

w!+ & w&r on one 7ron& d!77eren '!/&!on 7ro- +& !n "#";

&nd ony w!+ &n ene-y w+o w&' 7!r-y re'o6ed&,&!n !n 1onr&'o "#";o '&y 1&/!o/'y on +e de7en'!6e. Here w1 o/1+ on +e

7!r' o7 +e do/b' w+!1+ +e ,re& S1+!e77en P&n r&!'e'4 d!d !' &/+or

&''e'' d!e de7en'!6e &nd o77en'!6e ower o7 +e ene-y 1orre1y So

!e d!d +e 7e&r & Fren1+ 1o/ner&&1? +& +e wo/d +&6e we1o-ed

! &' & ,ood /rn &' +e be' 1+&!1e o be& +e Fren1+ de1!'!6ey !n

+e oen 7!ed. He w &' /ery 1on6!n1ed o7 +e '/er!or!y o7 +e

Ger-&n Ar-y !n oen b&e. H!' ony worry 'ee-' o +&6e been +&

+e ene-y wo/d +!de be+!nd +!' 1+&!n o7 7orre''e' or be+!nd &

'/11e''!on o7 r!6er 6&ey' or e6en w!+dr&w o +e 'o/+ o7 Fr&n1e&nd 'o roon, +e w&r !nde7!n!ey. T+e en6eo-en w&' &n &e-

o &6o!d bo+ +e'e 1on!n,en1!e'.

I !' 1er&!n +& S1+!e771n8' !de& o7 +e Fren1+ oer&!on& &n

1orre'onded 1o'ey w!+ +e de7en1e &n' o7 +e Fren1+ Gener&

S&77 (&n " $ isF.1< I !' e/&y 1er&!n +& +!' no on,er +ed ,ood

7or +e ene-y +! "#"; w+o &' we ?now &/n1+ed wo o77en'!6e' &

+e 6ery '&r o7 +e w&r. One w&' & 7eebe &d6&n1e !no A'&1e

Lorr&!ne &nned -erey &' & d!6er'!on +e o+er & &r,e'1&e &e-

o bre&? +ro/,+ +e 1enre o7 +e Ger-&n 7ron !n 'o/+ern Be,!/-

""" +e d!re1!on D!n&nN&-/r. T+e en1o/ner' w+!1+ 7oowed ,&6e

roo7 o7 +e Ger-&n'8 '/er!or!y !n &&1? w+!1+ S1+!e77en +&d

7ore'een. B/ & +e '&-e !-e +!' +oe +& +e'e en1o/ner' wo/d

e&d o +e ene-y8' &nn!+!&!on re1e!6ed !' 7!r' d!'&o!n-en

no +ro/,+ &ny &1? o7 o77en'!6e '!r! on +e &r o7 +e Ger-&n'

b/ +ro/,+ +e &r-y 1o--&nder'8 !n&de/&e or!en&!on &nd +o'e

7r!1!on' !ne6!&be !n w&r. T+e &&1?er w&' no &nn!+!&ed

b/ ony dr!6en b&1? !n &n ord!n&ry 7ron& 6!1ory o /'eS1+!e77en8' e5re''!on. In +e 1o/r'e o7 +!' &1!on &nd & '/b'e/en

one' ! be1&-e 1e&r +& +e 1enr& e&der'+! o7 & -!!on'ron,

&r-y 7or w+!1+ +e Ger-&n Gener& S&77 &1?ed & r&1!1& e5

er!en1e &nd +ere7ore e1+n!1& re&r&!on w&' -/1+ -ore d!77!1/

+&n S1+!e77en +&d !-&,!ned. H!' !de& w&' +& & &r-y 1o--&nder'

'+o/d 7/y &1/&!n +e-'e6e' w!+ +e &n o7 +e '/re-e

"9 I !' !nere'!n, +& !n "#": +e no on,er 1o/ned on +e Fren1+ re-&!n!n, on +e

de7en'!6e b/ w&' 1on6!n1ed +& +ey were now /'!n, 7or +e o77en'!6e. P. "9% beow.

THE MILITARJ TESTAMENT OF $ 3

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


1o--&nder &nd one +o/,+ &one '+o/d er-e&e +e w+oe &r-y.

Gener& S&77 o77!1er' & +e +!,+er e6e' were o be -ere 1+e''-en o7

+e S/re-e Co--&nd &nd +e &d6&n1e +ro/,+ Be,!/- w&' o be

1&rr!ed o/ !?e b&&!on dr!."% L&er on +e yo/n,er Mo?e w&'

o7en &11/'ed o7 &ow!n, +!' &r-y 1o--&nder' oo -/1+ !ndeenden1e(!n w+!1+ +e 7oowed +e e5&-e o7 +!' ,re& /n1e) &nd ! -&y we

be +& & 'r&e,!1 &n !?e S1+!e77en8' o7 "#<$ 1o/d ony +&6e been

1&rr!ed +ro/,+ by -e&n' o7 !,+ 1onro 7ro- +e 1enre. B/ w&' !

ony +e '+or1o-!n,' o7 +e S/re-e Ar-y Co--&nd !n "#"; w+!1+

1&/'ed +!' 1enr& 1onro o 7&! W+en Mo?e oo? o6er +e &re&dy

+&d do/b' &' o w+e+er & 1enr& 1onro o7 b&e &nd -&n/6re !n

S1+!e77en8' 'en'e wo/d be r&1!1&be !n +e e6en o7 w&r. And

S1+!e77en8' -e+od o7 d!re1!n, -&n/6re' w&' /nder 7&!ry w!de

're&d 1r!!1!'- be7ore I#I;."B

S1+!e77en w&' r!,+ !n &re1!&!n, +e Fren1+ &6er'!on 7ro- /'!n,

+e ,& beween Me &nd Sr&'bo/r, o bre&? +ro/,+ e&'w&rd &nd

,ener&y 7ro- +re&en!n, +e e7 w!n, o7 +e Ger-&n &r-y by &n

o77en'!6e &,&!n' +e Uer R+!ne. H!' '/11e''or !?e L/dendor7 (w+o

7ro- "#<% o "#"3 w&' +e&d o7 +e Oer&!on' d!re1or&e) +o/,+ +e

d&n,er o7 '/1+ &n &d6&n1e -/1+ ,re&er &nd ordered +& 'ren,+en!n,

o7 +e e7 w!n, w+!1+ w&' 'o o7en o be b&-ed &' +e re& re&'on

7or +e 7&!/re o7 +e Ger-&n A/,/' o77en'!6e.:< Mo?e &nd L/den

dor77 7e&red +& & Fren1+ bre&?+ro/,+ !n Lorr&!ne -!,+ 'e6er +e

oer&!on +ro/,+ Be,!/- 7ro- !' !ne' o7 1o--/n!1&!on be7ore

+e r!,+w!n, &&1? 1o/d be1o-e e77e1!6e &,&!n' Fren1+ 1o-

-/n!1&!on' be+!nd +e Me/'e. In 6!ew o7 +!' d&n,er +ey d!d no

"% C7. 6on oen1r iid.# . 3: 9 !S H. 6on K/+ iid.# . "9: W. Fo1r'1r 7raf

"!hlieffen una der Weltrieg# . 3" 7.

"# Mo?e. Erinnerungen# *riefe# ,oumente# . 3<S (reor o W!+e- II "#<$)4 We

+&6e now +!ry ye&r' o7 e&1e be+!nd /' &nd I be!e6e +& o/r 6!ew' +&6e &r,ey be1o-e

e&1e!-e 6!ew'. W+e+er ! !' & & o''!be o 1onro by & /n!7!ed 1o--&nd +e -&''

&r-!e' we &re 'e!n, / &nd +ow ! !' o be done nobody 1&n ?now !n &d6&n1e.

Cr!!1!'- o7 +e K&!'er M&n/6re'4 Bern+&rd! iid.# II . 3$% 7. 6on oen1r iid.#

. "$ 6on Frey&,Lor!n,+o6en "!hlieffen# . $3 77.

:<E. L/dendorrT =riegsfiilirung uud Politi ("#::) . 9" 77. (A,ree' en!rey w!+

Mo?e8' red!'r!b/!on o7 'ren,+.) S!-!&ry !n4 Mein militSrisher Werdegang ("#33)

. ":$%. &nd "iiddents!he Monatshefte# "#:<" Bd. "%1, . 39$. For +!' &nd L/d1ndor77 '

/r1+er 1r!!1!'- o7 +e S1+!e77en P&n 'ee Foer'er 7edanen8erslatl# . 3: 77. L/dendorrT

're''e' /!e r!,+y +& &+o/,+ Mo?e +&d 1+&n,ed +e r&!o o7 'ren,+ beween +e

r!,+ &nd +e e7 w!n, by re!n7or1!n, +e &er +e +&d no d!-!n!'+ed +e roo 'ren,+

o7 +e r!,+ w!n,. To -&?e +e r!,+ '! 'ron,er w&' !-o''!be be1&/'e o7 +e 1on7!ned

&re& o7 +e &d6&n1e &nd +e &1? o7 r&!w&6'. C7. T&en *is ur 'larne 191 ("#:<)

. 9 7.

$4 I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


'+&re +e &'on!'+!n, o!-!'- o7 +e S1+!e7e!! P&n w+!1+ 1/-!n&e'

!n +o'e bod &' word'4 I7 +e Ger-&n' er'e6ere !n +e!r oer&!on'

+ro/,+ Be,!/-\ +ey 1&n be '/re +& +e Fren1+ w! +&'!y /rn

b&1? . . . !n +e d!re1!on w+en1e +e ,re&e' d&n,er +re&en'. For &

Fren1+ !n6&'!on wo/d -e&n +& +e ,&rr!'on w&' e&6!n, +e 7orre''

@/' w+en +e '!e,e w&' &bo/ o be,!n.:" I !' r/e +& '/b'e/eny !n

1"14, Fren1+ &1!on 'ee-ed o @/'!7y +e'e bod ro+e1!e'. B/ doe'

+!' -e&n +& +e d&n,er ne6er e5!'ed W&' ! /!e /n+!n?&be +&

+e 1&-&!,n -!,+ oen w!+ & Fren1+ o77en'!6e !n Lorr&!ne or

L/5e-bo/r, (&' +e eder Mo?e +&d +oed) +/' ,!6!n, +e Ger-&n'

& 1+&n1e o 7!,+ +e!r de1!'!6e b&e on +e 'o! o7 Lorr&!ne w!+o/

+e on, &nd d!77!1/ -&r1+ +ro/,+ Be,!/-

T+e yo/n,er Mo?e +&' been &11/'ed o7 !n&de/&1y &nd o7 -!'

/nder'&nd!n, +e ,re& S1+!e77en P&n !n +& d/r!n, w&r ,&-e' &nd'&77 r!de' +e de1!ned o 1on!n/e +e o77en'!6e +ro/,+ Be,!/- !7 +e

Fren1+ ed o77 w!+ &n o77en'!6e be ! !n A'&1eLorr&!ne or nor+ o7

Me. I7 +e Fren1+ 1o-e o/ o7 +e!r 7orre'' +e de1&red !n one o7

+!' '/--!n,/ d!'1/''!on' +ey 1o-e o/ !no +e oen 7!ed. T+ere

!' no 'en'e !n 1on!n/!n, +e -&r1+ !n 'ren,+ +ro/,+ Be,!/- !7 +e

-&!n Fren1+ &r-y !' &d6&n1!n, !n Lorr&!ne. T+ere 1&n ony be one

+o/,+4 o &&1? +e Fren1+ &r-y w!+ & &6&!&be 7or1e' &nd be&

! w+ere6er ! -&y be. T+e -&r1+ +ro/,+ Be,!/- !' no &n end !n

!'e7 b/ ony & -e&n' o &n end. Here (on +e '&77 r!de !n /e'!on)+e de1!'!on &y !n Lorr&!ne &nd +& w&' w+ere we '+o/d +&6e &'

'e-bed & o/r &6&!&be 'ren,+ w!+o/ de&y.:: We S1+!e77en

de6eoed +e '&-e !de& &nd ! w&' & -!'/nder'&nd!n, o7 ! w+!1+ ed

+o'e w+o 1&-e &7er +!- o /rn +e ,re& -&r1+ +ro/,+ Be,!/-

!no &n end !n !'e7 !n6o?!n, +e do1r!ne +& one '+o/d !-o'e

one8' w! on +e ene-y &nd d!'re,&rd +!' 1o/ner-o6e'. In 1onr&'

o +!' !' +e reored de1!'!on o7 S1+!e77en on +e &' o7 +!' '&77 r!de'

!n +e '/--er o7 "#<$. In +e e6en o7 +e Fren1+ -&!n 7or1e' beween

Me &nd Sr&'bo/r, &d6&n1!n, on +e Ger-&n 'o/+ 7&n? !n A'&1e

Lorr&!ne +e w&' no ,o!n, o re&!n +e ,re& w+ee &,&!n' L!e.

In'e&d +e w&ned o /rn '+&r e7 &,&!n' +e Fren1+ !n6&'!on &nd

7!,+ & b&e o7 en1!r1e-en !n Lorr&!ne.:3 T+!' 1orre'ond' w!+ +e

:" Beow . ";9. On +e 'e1ond '&77 r!de o7 "#<; +e '&!d !ron!1&y4 T+& & &r o7

+e Fren1+ Ar-y 1ro''ed +e R+!ne w&' +e be' +!n, +& 1o/d +&6e +&ened &

e&' we +&d ,o r!d o7 & &r o7 +e Fren1+ 7or 'o-e !-e. *on Co1+en+&/'en iid.#

P

:: W. Fo1r'er 7edanen8erhtatt# . 3!. :3 *on Co1+en+&/'en iid.# . 3"".

THE MILITARJ TESTAMENT OF $$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


!de&' e5re''ed !n +e e&r!e' o7 +!' dr&7' o7 "#<$ &bo/ +e o''!b!!y

o7 &n ene-y &d6&n1e 7ro- Be7or or &1ro'' +e Mo'ee beween

N&n1y &nd E!n&. To de& w!+ ! &r o7 +e -&!n &r-y wo/d +&6e

o /rn &bo/ &nd 1ro'' o +e r!,+ b&n? o7 +e Mo'ee. How &r,e &

&r wo/d deend on +e !-!n, o7 +e &&1?. I7 ! were -&de !n

'ren,+ r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee 'oon &7er Fren1+ deoy-en w&' 1o-

eed -/1+ +e ,re&er &r o7 +e Ger-&n &r-y er+&' '! !n +e

ro1e'' o7 deoy-en wo/d /rn o -ee !. B/ !7 +e 'e&r+e&d' o7

+e Ger-&n r!,+ w!n, +&d &re&dy re&1+ed +e Fren1+ 7ron!er +ey

wo/d 1on!n/e +e -o6e-en. Beween +e'e wo e5re-e' were

o+er o''!b!!!e' w+!1+ needed re7e1!on.:

A &r&e &''&,e !n Dr&7 II !' '!-!&r4:$

!7 & &n e&ry '&,e +eFren1+ '+o/d &/n1+ &n o77en'!6e &,&!n' +e Ger-&n e7 7&n? +e

Ger-&n nor+ern o77en'!6e &r-y w&' o /rn e7 ow&rd' Lorr&!ne

+&6!n, de7e&ed +e Fren1+ e7 w!n, 7!r' !7 o''!be&nd en

1!r1e +e ene-y +ere. Here S1+!e771n re7er' e5!1!y o e&r!er

oer&!on& '/d!e' &nd Gener& S&77 w&r ,&-e'. S!n1e +e yo/n,er

Mo?e +&d &?en &r !n +e'e ,&-e' +e 1o/d e&'!y @/'!7y +!' !de&

o7 & ,re& b&e !n Lorr&!ne by re7eren1e o +e &n' o7 +!' rede1e''or

&r!1/&ry &' S1+!e7!en8' &er -e-or&nd/- o7 "#": e6en re,&rded

& -&@or Ger-&n o77en'!6e 7ro- Be7or o N!@-1,en &' ne1e''&ry o1o/ner +e re&w&?ened &,,re''!6e '!r! o7 +e Fren1+ ('ee beow

&,e "9%).

S1+!e77en ne6er d!'1/''ed +e o!!1& reer1/''!on' o7 '/1+ & -o6e

w+!1+ wo/d +&6e '&red +e 1&-&!,n by &y!n, oen o !n6&'!on

A'&1eLorr&!ne +e !nd/'r!& S&&r o''!by +e w+oe e7 b&n? o7 +e

R+!ne down o Coben &nd e6en B&denWre-ber, &' 7&r &' +e

M&!n &nd Ier. T+e'e +!n,' were o/'!de +e /rey -!!&ry 1on

'!der&!on' o7 o/r 'r&e,!' w+ere&' &11ord!n, o L/dendor77 +ey

we!,+ed +e&6!y w!+ Mo?e.B/ +ere were o+er !n'&n1e' !n w+!1+ & Fren1+ &&1? 1o/d no

be re,&rded &' &o,e+er & ,ood /rn. I wo/d be 6ery /nwe1o-e

7or !n'&n1e !7 /!1?er -ob!!'&!on en&bed +e Fren1+ o 'r!?e be7ore

:" Dr&7 I ('e1 beow . "$"). T+e &r&e &''&,e (. "$: &r. ") !' &'o 6ery !nere'!n,

w!+ !' r&+er 6&,/e'o/nd!n, re7e1!on'.

2$ &,e 1$< beow. A 7/r+er &r&e &''&,e !n Dr&7 III 're''e' +e o!n +& &ny &&1?

r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee wo/d we&?en +e Fren1+ on +e!r -&!n 7ron. S/1+ &n o77en'!6e

+owe6er 'ron,y or we&?y ! !' 1&rr!ed o/ !ne6!&by !n6o6e' +e Fren1+ !n & de&1+

-en. T+!' !' & d!'&d6&n&,e o +e ene-y w+!1+ we -/' no o77'e by we&?en!n, o/rown 7or1e' e7 o7 +e Mo'ee. T+!' !' &re&dy +e o!-!'!1 6!ew o7 +e 7!n& 6er'!on.

I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


+e Ger-&n &&1? oo? &1e.:0 I wo/d be &r!1/&ry d&n,ero/' !7

+ey were +e 7!r' o re&1+ +e de7!e beween Br/''e' &nd N&-/r.

T+!' w&' +e o!n w+ere +e Ger-&n &d6&n1e +&d o be 'eeded /.:9

T+e d&n,er wo/d be ,re&er '! !7 +e Fren1+ were o &d6&n1e r&!dy on +e !ne N&-/rAnwer &nd 'o re&1+ & o'!!on w+ere +ey 1o/d

@o!n / w!+ +e Be,!&n' &nd En,!'+ (w+o'e &nd!n, S1+!e77en

e5e1ed & Anwer). In '/1+ &n e6en &n en6eo-en by +e r!,+

w!n, wo/d be1o-e !-o''!be. T+e &n -/' be 1+&n,ed

S1+!e77en wr!e' !n +e o''1r! &dded o +e De1e-ber -e-or&n

1/- !n Febr/&ry "#<0 ('ee beow T&be II). T+e or!,!n& 6er'!on o7

+!' e5 ,&6e & 7/er !1/re4 We -/' ry o en6eo +e ene-y

7ro- +e e7 &nd 7or1e +!- ow&rd' +e 'e& by -e&n' o7 & 'ron,y

e1+eoned e7 7&n?. Howe6er +e Ger-&n e7 w!n, w! +en be 6ery

6/ner&be. B/ & bre&?+ro/,+ beween M&/be/,e &nd N&-/r

-&y we be1o-e o''!be.:% Le'' d&n,ero/' b/ '! 6ery !n1on6en

!en wo/d be &n e&ry Fren1+ &&1? r!,+ o7 +e M1/'e. De7en1e

wo/d be d!77!1/ be1&/'e o7 +e 1o6er &77orded o +e &&1?er by

+e Ardenne' 7ore'' &nd &'o be1&/'e o7 +e 7orre''e' o7 Lon,wy

&nd Mon-edy.:#

Ce&ry +e '/11e'' o7 +e ,re& enerr!'e deended on +e 'eed

&nd '/rr!'e o7 +e Ger-&n &d6&n1e +ro/,+ Be,!/-. T+e enor-o/'re''/re o7 !-e !' &n e''en!& 7e&/re o7 +e w+oe S1+!e77en P&n.

In "#"; ! w&' &n !n1red!be 'ro?e o7 /1? +&! +e Fren1+ Gener&

S&77 w+o &7er & +&d 1o/ned 7or de1&de' on & Ger-&n !n6&'!on o7

Be,!/- '+o/d +&6e /nderr&ed +e bodne'' o7 +e S1d!e77en

P&n &nd d!re1ed 1o/ner-e&'/re' o +e wron, &re&. A '!-!&r

'ro?e o7 /1? w&' +e '/11e'' o7 +e d&r!n, !oup de main on L!e,e

(&nned by Mo?e) 7or +!' en&bed +e Ger-&n' o &d6&n1e r&!dy

&1ro'' +e Me/'e 6&ey +ro/,+ S1+!e77en8' dre&ded de7!e beween

Br/''e' &nd N&-/r.S1+!e77en +!-'e7 +&d &nned o 1ro'' +e Me/'e no &bo6e b/

beow L!e,e. T+e deey 1e7 Me/'e 6&ey beween N&-/r &nd +e

Fren1+ 7ron!er &nd &'o +e 'e1or beween N&-/r &nd L!e,e

:% Dr&7 III4 B/ ! !' &'o 1on1e!6&be +& +ey +e Fren1+\ &do +e o77en'!6e !n

+e!r /rn &nd be!n, 7&'er +&n we !n -ob!!'&!on &nd deoy-en be& /' o +e

&&1?. T+e o''!b!!y o7 +e deoy-en o7 +e 7&r e7 w!n, (on +e S&&r) be!n, d!'r/ed

!' d!'1/''ed 'e6er& !-e' -o' 7/y !n Dr&7 *. C7. &'o +e 7!n& 6er'!on . "3# beow.

:9 See 7!n& 6er'!on . "3# beow '!-!&ry Dr&7' I* &nd *II.

:% C7. &'o -e-or&nd/- o7 "#": . "90 beow.:# De1e-ber -e-or&nd/- "#<$ . "3# be!ow.

THE MILITARJ TESTAMENT OF IQO$ $9

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


&e&red o +!- &n &-o' !n'/r-o/n&be ob'&1e. He e6en 7e&red +e

-!,+ ,e 1&/,+ !n & r& +ere & 8b!nd &ey re&red 7or +!- by

+e Fren1+ &nd +e!r &!e'. FI1 7e +!' d&n,er 1o/d ony be &6o!ded

by & w!de -o6e-en o +e nor+ /!e &&r 7ro- +e 7&1 +& (&'on, &' +e r&!w&y @/n1!on o7 L!,e w&' ony '/rro/nded b/ no

&?en) +e r&!w&y 'y'e- -&de '/1+ & w!de -o6e-en /n&6o!d&be.3<

B/ +!' -e&n no+!n, e'' +&n +& now ! w&' no ony Be,!&n &nd

L/5e-bo/r, ne/r&!y w+!1+ -/' be 6!o&ed b/ D/1+ &'o '!n1e

+e D/1+ 7ron!er r&n 1o'ey beow L!,e. On1e -ore & -!!&ry

e5!,en1y +&d been 1re&ed (or re1o,n!'ed) &nd 6!& o!!1&

1on'!der&!on' wen by +e bo&rd.

W+en +e 1+&!n o7 ob'&1e' !n Be,!/- +&d been '&7ey '/r-o/ned

&nd +e 7&n? +re& 7ro- Anwer w&rded o77 +ere re-&!ned +e

,re& robe- o7 en'/r!n, & '/77!1!en '/y o7 -en &nd -&er!& 7or

+e 7&re5ended r!,+ wdn, on w+o'e r&!d &d6&n1e e6ery+!n,

/!-&ey deended. I +&d o &1+!e6e rod!,!o/' 7e&' o7 -&r1+!n,

&nd 7!,+!n, &nd +e ,re& d&n,er w&' +& ! wo/d /!1?y be1o-e

e5+&/'ed. Fro- +e 6ery 7!r' +!' w&' one o7 S1+!e77en8' -&@or

worr!e' b/ &,&!n ! 1o-e' o/ -ore !n +e dr&7' +&n !n +e 7!n&

6er'!on. H!' r!n1!e o7 +row!n, e6ery+!n, !no +e 7ron !ne !n

order o &1+!e6e !' -&5!-/- e5en'!on 1on7!1' w!+ +e need o '&7e

,/&rd ! w!+ re'er6e'. I !' ne1e''&ry +e wr!e' !n Dr&7 I* +& +e

Ger-&n' '+o/d &w&y' 7or- & 'ron, re'er6e on +e!r r!,+ w!n,.

B/ & +e '&-e !-e +e !' e-+&!1 +& '&6&!on !e' !n 1on'&ny

e5end!n, +e 7ron !ne 7or +e en6eo-en. S+o/d +e ene-y

ry o re6en '/1+ &n en6eo-en by e5end!n, +!' e7 w!n, +e

w! 'o we&?en +!' 7ron !ne +& & bre&?+ro/,+ & 'o-e o!n

-&y we be1o-e o''!be.3" T+!' 'ee-' re&'on&be eno/,+. B/ one

1&nno +e &'?!n, !7 +e Ger-&n 7ron d!d no r/n +e '&-e d&n,er.

D!d no +e 1&&'ro+e o7 +e M&rne !n "#"; o11/r @/' w+en +e1onne1!on beween +e "' &nd :nd Ar-!e' w&' bro?en +ro/,+

K/1?8' +&6!n, o +row +e e7 w!n, o7 o!' &r-y !n & '1r!e' o7 e5+&/'

!n, n!,+ -&r1+e' &1ro'' o +e end&n,ered r!,+ 7&n? &nd be1&/'e

+ere were no re'er6e' &6&!&be o e5end +e Ger-&n r!,+ wdn, o

+e 'e& S1+!e77en r!ed o 1o/ner '/1+ d&n,er' by ,re&y 'ren,+en!n,

3<Se1 Dr&7 I e5r&1' 7ro- Dr&7 III &nd Dr&7 I* (Aend!5 $). A 7/r+er &r&e

6er'!on !n Dr&7 *. T+e robe- o7 r&!w&y' &e&r' !n +e 7!n& 6er'!on o/ . "3S. beow.

C7. -e-or&nd/- o7 "#": . "93 beow.

3" Dr&7 I* (Aend!5 0) . "$9.

$% I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


+e r!,+ w!n, (+e wo/d +&6e been +e &' o we&?en ! &' Mo?e

d!d !n "#"; by dr&w!n, o77 wo d!6!'!on' o +e E&') &nd by

&nn!n, o -o6e & e&' wo &r-y 1or' by r&! 7ro- +e e7 w!n, o

+e r!,+ &' 'oon &' +ey 1o/d be '&red !n Lorr&!ne. B/ w+en or w+e+er +ey r wo/d be1o-e &6&!&be deended on +e ene-y8'

be+&6!o/r on +!' e&'ern 7ron &nd on +e 1&&1!y o7 +e Be,!&n r&!w&y'.

On +e &' o!n +e dr&7' o77er !e en1o/r&,e-en. Ne!+er !n

nor+ern Fr&n1e nor !n Be,!/- wo/d +ere be r&!w&y' e7 !n&1

o &?e re!n7or1e-en' &1ro'' +e Me/'e. L!ne' o7 1o--/n!1&!on

-/' +ere7ore be 'o/,+ -&!ny +ro/,+ Be,!/- nor+ o7 +e Me/'e

!n &!n word' 6!& A&1+en &nd +e 'o/+ern Ne+er&nd'. B/ by

+!' ro/e ! w&' !-o''!be o r&n'or -ore +&n wo &r-y 1or' o

+e r!,+ w!n, !n !-e.3: I !' ne6er e5&!ned +ow +e -&ny re'er6e'

were o be bro/,+ / 7or +e en6eo-en &nd en1!r1e-en o7

P&n' (o7 w+!1+ -ore &er on). T+e r!,+ w!n, -/' -&?e 6ery

,re& e5er!on' '&y' +e 7!n& e5 o7 o/r -e-or&nd/-. B/ & e&'

+ere wo/d be no &1? o7 ro6!'!on' !n +!' r!1+ 1o/nry.

B/ e6en !7 & wen we &nd '/!e' o7 &--/n!!on we&on' &nd

re'er6e' &rr!6ed !n !-e (w+!1+ +ey d!d no !n "#";) +e '!/&!on &nd

&'? o7 +e r!,+ w!n, wo/d re-&!n 6ery d!77!1/. S1+!e77en8' ree&ed

e5+or&!on o -&?e +!' w!n, 6ery 'ron, &r1 d/e &' +e dr&7' '+owo +e '/re ?nowed,e +& +!' w&' +e 1r!!1& o!n o7 +e w+oe

1&-&!,n &n. Wo/d +!' '+o1? &r-y re&y be 'ron, eno/,+ no

ony o 7or1e &n enry !no +e Fren1+ !ner!or b/ &'o o en6eo

+e w+oe Fren1+ &r-y re6en ! 7ro- e'1&!n, 'o/+ &nd &nn!+!&e

! Tr/e +e 7orre''e' on +e Fren1+ nor+ern 7ron were no 6ery

!-o!r&n. B/ +e ene-y 1o/d o11/y & '/11e''!on o7 r!6er 6&ey'4

&&r 7ro- +e A!'ne +ere were +e O!'1 Se!ne So--e &nd M&rne

&-on, o+er'. S1+!e77en wor?ed o/ +ow 'ron,y +e'e !ne' 1o/d

be o11/!ed. Fro- +e 1orner'one o7 *erd/n +e d!'&n1e' were &-o'e/& o D/n?!r? Abbe6!e (6!& L& Fere) &nd P&r!'. T+e en,+ o7 +e

7ron 7ro- Be7or o +e'e 7!n& o!n' w&' ro/,+y $<< ?!o-ere'.

T+!' ,&6e &n &6er&,e o7 o!dy wo !n7&nry-en o7 +e 7!ed &r-y er

y&rd or ded/1!n, ,&rr!'on roo' &nd !n1/d!n, Terr!or!&' &n

&6er&,e o7 7o/r. T+/' +ere w&' & re&'on&be +oe o7 bre&?!n, +ro/,+

+e !ne *erd/nD/n?!r? (7or +e en6eo-en w&' -e&n & +e

": Dr&7 I* (Aend!5 0) . "$0. P&r&e &''&,e4 Dr&7 II (1oy). Here r&!w&y' 8est

o7 +e Me/'e &re -en!oned &' & 1onne1!on w!+ Ger-&ny. I !' ob6!o/'y & '!. Te5I* !' !n S1+!e77en8' own wr!!n,.

THE MILITARJ TESTAMENT OL T CY $#

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


0o I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL

'&-e !-e o be & bre&?+ro/,+ !n & ,ener& &&1?). T+ere w&' +e

7/r+er +oe +& +e Fren1+ wo/d no be &be o -&n +e !ne L& Fere

Abb16!e +ro/,+o/ !' w+oe en,+.33 B/ wo/d +e Ger-&n' &'o

be &be o r! oen +e !nner-o' de7en1e !ne *erd/nL& FereP&r!'

Wo/d +ey '! +&6e eno/,+ 'ren,+ 7or +& &' we!n 7&1e o7 +e

!-re,n&be 1orner'one o7 P&r!'

A +!' o!n !n +!' re7e1!on' S1+!177en ob6!o/'y +&d do/b'. T+ey

&e&r !n & +!' dr&7' e6en !n +e 7!n& 6er'!on. T+e robe- w&' +ow

o !'o&e or e!-!n&e +e ,!,&n!1 7orre'' o7 P&r!' +e r&y!n, o!n

o7 & Fren1+ re'er6e' &nd +e 1enre o7 +e en!re r&!w&y 'y'e-. P&r!'

'ee-' o +&6e been +e '+!n5 w+o'e -y'ery e6en S1+!e77en8'

'r&e,!1& w!'do- 1o/d no /!e 'o6e.3;

T+e 7orre'' &nd +e r&!w&y 1enre 7or roo -o6e-en' bo+ were & +re& o Ger-&n 6!1ory.

A 7!r' S1+!e77en &nned o 'eer +e &d6&n1e w!+!n +e Fren1+

!ner!or !n +e '&-e w&y +& ! w&' 1&rr!ed o/ !n "#"; (&nd w+!1+ w&'

&er 'o o7en 1r!!1!'ed &' & -!'&?e). T+e r!,+ w!n, -&r1+!n, ro/nd

+e we' '!de o7 P&r!' w&' o 7or1e +e Fren1+ &r-y &w&y 7ro- +e

1&!& &,&!n' !' own 7orre''e' on +e e&'ern 7ron!er &,&!n' Sw!

er&nd &nd &,&!n' +e R+!ne.3$ T+e 1on'!der&!on' w+!1+ 7!n&y

we!,+ed &,&!n' +!' 'o/!on &re d!'1/''ed !n +e De1e-ber -e-or&n

d/- (!n !' 7!n& 7or-).30 T+e Fren1+ wo/d be &be o &?e / & o'!!on be+!nd +e O!'e +e!r e7 w!n, 7or-!n, & /rnedb&1? de7en'!6e 7&n?

w+!1+ wo/d re' on +e 1oo''& 7orre'' o7 P&r!'. E6en !7 &n &&1?er

bro?e +ro/,+ !n 7ron +e wo/d 7!nd +!-'e7 !n & -o' /n1o-7or

&be o'!!on !7 +e &d6&n1ed 'o/+w&rd +!' r!,+ 7&n? 1o/d be

&&1?ed 7ro- +e 7orre''. T+e ene-y +owe6er 1o/d e'1&e &nd

w!+dr&w o +e 'o/+ o7 +e 1o/nry o roon, +e w&r !nde7!n!ey.

T+!' +&d o be &6o!ded & & 1o''. So +ere w&' no+!n, 7or ! b/ o

!n1/de +e w+oe o7 P&r!' !n +e en6eo-en&n en6eo-en

33 Dr&7 *I 'ee Aend!5 7, beow.

341 &- od +& d/r!n, +e &' w&r ,&-e' o7 +e Gre& Gener& S&77 !n "#"""3 +e

'+!n5!?e 1+&r&1er o7 +e robe- o7 P&r!' be1&-e der1''!n,y ob6!o/' (C&. . H.

Fr&n?L!nd+e!-). T+!' 7!' !n w!+ &n &11o/n by H&+n?e o7 S1+!e77en8' &' '&77 r!de

(M&r?!r1+ Ar! :#+ "#<$) /b!'+ed !n &n &r!1e !n +e *erliner *orseneitung o7 M&y

#%&, "#3<. W+en +e 1o--&nder o7 Red w&' &bo/ o de1&re +!-'e7 de7e&ed

S1+!e77en drew +!' &en!on o +e o''!b!!y o7 !-ro6!n, +e &&reny de'er&e

'!/&!on by /!1?y r&n'or!n, & roo' w+!1+ 1o/d be '&red 7ro- e'' b/'y 'e1or'

o7 +e 7ron &nd & +e 7or1e' &6&!&be be+!nd +e 7ron o be+!nd +e Fren1+ e7 w!n,

+ere +ey 1o/d be 7or-ed !no & new &r-y ,ro/ o 1o/neren6eo +e Ger-&n

r!,+ w!n,.

3$ Dr&7' II I* (Aend!5 # &nd *I.30Ueow . ";< 7. &nd ";$. F!r' +!n o7 +e new ob@e1!6e !n Dr&7' * &nd *I.

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


7ro- +e we' &nd 'o/+ w+o'e &!- w&' o ,e be+!nd +e ene-y8'

!ne' &nd +!' r&!dy eno/,+ o re6en +!- w!+dr&w!n, o +e

'o/+. A +e '&-e !-e +e b&e &on, +e !ne *erd/nL& FereP&r!' wo/d +&6e o be ob'!n&ey 1on!n/ed 'o on, &' +e 1orner'one

o7 *erd/n +&d no 7&en. F/r+er-ore P&r!' +&d o be 7!r-y

!n6e'ed.39 Un7or/n&ey ! be1&-e 1e&r +& +e Ger-&n 'ren,+

w&' !n'/77!1!en 7or +!' enor-o/' &'?e6en !7 +e r!,+ w+!, were o

be -&de 6ery 'ron,.

Be7ore +e Ger-&n' re&1+ +e So--e or +e O!'e +e '&y' !n

Dr&7 *I +ey w! +&6e re&!'ed +& +ey &re oo we&? 7or +e ener

r!'e +ey +&6e /nder&?en. He &dd' (!n +e 7!n& 6er'!on &'o)4 We

'+& 7!nd +e e5er!en1e o7 & e&r!er 1on/eror' 1on7!r-ed +& & w&r

o7 &,,re''!on 1&' 7or -/1+ 'ren,+ &nd &'o 1on'/-e' -/1+ +& +!'

'ren,+ dw!nde' 1on'&ny wd!!e +e de7ender8' !n1re&'e' &nd & +!'

&r!1/&ry 'o !n & 1o/nry w+!1+ br!'e' w!+ 7orre''e'.3%

Cer&!ny +e roo re/!re-en' 7or +e en6eo-en &nd !n6e'

-en o7 P&r!' &one were enor-o/'. S1++e77en e'!-&ed +& +e

needed 'e6en &r-y 1or' 7or +e 7or-er &nd 7!6e or '!5 7or +e

&er &o,e+er -ore +&n & +!rd o7 +e o& 'ren,+ (+!ry

+ree &nd & +&7 1or') ne1e''&ry 7or +e &&1? on +e !ne *erd/nL&FereP&r!'. B/ !n &1/& 7&1 +!' 'ren,+ d!d no e5!'. I w&' ony

&''/-ed +eore!1&y& 7&1 w+!1+ w&' &re&dy re1o,n!'ed by

L/dendor77 &' & 'er!o/' de7e1 o7 +e &n. S1+!e77en -/' +&6e been

&1/ey &w&re o7 ! w+en +e re&!'ed +& '!n1e +e ene-y w&' 1o6ered

on +!' e7 by P&r!' &nd 1o/d '! e'1&e 'o/+w&rd' +e '1+e-e o

dr&w +e -&!n Fren1+ 7or1e' 7ro- P&r!' o +e e&' wo/d no '/11eed

&nd +& +ere7ore +e &d6&n1e wo/d +&6e o en6eo +e 7orre''.3#

T+!' re/!red 'ron, 7or1e' '!n1e +e r!,+ w!n, +&d +e enor-o/' &'?

o7 !rn !n, down +e w+oe Fren1+ &r-y nor+ o7 +e M&rne &nd Se!neer+&' e6en o7 7!,+!n, o77 & Br!!'+ e5ed!!on&ry 7or1e w+!1+

S1+!e77en +o/,+ +&be o &e&r !n +e We'

39 For = -ore de&!ed de'1r!!on o7 +!' &&1? 'ee 7!n& 6er'!on . ";; beow &nd

('!,+y d!77eren) Dr&7 *I (Aend!5 " w+ere +e &?' o7 & bo-b&rd-en o7 R+e!-'

&nd &n &&1? &,&!n' +e M&rne 7ro- +e 'o/+ w!+ +e r!,+ en6eo!n, &r-y.

3%One !' re-!nded o7 C&/'ew!4 On War# *II $ Mo' &&1?' e&d ony o & o!n

& w+!1+ +e 7or1e' re-&!n!n, &re @/' eno/,+ o -&!n&!n & de7en'!6e &nd w&! 7or e&1e.

Beyond +& o!n +e '1&e /rn' +ere !' = 'eb&1?. T+e 6!oen1e o7 '/1+ = 'eb&1? !'

,ener&y -/1+ ,re&er +&n +e 7or1e o7 +e +r/'.

3#One 1&n 'ee +!' /!e 1e&ry !n +e &r o7 Dr&7 *I w+!1+ !' ob6!o/'y b&'ed onDr&7 * (rerod/1ed !n Aend!5 7, w+ere +e en6eo-en o7 P&r!' !' 1on'!dered 7or

+e 7!r' !-e.

$TSP

IQO.S 0

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


S1!!e7Fen8' 7!r' re&1!on o +!' w&' o +!n? o7 -o6!n, +e w+oe

Ger-&n &r-y 7&r+er o +e r!,+ !n order o n&rrow +e 7ron &nd 'o

ree&'e &n &r-y 7or +e en6eo-en o7 P&r!'. B/ wo/d ! be r&1

!1&be In +e 7!n& 6er'!on +ere !' no -ore -en!on o7 +!'. In'e&d+ere !' +e 7/r+er e&bor&!on o7 & +o/,+ w+!1+ +&d &re&dy o11/rred

!n e&r!er dr&7' (&r!1/&ry !n n/-ber' **II)4 +& 6&' re7or-&

!on' wo/d be ne1e''&ry o /!!'e +e re'er6e' '! &6&!&be &

+o-e no ony o re!e6e +e 7!,+!n, roo' o7 '/b'!d!&ry &'?' '/1+

&' -&'?!n, 7orre''e' &nd 'e1/r!n, +e !ne' o7 1o--/n!1&!on &re&

(& &'? 7or +e 6aud8ehr &nd 6andsturmF b/ &'o r!-&r!y o 7or- &

e&' e!,+ new &r-y 1or'. T+e!r 7or-&!on w&' o '&r on +e 7!r'

d&y o7 -ob!!'&!on /'!n, Ersat b&&!on' Re'er6e roo' &nd !7

ne1e''&ry e6en 6and8ehr. S!n1e +ey wo/d 'ee &1!on w!+!n & 7ew

wee?' +ey +&d o be 7/y r&!ned -en. T+!' -e&n +& &-o' +e

w+oe o7 Ger-&ny8' r&!ned -&nower w&' o &?e +e 7!ed !n +e

7!r' wee?' e&6!n, no re'er6e' 7or & roon,ed w&r. E61r6+!n,

deended on & /!1? '/11e'' e6ery+!n, w&' '&?ed on +!' one

1&rd. T+e new &r-y 1or' were o be +e ,r&nd re'er6e &' ! were 7or

/'e & 1r!!1& o!n' 'oon &7er +e 7ron!er b&e'. W+ere d!d S1+!e77en

e5e1 +e'e 1r!!1& o!n' o be

In +e 7r&,-en&ry Dr&7 *II +e -en!on' 7o/r &re&' w+!1+ wo/dneed /r,en re!n7or1e-en ('e1 beow Aend!5 %)4 !n nor+ern

Fr&n1e &,&!n' & o''!be Br!!'+ &nd!n, !n +e re&r o7 +e Ger-&n

r!,+ w!n, on +e Me/'e beow *erd/n &' re!n7or1e-en 7or

+e &&1? on +e A!'ne !n Lorr&!ne beween Me &nd *erd/n

7or +e &&1? on +e Me/'e 7orre''e' &nd 7!n&y on +e Me/r+e

&nd !n Uer A'&1e 7or +e &&1? on +e Mo'ee 7or'. S/rr!'!n,y

eno/,+ S1+!e77en !nended o &o1&e +!' -&!n re'er6e' o +e e7

w!n, no o +e r!,+ +o!n, 7or ,re& '/11e''e' on +e Me/'e &nd

Mo'ee 7ron' &' 'oon &' +e nor+ern 7ron!er' o7 Fr&n1e +&d been1ro''ed. T+e wo w!n,' were o 1o-b!ne !n & !n1er -o6e-en

7ro- +e nor+we' &nd 'o/+e&'. (T+!' 'ee-' o re'e-be +e

!de& /r'/ed !n 6&!n by +e S/re-e Co--&nd !n "#";.) B/ +e

en6eo-en o7 P&r!' w&' &' ye ony +&7 +!ned & !n +e 7r&,-en&ry

Dr&7 *II. In Dr&7 * (&nd *I) w+!1+ 1&' +e en6eo-en & ne1e''!y

+e o!n' w+ere +e re'er6e !' o be /'ed +&6e '+r/n? o +ree (+e

&&1? on +e Me/'e 7or' +&6!n, ,one by +e bo&rd) &nd e6en +e'e

+ree were &er droed !n Dr&7 *I (+e ree6&n 'enen1e' be!n,

1ro''ed o/). T+e 7!n& 6er'!on '&y' &' one -!,+ e5e14 T+e e!,+

I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


&r-y 1or' &re -o' needed on or be+!nd +e r!,+ &r-y w!n,. B/

+ow o ,e +e- +ere !n !-e !.e. by r&! A' we ?now +e Be,!&n

r&!w&y' were 1o-eey de'royed !n +e Be,!&n rere& o7 "#";.

For -&ny wee?' +e r!,+ &r-y 1o/d ony be re&1+ed by -&r1+!n,

&nd wo/d +&6e been w!+o/ '/!e' +&d +e S/re-e Co--&nd

no ,!6en ! &-o' +e en!re 'o1? o orr!e'.;< S1+!177en w&' 6ery

/n1er&!n on +!' o!n. We '&w e&r!er +ow oory +e r&ed +e

e77!1!en1y o7 +e Fren1+ &nd Be,!&n r&!w&y' d/r!n, +e 7!r' wee?' o7

w&r. In +e e&r!er dr&7' wo &r-y 1or' were +e -o' +e e5e1ed o

r&n'or 7ro- +e e7 o +e r!,+ w!n,. In +e 7!n& 6er'!on +e

/e'!on o7 +e r&!w&y'8 1&&1!y !' e7 oen. Any+!n, +ey 1&nno -o6e

w! +&6e o be /'ed on +e Me/'e & Me or r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee.B/ +ow doe' +!' &y w!+ +e '!-/&neo/' '&e-en +& no e''

+&n '!5 new &r-y 1or' &re needed 7or +e 1ordon we' &nd 'o/+

e&' o7 P&r!' S1+!1771n8' a!hlass ro6!de' no &n'wer. I' ! '/rr!'!n,

+& !n "#"; Mo?e re7erred o d!'en'e w!+ +e we'ern en6eo

-en o P&r!' I -&y &'o +&6e been -&de e&'!er 7or +!- by +e 7&1

+& +ere w&' no on,er +e !--ed!&e +re& o7 & Br!!'+ 7&n? &&1?

7ro- +e C+&nne or' w+!1+ S1+!e77en !n "#<$ w&' '! e5e1!n,

w!+o/ be!n, &be o '/,,e' &n e77e1!6e 1o/ner-e&'/re.;"

B/ +e'e 1on'!der&!on' +&6e no o/1+ed +e re&y 6!& d&n,er4+& +e ene-y -!,+ 1o/ner +e ,re& en6eo-en w!+ +e -o'

ob6!o/' -o6e o7 &+e r&!d e5en'!on o7 +!' e7 w!n, &nd er+&'

+e en6eo-en o7 +e &&1?er +!-'e7. T+e r&d!& Fren1+ r&!w&y

'y'e- w!+ +e 7orre'' o7 P&r!' &' !' 1enre o77ered e6ery oor/n!y.

Troo' 1o/d be 'w!1+ed 7ro- one &r o7 +e 7ron o &no+er & 6ery

,re& 'eed w+!e +e wood' '/rro/nd!n, P&r!' -&de ! o''!be o

-&'' roo' /nno!1ed 7or & 1o/ner&&1? on +e Ger-&n r!,+ w!n,.

Wo/d no +e !ne6!&be 1on'e/en1e be & r&1e 7or +e 'e& !n w+!1+

+e Ger-&n' w!+ +e!r !n7er!or r&!w&y 1onne1!on' wo/d /!-&ey

be & & d!'&d6&n&,e A' we ?now !n See-ber "#"; +e '/dden

&e&r&n1e o7 +e 'ron, Fren1+ &r-y /nder M&/no/ry on +e we'

7&n? o7 +e Ger-&n r!,+ w+!,&r-y wre1?ed +e w+oe &n o7

1&-&!,n be1&/'e +e S/re-e Co--&nd 1on'!dered r!,+y or

wron,y +& ! +&d no eno/,+ re'er6e' bo+ o 7!,+ o77 +!' &r-y

&1!1&y (w+!1+ w&' done & ,re& '&1r!7!1e on +e O/r1) &nd &'o o

e!-!n&e ! 'r&e,!1&y by 7/r+er o/7&n?!n, 'o &' er-&neny

o 'e1/re +e Ger-&n r!,+ 7&n?.;< T& en *is itr Marne 191:19G0F# . 9 )et. al. ;" C7. +!' 7oonoe . ";: beow.

THE MILITARJ TESTAMENT OF 03

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S1+!e77en d!'1/''e' +!' robe- w!+ 1on'!1/o/' bre6!y. T+e

Fren1+ w! no +e'!&e (+e wr!e' !n Dr&7 II) o '+!7 roo' 7ro- +e

-&- 7ron o +e end&n,ered '/b'!d!&ry 7ron or o -o6e / re'er6e'

7or e5&-e +e 1or' 7ro- +e A!ne 7ron!er. Howe6er +e &r,/e'

+!' w! +&rdy '/11eed 'o 7&r &' o bo1? +e &re& &nd o ro6!de +e!r

e7 w!n, w!+ +e de'!red e5en'!on &nd 'ren,+.;: We &re&dy ?now

+!' e'!-&e o7 +e o''!be den'!y o7 +e Fren1+ 7ron !ne.;3 I ed +!-

o +oe 7or & bre&?+ro/,+ e'e1!&y !7 +e ene-y e5ended Ir!' e7

w!n, 6ery 7&r. He &'o +oed +& +e Fren1+ w+o wo/d 7!r' +&6e o

&''e-be +e!r 1or' wo/d no be &be !n +e 1on7/'!on &nd +&'e o

re&1+ +e!r nor+ern 7ron!er !n '/1+ ,ood order &' +e Ger-&n' w+o

were deoy!n, +ere. T+e!r e77or' o e5end +e 7ron o +e

So--e wo/d 1o-e oo &e &nd +e!r &e- o o/7&n? +e &&1?er by &n o77en'!6e ro/nd +e e7 w!n, o7 +e L& Fere o'!!on wo/d !

!' o be +oed no '/11eed. B/ w+& w&' o +&en one wonder'

!7 d/r!n, +e b&e' 7or +e O!'e &nd +e M&rne +e ene-y -o6ed

,re& re'er6e' 7ro- +!' e&'ern 7ron &nd 1on1enr&ed +e- !n +e

P&r!' &re& +/' +re&en!n, +e Ger-&n r!,+ 7&n?

S1+!e^en do1' no / +e /e'!on !?e +!'.;; B/ +e w&' 1er&!n

+& ! wo/d be o''!be o +od down 1on'!der&be or!on' o7 +e

ene-y8' &r-y on +e M1/'e &nd Mo'ee 7ron' by -e&n' o7 '/b'!d!&ry

&&1?'. In +e dr&7' +e roe o7 +e Ger-&n 7or1e' re-&!n!n, on +er!,+ b&n? o7 +e Mo'ee !' 1on1e!6ed &' & 6ery &1!6e one. In Dr&7 *I

+e!r n/-ber !' / +!,+er +&n !n +e o+er'b/ +ey &re e5e1ed

o &?e N&n1y &d6&n1e &,&!n' +e Mo'ee !ne &nd !7 o''!be on

B&on de Ser6&n1e 1on!n/!n, !n 1&'e o7 & '/11e'' !n +e d!re1!on o7

C+&on''/rM&rne.;$ So +ey were o bre&? +ro/,+ +e Mo'ee

!ne &nd o/7&n? +e Me/'e 7or' !n +e 'o/+ O+er dr&7' 'e&? ony

o7 &&1?' on +e !ne Pon_Mo/''onN&n1yL/ne6!e &nd &,&!n'

+e Me/r+e re&1+!n, w!+ +e e7 w!n, beyond S. D!e o +e &''e'

o7 +e 1enr& *o',e'. I7 +e ene-y d!d no &d6&n1e Re'er6e d!6!'!on'

6and8ehr br!,&de' &nd I4ger b&&!on' on +e Me/r+e &nd Se!e

were o be /'+ed o/ 7/r+er &,&!n' +e Mo'ee &nd &,&!n' Be7or

;:S!-!&ry !n +e 7!n& 6er'!on . "39 &nd Dr&7' I &nd I*. S!,+y d!77eren !n

Dr&7 """.;3P. $# &bo6e. C7. Aend!5 9.

;;B/ 1o-&re H&+n?e8' reor 7oonoe 3; . 0< &bo6e.

;$Se1 Aend!5 # (7ro- Dr&7 *I). T+e 1o-o'!!on o7 +e &r-y r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee

!' &nned d!77ereny !n +e d!77eren dr&7'. I 6&r!e' beween we6e &nd n!ne d!6!'!on'

!n1/d!n, Re'er6e 1or' &nd Re'er6e d!6!'!on'.

I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLLEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL

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w+!e wo 1or' were o be -o6ed by r&! o +e 7&r r!,+ w!n, o7 +e

-&!n &r-y. Here +en +ere !' no &? o7 bre&?!n, +ro/,+ b/ ony

o7 !nn!n, down +e ene-y on +e Mo'ee&n enerr!'e !n w+!1+ +e

e7 w!n, o7 +e -&!n &r-y w&' o +e by &&1?' e7 o7 +e Mo'ee&' 7&r &' o''!be ow&rd' +e Me/'e 7or' &bo6e *erd/n.;0 I +e

ene-y '+o/d &&1? +e &r-!e' r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee were no o r!'?

& de1!'!6e b&e b/ 'owdy o rere& be7ore +e &&1?er &r&1!n,

&' -&ny ene-y &' o''!be w!+ & -!n!-/- o7 +e!r own -en &nd

+od!n, +e- w!+ +e +e o7 +e en&r,ed 7orre'' o7 M1.

One 1&n 'ee +& +e oer&!on &nned 7or +e Ger-&n '/b'!d!&ry

7or1e (e&' o7 +e Mo'ee) w&' -/1+ -ore &-b!!o/' !n +e dr&7' +&n

""" +e 7!n& 6er'!on w+!1+ ony -&?e' & br!e7 -en!on o7 & d!6er'!on

&,&!n' N&n1y o !e down ene-y 7or1e' (&,e' "3% &nd ";0) &nd w+!1+/' +e -&!n e-+&'!' on dr&w!n, +e ene-y e&'w&rd' !7 ne1e''&ry

b6 & rere&. I oo?' &' !7 S1+!17en w&' e&r!er +o!n, o 7!nd +e

Mo'ee o'!!on' 'o we&?y o11/!ed &7er +e &d6&n1e o7 +e -&!n

Ger-&n &r-y +ro/,+ Be,!/- +& & '/rr!'e wo/d '/11eed +ere.

T+en &7er 7/r+er re7e1!on +e -&y +&6e be1o-e -ore 1&/!o/' or

-ore !?ey +e d!d no w&n o de7e1 +!' '/11e''or 7ro- +!' -&!n &'?

!!e o77en'!6e by +e r!,+ w!n, by ,o!n, !no oo -/1+ de&!

o6er & '/b'!d!&ry oer&!on.In &ny 1&'e !n 1onr&' o Mo?e (&nd &'o L/dendor77) S1+!e77en

w&' no &n5!o/' o 'e1/re & ,re& 6!1ory !n Lorr&!ne &nd ! -&y +&6e

been +!' /!e +oe +& +e Fren1+ wo/d no &d6&n1e &1ro'' +e

Mo'ee-&?!n, o''!be by +!' &1 o7 re'r&!n +e d!'&1+ o7 wo

&r-y 1or' o +e r!,+ w!n,. B/ w&' ! 1er&!n +& +e '/b'!d!&ry

oer&!on +e +&d &nned on +e Mo'ee wo/d !e down +e Fren1+

&r-y 'o 7!r-y on +e!r e&'ern 7ron +& +ey wo/d no d&re o /

o/ 'ron, 7or1e' &nd r&n'or +e- o +e!r e7 w!n, 7or & 1o/ner

&&1? &,&!n' +e Ger-&n r!,+ 7&n? T+e 1o/r'e o7 +e 1&-&!,n !n"#"; 1r/ey d!'&o!ned '/1+ +oe' w+!1+ were &'o '+&red by

Mo?e. T+e &&1?' o7 +e Ger-&n 0+ &nd 9+ Ar-!e' on +e Fren1+

Mo'ee 7ron were -/1+ 'ron,er &nd -ore er'!'en +&n &ny+!n,

e6er &nned by S1+!e77en ye +ey were ony &be o !e dow- +e

ene-y e-or&r!y !n +!' &re& &nd ne6er o +e e5en +oed 7or. T+ey

were /n&be o do &ny+!n, &bo/ +e 1&&'ro+e on +e M&rne.

S1+!e77en8' @/d,-en +&d been r!,+ &bo/ ony one +!n,4 +e Fren1+;0 Dr&7' I II I* *I.

0$THE MILITARJ TESTAMENT OF

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e&'ern 7ron w&' 'o 'ron,y 7or!7!ed +& ! 1o/d be +ed w!+ 6ery

7ew -en. Now+ere !n +!' ,re& &n !' +ere &ny e6!den1e +& +e

&re1!&ed +e re'/!n, d&n,er o +e Ger-&n &&1?.

W+& !' +e re'/ o7 & +e'e re7e1!on' D!'1/''!on o7 +e S1+!e77en

P&n / o d&e +&' -!''ed +e o!n. I +&' +&rdy o/1+ed on !'

!n+eren robe-'. In'e&d ! +&' &w&y' r!ed o d!'1o6er & 7or-/&

7or '/11e'' !n +e one'!ded -&''!n, o7 &&1?!n, 7or1e' on +e r!,+

w!n,& r&+er r!-!!6e 7or-/& !n 6!ew o7 +e re'r!1ed deoy

-en &re& on +e /er Me/'e +e de'r/1!on o7 +e Be,!&n r&!w&y

newor? &nd +e 1on'e/en enor-o/' -&r1+e' needed o o/7&n? +e

ene-y 7ron !ne T+e ,re& S1+!e77en P&n w&' ne6er & 'o/nd 7or-/&

7or 6!1ory. I w&' & d&r!n, !ndeed &n o6erd&r!n, ,&-be w+o'e

'/11e'' deended on -&ny /1?y &11!den'. A 7or-/& 7or 6!1ory

need' & '/r/' o7 re&'on&be 1+&n1e' o7 '/11e'' !7 ! !' o !n'!re

1on7!den1e& '/r/' w+!1+ end' /!1?y o be /'ed / by 7r!1!on'

!n +e d&yod&y 1ond/1 o7 w&r. T+e S1+!e77en P&n '+owed &n

ob6!o/' de7!1! !n +e'e 1+&n1e'4 ! w&' !n S1+!e77en8' own word' &n

enerr!'e 7or w+!1+ we &re oo we&?. Tr/e +e w&ned o 1/re +!'

we&?ne'' by !-ro6!'!n, & e&' e!,+ Ersat 1or'. B/ +e 1o/dne!+er '&y +ow '/1+ !-ro6!'ed 1or' were o be -&de -!!&r!y

e77!1!en &nd ro6!ded w!+ e/!-en nor '+ow +ow +ey were o

be bro/,+ o +e de1!'!6e o!n o7 +e 7ron !n !-e. In +!' @/'!7!1&!on

Foer'er /oe' +e &r1+!6e' o7 +e W&r M!n!'ry o '+ow +& on

No6e-ber ;+ "#<$ !.e. '+ory be7ore +!' re!re-en S1+!e77en

re/e'ed +& re&r&!on' 7or +e w&ror,&n!'&!on &nd e/!-en

o7 Ersat 7or-&!on' '+o/d &re&dy be -&de !n e&1e.;9 T+!' -/'

+&6e been +e re'/ o7 +o/,+' w+!1+ 1&-e o +!- w+!e wor?!n,

o/ +!' oer&!on& &n'. T+/' +e /ei!hsar!hip (I $$) re7erred o+e S1+!e77en P&n &' & +e '&-e !-e & ro,r&--e 7or +e 7/r+er

en&r,e-en o7 +e &r-y &nd 7or !' -ob!!'&!on.

We !7 ! w&' & ro,r&--e ! re-&!ned !ne77e1!6e &' '/1+4 & 'r!1y

,/&rded 'e1re !n +e '&7e' o7 +e Gre& Gener& S&77. T+e re/e' o

+e W&r M!n!'ry doe' no &er +e 7&1 +& d/r!n, +!' 7!7een ye&r'

!n o77!1e &' C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 S1+!e77en d!d 6ery +e o

< 7edanen8erstatt# p. ;". By '+ow!n, ihid.# . ;< +& S1+!e77en 1o/ned on +e

w&r 'ren,+ o7 +e -ob!!'&!on &n o7 "#<09 Foer'er '! doe' no o/1+ +e ptinrtum

saliens.

I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL00

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e5&nd +e Ger-&n Ar-y o +e 7!,/re needed 7or +e 7/7!-en o7

+!' &n'.;% Nor d!d +!' '/11e''or do &ny+!n, !n +!' d!re1!on /n!

"#"" w+ere&' n&6& re&r-&-en w&' e6en 7/r+er !nen'!7!ed 7ro-

"#<0 onw&rd'. T+!' !' no +e &1e o ,o !no +e re&'on' or &o +e

re'on'!b!!y o!!1& &' we &' -!!&ry 7or +e -!'d!re1!on o7

Ger-&n re&r-&-en o!1y. B/ +ere re-&!n' & 'r&n,e d!'roor!on

beween +e +!,+ &!-' o7 +e Ger-&n Gener& S&77 &nd +e 7or1e'

&6&!&be o +e- !n r&1!1e. For &1!6e de7en1e &' +e eder Mo?e

en6!'&,ed ! +e e5!'!n, 7or1e' wo/d +&6e '/77!1ed d/r!n, & w&r

+ere wo/d +&6e been !-e eno/,+ o e5&nd +e-. B/ 7or w+&

S1+!e77en +&d !n -!nd & /!1? o& &nn!+!&!on o7 +e ene-y

Ger-&ny8' 'ren,+ w&' '!-y no &de/&e &r!1/&ry w+en &7er+e Fren1+ +e -!,+y R/''!&n Ar-y w&' o be &nn!+!&ed oo

Loo?!n, & +e S1+!e77en P&n one +&rdy d&re' !-&,!ne +ow -/1+

!-e wo/d +&6e been needed o de7e& Fr&n1e 1o-eey on +e b&'!'

o ! &nd +ow !e +ere wo/d +&6e been on +e o+er +&nd be7ore

+e o77en'!6e &,&!n' R/''!& 1o/d no on,er be o'oned. On

o11&'!on' e6en S1+!e77en 'ee-' o +&6e worr!ed &bo/ +!'. In +e 7!n&

d!'1/''!on o7 +!' &' oer&!on& w&r ,&-e !n "#<$ (w+!1+ on1e &,&!n

&''/-ed & wo7ron w&r) +e e5re''ed +!-'e7 &' 7oow'4;# T+e

+eory o7 +e de1!'!6e b&e +&' been -/1+ &?ed &bo/ e6er '!n1e w&r w!+ Fr&n1e &nd R/''!& be1&-e & +re& o Ger-&ny. T+e +eory

!' ro/,+y +!'4 we ,o w!+ & o/r 7or1e' !no Fr&n1e 7!,+ & de1!'!6e

b&e w+!1+ o7 1o/r'e end' !n o/r 7&6o/r &nd on +e e6en!n, o7 +e

b&e or ne5 -orn!n, & +e &e' +e r&!n' &re re&dy &nd +e 6!1or'

ro e&'w&rd' o 7!,+ & new de1!'!6e b&e on +e *!'/& +e N!e-en

or +e N&rew. T+& !' no +e w&y o7 w&r' od&y. A7er +e b&e

1o-e' +e /r'/! yo/ 1&n re&d +& !n &ny b&'!1 -&n/& &nd +!'

&?e' & on, !-e. Jo/ 1&n &?e . . . Sed&n &' & de1!'!6e b&e. I7 +e

;%Howe6er +e enered !no ne,o!&!on' w!+ +e M!n!'er' o7 W&r 6on Go''er &nd 6on

E!ne- &nd re''ed 7or +e !--ed!&e 7or-&!on o7 new &r-y 1or' !n 1&'e o7 -ob!!'&

!on. T+e W&r M!n!'ry r&!'ed 'er!o/' e1+n!1& ob@e1!on' &,&!n' '/1+ re7or-&!on'

d/r!n, deoy-en. To @/d,e 7ro- & -!n/e o7 &//-n "#<3 6on E!nere,&rded +!'

&' +e w+!- o7 &n od -&n r!e 7or re!re-en4 17. Re!1+'&r1+!6 =ri!gsriistung und

=riegs8irts!haft# 'nlage um 1. *and ("#3<) Do1/-en No. :3. A'o 1orre'onden1e w!+

Go''er o7 &//-n "%## iid.# No'. "9"#. L&er L/dendor77 o,e+er w!+ Mo?e

re''ed 7or +e 7or-&!on o7 !--ed!&e re'er6e 7or-&!on' &nd +!' w!+ 'o-e '/11e''

+o/,+ +e M!n!'ry o7 W&r +&d 'ron, -!',!6!n,' &bo/ !' e77e1 on +e '/y o7

Er'& roo'. S!5 &nd & +&7 -ob!e Er'& d!6!'!on' were ro6!ded. (L/dendor77 Mein

militaris!her Werdegang ("#33) . "3; 77.);#W. Foer'er 7edanen8erstatt# . $" 7.

09THE MILITARJ TESTAMENT OF

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Ger-&n &r-!e' +&d been r&n'ored o +e *!'/& on See-ber :nd

"%9< w+& wo/d +&6e be1o-e o7 +e 1&-&!,n !n Fr&n1e . . . I7 we

w&n o -&?e w&r !n Fr&n1e 7or 'e6er& -on+' we 1&n8 !,nore +eR/''!&n' en!rey. We 1&n8 w&1+ +e- -&r1+ &1ro'' +e *!'/&

or +e Oder or +e Ebe w+!e we o/r'e6e' ,o on -&?!n, w&r !n

Fr&n1e. T+& !' o/ o7 +e /e'!on. I7 we 1&n8 / o/ roo' &7er

+e de1!'!on we -/' ry o dr!6e b&1? +e R/''!&n' & +e 6ery '&r

o7 +e w&r.

How +!' !' o be re1on1!ed w!+ +!' roo'& o7 "#": o e&6e

Ger-&ny8' e&'ern 7ron!er' 1o-eey /nde7ended & +e '&r o7 +e

w&r re-&!n' S1+!e77en8' 'e1re. W&' +e &7er & /!e 1on7!den !n +e

end o7 7!,+!n, +e de1!'!6e b&e /!1?y !n Fr&n1e &nd be!n, &be o

w!+dr&w &r,e -&''e' o7 roo' be7ore ! w&' oo &e !n +e E&' In

"#"; +e yo/n,er Mo?e 'ee-' o +&6e 1&1/&ed +& Fren1+ re'er6e'

wo/d 'oon be e5+&/'ed be1&/'e o7 +e +reeye&r 1on'1r!!on er!od

!nrod/1ed +e ye&r be7ore. W&' S1+!e77en &re&dy ener&!n!n,

'!-!&r +oe' S/1+ 7&!+ !n 6!1ory 1o/d we be 1&ed +ero!1&

+ero!'- 1o-!n, d&n,ero/'y 1o'e o huris. T+e ony o''!be e5&n

&!on !' +& !n "#": w+en &-o' &n o1o,en&r!&n +e w&' o!!1&y

n&!86e eno/,+ o r/' +& +e R/''!&n' wo/d no oen +o'!!!e' /n!+e 7&e o7 +e Fren1+ +&d been de1!ded be7ore P&r!'&' +e ro+e'!e'

!n +!' &' -e-or&nd/-. T+o'e w+o do no '+&re +!' 7&!+ !n -!r&1e'

-/' @/d,e +& !n &ny 1&'e +e o6err&ed Ger-&n 'ren,+ enor-o/'y.

B/ +!' !' en!rey !n +e r&d!!on o7 +e W!+e-!n!&n eo1+.$<

$< A' 7&r &' I ?now +ere e5!'' no oer&!on& &n by +e yo/n,er Mo?e b/ !n "#;3

I '&w & -e-or&nd/- o7 "#"3 '!,ned by +!-4 Ger-&ny8' 1ond/1 !n & Tr!e A!&n1e

w&r. I w&' rob&by 7or +e C+!e7 o7 +e M!!&ry C&b!ne (enry !n +e C+!e7 o7 +e

Gener& S&778' 'e1re @o/rn& o7 &n/&ry :<+ "#"3). I rerod/1e +e 7oow!n, (7ro- -y

noe') 7or 1o-&r!'on w!+ S1+!e77en8' &n'4

Mo?e /rn' &,&!n' S1+!e77en8' !de& e5re''ed !n +!' -e-or&nd/- o7 "#": o7 e&6!n,

+e E&'ern Fron 1o-eey /no11/!ed. A +e '/11e''e' !n +e We' w! be /n&6&!!n,

!7 +e R/''!&n' &rr!6e !n Ber!n. W!+o/ Ger-&ny8' +e A/'r!& w! re-&!n /rey on

+e de7en'!6e. S+e w! ony be1o-e &1!6e !7 & Ger-&n &r-y +od' down +e R/''!&n

N&rewAr-y. In +e We' &n en6eo-en o7 +e Fren1+ 7orre'' 7ron !' /n&6o!d&be

b/ ! !' be'e w!+ ,re& d!77!1/!e'. I !' no e&'&n o oen & 1&-&!,n by 6!o&!n,

+e err!ory o7 & ne/r& ne!,+bo/r. We -/' ry o 1o-e o &n &,ree-en w!+

Be,!/-. Per+&' we 1o/d ro-!'e +er err!or!& &1/!'!!on' !7 '+e be1o-e' o/r &y

or & e&' re-&!n' &''!6e. In &ny 1&'e we -/' ,/&r&nee +er 7/ 'o6ere!,ny &nd ony

re,&rd +e 1o/nry &' &n &re& 7or -&r1+!n, +ro/,+. O/r w&r &!- -/' e51/de &nne5&

!on. B/ !n 7&1 Mo?e 1on'!der' +e o''!b!!y o7 &n &,ree-en &' ,ood &' +oee''.

T+ere7ore we '+& +&6e o 7!,+ & new ene-y o7 "$<<<< -en. T+en En,&nd w! &nd

must @o!n o/r ene-!e'. I !' 6!& 7or +e En,!'+ o re6en Ger-&ny o11/y!n, +e

C+&nne 1o&'. T+& '+e +&' no !nen!on o7 do!n, 'o London w! ne6er be!e6e. A

I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL0%

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4. Operational memoranda after retirement

S1+!er71n8' -!!&ry e'&-en o7 De1e-ber "#<$ d!'&y' &n ob6!o/'

o-!''!on4 ony !n &''!n, (""" +e 7or- o7 & 7oonoe &dded &er o +e

7!n& dr&7) do1' ! -en!on +e o''!b!!y +& En,&nd -!,+ 1o-e o

+e +e o7 Fr&n1e. In +e dr&7' ! !' -en!oned ony 6ery o11&'!on&y

!n +e -&!n e5 o7 +e 7!n& 6er'!on no & &." T+!' !' 6ery odd !n

6!ew o7 & +e !n7or-&!on w+!1+ '!n1e M&y +&d been & +e d!'o'&

o7 +e Fore!,n M!n!'ry &bo/ Br!&!n8' !nen!on o 1o-e o +e &!d

o7 +er 7r!end !n 1&'e o7 &n /nro6o?ed Ger-&n &&1?. I !' e6en -ore

&'o!/'+!n, !n 6!ew o7 +e (6&'y e5&,,er&ed) re6e&!on' &bo/

&e,ed Br!!'+ ro-!'e' w+!1+ De1&''X -&de o +e Fren1+ Pre'' &7er+!' & &' Fore!,n M!n!'er :7aulois# /y !&+ Matin# O1ober 0+

"3+ "#<$). In +e'e +ere +&d been &? o7 +e Br!!'+ Fee bo1?&d!n,

Ger-&n o11/&!on on +e C+&nne wo/d er-&neny !e down Br!!'+ n&6& 7or1e'

+ere &nd +/' -&?e ! !-o''!be or En,&nd o ?ee / +er word o'!!on.

S+o/d we ,!6e / +e -&r1+ +ro/,+ Be,!/- !7 En,&nd ,/&r&nee' +er ne/r&!y

T+!' wo/d be 6ery d&n,ero/' be1&/'e ! !' /!e /n1er&!n w+e+er En,&nd wo/d ?ee

+er ro-!'e & +e '&-e !-e we wo/d &b&ndon o/r ony 1+&n1e o7 +e /!1? &nd

re'o/nd!n, '/11e'' we need 'o b&dy. T+e ren/n1!&!on o7 +e -&r1+ +ro/,+ Be,!/-

wo/d ony be o''!be !7 En,&nd wen &on, w!+ /'. B/ +!' !' o/ o7 +e /e'!on

be1&/'e En,&nd 1on'!der' Ger-&!n8 'ron,er +&n Fr&n1e !' &7r&!d o7 Ger-&n +e,e-ony &nd w&n' o re'er6e +e b&&n1e !n E/roe. En,&nd &nd Fr&n1e &re &re&dy !ed o e&1+

o+er 1o/n on & Ger-&n &d6&n1e +ro/,+ Be,!/- &nd &r1 ,o!n, o oo'e ! o,e+er.

T+e Br!!'+ e5ed!!on&ry 7or1e w! rob&by &nd & D/n?!r?. A &nd!n, !n Anwer

'ee-' o +&6e been &b&ndoned rob&by 7ro- 7e&r o7 +e Ger-&n N&6y. So Br!!'+

roo' w! &e&r !n Be,!/- oo. T+ere7ore we -/' -&?e o/r r!,+ w!n, 6ery

'ron, &nd ! !' !-o''!be o &&1? +e w+oe o7 +e Fren1+ e&'ern 7ron &' we. B/

w!+ En,!'+ &nd Be,!&n +e +e Fren1+ !nend o br!n, +e r!,+ w!n, o7 o/r &r-y o &

'&nd'! &nd o bre&? +ro/,+ +e Ger-&n 7ron !n 'ren,+ 7ro- +e d!re1!on o7

*erd/n. We -/' 1o/n on +!'. I !' no o''!be o &n beyond +e b&'!1 !de&' o7 +e

oer&!on &nd +e re&r&!on o7 +e deoy-en. B/ o/r &!- -/' be o en6eo +e

ene-y8' e7 w!n, !7 o''!be &nd o re' o/r own e7 w!n, on Me. On no &11o/n -/'

we 6!o&e +e D/1+ ro6!n1e o7 L!-b/r,. In +e e6en o7 w&r we need ne/r& Ho&nd&' & w!nd!e. B/ ! !' o7 &r&-o/n !-or&n1e o o6er1o-e +e ob'&1e o7 L!,e

&' /!1?y &' o''!be.

T+e -e-or&nd/- (&11ord!n, o +e 'e1re @o/rn&) 'ee-' o be 1onne1ed w!+ &

1o--/n!1&!on 7ro- +e M!!&ry C&b!ne !n7or-!n, +e Gener& S&77o7 oo'!!on o !'

,re& de-&nd' 7or &r-y !n1re&'e'.

" B/ 1o-&re +e &''&,e !n +e 7!n& 6er'!on &,e "30 7 beow4 T+e Ne+er&nd'

re,&rd En,&nd allied to ran!e# no e'' &' &n ene-y +&n doe' Ger-&ny. In Dr&7 II

+ere !' +e 7oow!n, &''&,e4 T+e Be,!&n' w! +re&en +e Ger-&n &&1? !n & 7&n?

o'!!on beween L!,e &nd N&-/r &nd 7ro- +!' o'!!on reinfor!ed y the ren!h or

English# +ey 1&n &d6&n1e o +e &&1?. Dr&7 III -en!on' & '!-!&r &1!on o''!by

w!+ En,!'+ '/or. A +e '&-e &1e !n * +e o''!b!!y !' &,&!n d!'1/''ed o7 &n

en6eo!n, &&1? by +e Fren1+ &nd Be,!&n' 7ro- +e Me/'e o'!!on beween N&-/r

&nd L!,e er+&' '/ored by +e En,!'+ w+o -&y +&6e &nded !n Anwer.

0#OPERATIONAL MEMORANDA AFTER

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


+e -o/+ o7 +e Ebe &nd +e &nd!n, o7 "<<<<< -en !n S1+e'w!,

Ho'e!n.: D!d S1+!e77en re7/'e o &?e +!' !e1e o7 new' (den!ed by

En,&nd) 'er!o/'y D!d +e +!n? ! o' & !-or&n1e w!+ +e 7& o7

De1&''X Or d!d +e '+&re +e de!ber&e o!-!'- o7 Ho'e!n & +e

Fore!,n M!n!'ry!nen!on&y 7o'ered by Bow+& +e Br!!'+

were !n1&&be o7 -!!&ry &1!on &,&!n' Ger-&ny &7er +e 7& o7

B&7o/r &nd +e &d6en o7 +e L!ber& Go6ern-en o7 C&-be

B&nner-&n &nd Grey

B/ ow&rd' +e end o7 "#<$ !ne!,en1e o7 Br!!'+ ro-!'e' o7

-!!&ry &''!'&n1e o Fr&n1e be1&-e 'o de7!n!e &nd re!&be +& ! w&'

no on,er o''!be o do/b +e!r 'er!o/'ne''. E6en +e K&!'er be1&-e

worr!ed.3

Per+&' +e &dd!!on o7 +e &bo6e-en!oned 7oonoe !'d/e o !n7or-&!on w+!1+ S1+!e77en re1e!6ed 7ro- +e Fore!,n

M!n!'ry !n De1e-ber (+ro/,+ Ho'e!n). A +e be,!nn!n, o7

Febr/&ry "#<0 +e Gener& S&77 re1e!6ed 7ro- +e Ger-&n -!!&ry

&&1+X !n London Co/n 6on der S1+/enb/r, & reor ,!6!n, 6ery

e5!1! !n7or-&!on &bo/ +e 'ren,+ &r-&-en 1o-o'!!on &nd

-ob!!'&!on o7 +e e5ed!!on&ry 7or1e w+!1+ Br!&!n w&' o 'end o

+e +e Fren1+ !n +e e6en o7 w&r. A +e -o-en +ere were ro/,+y

""09<< -en &6&!&be b/ +e!r n/-ber w&' o be !n1re&'ed o "$<<<<

w+!e &r-y re7or-' wo/d br!n, +e- o +e '&-e e6e o7 e77!1!en1y &' -odern Con!nen& roo'. T+e -!!&ry &&1+X w&' 1er&!n +&

+e e5ed!!on&ry 7or1e wo/d be d!'&1+ed b/ +e 1o/d ony ,/e''

& !' !nended &re& o7 e-oy-en. T+e &ro&1+ D/n?!r?C&&!'

'ee-ed /n!?ey be1&/'e ! e&d' &1ro'' r+1 Ger-&n 7ron &nd wo/d

'/! /' &d-!r&by. A &nd!n, !n /&nd wo/d be 6ery d&r!n, &nd ony

7e&'!be !7 Fr&n1e were o ro6!de &nd!n, 7or1e' o &11o-&ny +e

En,!'+. Prob&by +e 1+o!1e wo/d 7& on +e '&7e' w&y4 d!'e-

b&r?&!on & D/n?!r? 7or &n &&1? on +e Ger-&n r!,+ 7&n?.; T+!'

: C7. 7rosse Politi# (:) . 03" &'o iid.# No'. 0%;# 0%03 0%0; 0%00 0%09 0%93

et al. A'o P. K/?e $eeresaufau und $eerespoliti Englands om *urenrieg is um Welt%

rieg ("#3:) . "3# 7. I !' /!e o''!be +& De1&''X8' -/1+d!'1/''ed '&e-en w&' b&'ed

on r!6&e re-&r?' by Edw&rd *II w+o- +e 1o/d no /oe !n /b!1 &nd +& +e &er

+&d ree&ed 1on7!den!& re-&r?' by Ad-!r& S!r o+n F!'+er.

3Leer o Bow o7 De1e-ber :#+ "#<$ :7rosse Politi# (:) No. 0%%9) &nd o7

De1e-ber 3"' "#<$ !n4 Bow ,en8rdigeiten# II . "#9 7. T+e eer !' -!'rere

'ened !n B!ow8' boo? 7or +e or!,!n& word!n, 'ee . Re!-&nn rst *illo8s ,en%

8rdigeiten und die deuts!he Maroopoliti ("#3 $) . ""< 7.

7rosse Politi# I (") N<. 0#;0 An&,e d&ed &n/&ry 3"' "#<0. By 'e1!& order

& 1oy w&' 'en o +e Fore!,n M!n!'ry o,e+er w!+ & ee,r&- 7ro- Meern!1+ o7

Febr/&ry #+ +e or!,!n& o,e+er w!+ e1+n!1& en1o'/re' !' +ere7ore !?ey o +&6e been 'en o +e Gener& S&77 'o-ew+& e&r!er.

I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL<

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


&' 1orre'onded w!+ S1+!17!en8' ,/e'' -en!oned+o/,+ ony

&' & o''!b!!y!n Dr&7 * ('ee &bo6e 7oonoe Mo?1 re1e!6ed

S1+!e771n8' -e-or&nd/- & +e be,!nn!n, o7 Febr/&ry &nd I

wo/d &''/-e +& +e &'?ed +e &/+or o 1o-ee ! w!+ re,&rd

o +e Br!!'+ !ner6en!on. For +!' /ro'e +e wo/d +&6e &''ed

on +e reor 7ro- London.$ W+&e6er ! w&' S1+!e77en8' &dd!!on&

-e-or&nd/- !' b&'ed re1!'ey on +e wo o''!b!!!e' w+!1+ +e

-!!&ry &&1+e +o/,+ -o' !?ey.

One 'ee' 7ro- Te5 II beow +& +e new d&n,er 1&/'ed S1+!e771n

6ery !e worry. T+e e5ed!!on&ry 7or1e 1o/d e&'!y be '+/ /

&on, w!+ +e Be,!&n' !n Anwer. T+ey wo/d be 'e1/rey

b!eed +ere +e '&y' w!+ & o/1+ o7 +e !rony +e /'ed o '+ow !ne5er1!'e d!'1/''!on' -/1+ beer +&n on +e!r !'&nd w+ere +ey &re

& 'er!o/' +re& &nd & '&nd!n, -en&1e o +e Ger-&n'. I7 & &n e&ry

'&,e +ey '+o/d &nd !n /&nd (& E'b@er, !n Den-&r? 7or e5&-e)

+e Ger-&n &d6&n1e !no Fr&n1e w&' o be !nerr/ed &nd & 6&'y

'/er!or 7or1e 'en &,&!n' +e-. In +!' w&y +e Fren1+ wo/d be

7or1ed o 1o-e o +e &''!'&n1e o7 +e!r &!e' !.e. o ,!6e / +e 1o6er

&77orded by +e!r 7orre''e' &nd &/n1+ +e o77en'!6e !no Ger-&ny 7or

w+!1+ +e Ger-&n Gener& S&77 +&d on, been re&red4 & +!,+y

we1o-e oor/n!y o 1o-e o ,r!' &nd de7e& +e- I7 +e Br!!'+&nd!n, 1&-e &er ! wo/d be eno/,+ o 1on7ron ! w!+ /!1?y

r&!'ed re'er6e' &nd 1r/'+ +e En,!'+ !n6&der'. B/ &7er Ger-&ny8'

!n!!& '/11e''e' !n Fr&n1e +e En,!'+ were /n!?ey o r!'? & &nd!n,

& &. Under no 1!r1/-'&n1e' w&' & '!n,e d!6!'!on o be w!++ed

7ro- +e ,re& We'ern o77en'!6e on +e!r &11o/n.

I !' 1e&r +& S1+!e771n +&d !e re'e1 7or +e 7!,+!n, ower o7

Br!!'+ !n7&nry&' !e &' +&d +e London -!!&ry &&1+e w+o w&'

&1/&y oo?!n, 7orw&rd o ,!6!n, +e- & re1e!on +ey w!

re-e-ber 7or 1en/r!e'. B/ !' ! no 'r&n,e +& !n +!' w+oe &n+ere !' no +o/,+ o7 +e Br!!'+ N&6y &nd +e d&n,er o7 & 'e& bo1?

&de Tr/e S1+!e771n 1o/ned on & /!1? o& 6!1ory !n w+!1+ 1&'e

(+e +o/,+) +e d&n,er o7 & bo1?&de w 9&' /n!-or&n. (T+!' !'

!n 1onr&' o +e 6!ew o7 +e A-b&''&dor !n London Co/n

Meern!1+ w+o ro+e'!ed +& w&r wo/d -e&n +e de'r/1!on o7

Ger-&n -&r!!-e r&de &nd & reene'' bo1?&de /n! Ger-&ny '

$ In Mein milit4ris!her Werdegang ("#33) . ":0 L/dendor77 e' +ow worr!ed Mo?e

w&' &bo/ &n En,!'+ &nd!n, & E'b@er, be1&/'e o7 +e d&n,er o7 de'r/1!on o +e K!eC&n& d&-&,e o +e n&6& !n'&&!on' !n K!e &nd +e +re& o H&-b/r, &nd Lbe1?.

9"OPERATIONAL MEMORANDA AFTER

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'/b-!''!on.) B/ S1+!e771n +&d no +e e&' /'e 7or +e Ger-&n N&6y

e!+er +o/,+ !' de6eo-en re&1+ed & new &nd de1!'!6e '&,e !n

"#<0. I w&' o be /'ed ne!+er &' &n o77en'!6e we&on o '/or +e

We'ern 7ron nor !n +e B&!1 w+ere !' '/er!or!y w&' &re&dy

/n/e'!oned &nd w+ere one -!,+ +&6e +o/,+ !' &'? w&' o 'e1/re

'e& &ne' &nd en&be +e Ger-&n Ar-y o oer&e !n +e B&!1 1o&'&

ro6!n1e'er+&' e6en o 7or1e R/''!&n +&rbo/r'. B/ +e N&6y

w&' no +e ro6!n1e o7 +e C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 (er+&' ! w&'

e6en beyond +!' -!!&ry +or!on) &nd &' +e e'!-&ed +e d&n,er

7ro- En,&nd 'o !,+y +e '&w no re&'on o /er & word o7 w&rn!n,

&,&!n' +e e5r&6&,&n o!1y o7 +e N&6& Bo&rd &nd !' !--!nen

o!!1& 1on'e/en1e' &+o/,+ &' we ?now +e w&' r!6&ey oo'edo ! &' +e -o' d!77!1/ ob'&1e !n +e w&y o7 b/!d!n, / &r-y

'ren,+.

A -&n 'o 7!ed w!+ !ree'' e& &nd 1on6!n1ed o7 +e ,re& re'on

'!b!!y o7 +e Gener& S&77 1o/d no e&r +!-'e7 &w&y 7ro- ! &

w+en +e re!red 7ro- &1!6e 'er6!1e. In +!' 'e6en!e' S1+!e77en /rned

o -!!&ry wr!!n, o +e e1+n!1& &nd 'r&e,!1& '/d!e' w+!1+ 7!

wo +&nd'o-e 6o/-e' o7 +!' a!hlass. In +!' w&y +e r!ed o ro&

,&e +!' !de&' er-&neny &-on, +e Ger-&n o77!1er 1or' &nd'/11e''7/y eno/,+ 7or +e +&d & 7/en en. He wroe 1on1!'ey &nd

ren1+&ny. In o/&r &r!1e' !?e +e 'oon7&-o/' e''&y ,er =rieg in

der 7egen8art# w+!1+ &e&red !n &n/&ry "#<# !n +e ,euts!he /eue#

+e '+owed e6en br!!&n1e &nd ower. H!' 'ye w&' borrowed rob

&by /!e 1on'1!o/'y 7ro- Mo?e w!+o/ +owe6er re&1+!n, +e

,re& -&'er8' r!1+ne'' &nd '/bey o7 !de&'. Je w+en +!' 1oe1ed

wr!!n,' &e&red '+ory &7er +!' de&+ !n "#"3 +ey were re&d by

yo/n,er -e-ber' o7 +e o77!1er 1or' w!+ /nd!6!ded &d-!r&!on &'

+e e,&1y o7 one w+o w&' &re&dy +o/,+ o7 &' +e ,r&nd od

-&n o7 +e Gener& S&77.

T+e 1ore w&' +e e&bor&e Cannae "tudien# &re&dy -en!oned. I

w&' +e od -&n8' r&,edy +& +e 1o/d no on,er de6eo +!' b&'!1

!de& b/ ony ro@e1 ! w!+ e6er !n1re&'!n, one'!dedne'' &nd r!,!d!y.

T+!' be1o-e' 1e&r&-o' &+e!1&y 'o7ro- +e &' wo 1&-

&!,n &n' 7o/nd !n +!' &er'4 +e -e-or&nd/- on & w&r w!+

Fr&n1e &nd R/''!& d&ed De1e-ber :%+ "#": (Te5 I*) &nd +!'

oer&!on& &n 7or Red (Fr&n1e) o7 "#"" (Te5 *I).T+e &n o7 "#"" (Te5 *I) !' w!+o/ r&1!1& '!,n!7!1&n1e '!n1e !

I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN's OPERATIONAL :

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w&' & 1&'/& wor? on +e o11&'!on o7 & '&77 r!de !n w+!1+ S1+!e77en

+!-'e7 oo? no &r. A +e '&-e ! !' +!,+y 1+&r&1er!'!1 o7 +!'

'r&e,!1& +!n?!n, !n &er ye&r' +& now +e 1o/d no en6!'&,e e6en

Fren1+ 'r&e,y e51e !n +e 7or- o7 & do/be en6eo-en on &

:$<?!o-ere 7ron w!+ re!n7or1ed w!n,' &nd & deeed 1enre.

T+e -o' '/rr!'!n, 7e&/re o7 +!' roo'& !' !' 1o-ee d!'re,&rd

7or !nern&!on& &w. On +e 7!' word o7 -ob!!'&!on be7ore +e

de1&r&!on o7 w&r +e Fren1+ r!,+ w!n, !' o &d6&n1e &1ro'' +e

/er R+!ne w+!e +e Be,!&n' &nd e6en +e D/1+ &re o be /'ed

&' &/5!!&r!e' on +e e7. B/ '!n1e '!-e de7en1e !' no eno/,+ &nd

+e ene-y -/' be &nn!+!&ed & & 1o'' +e Fren1+ no e'' +&n

+e Ger-&n' +&6e no 1+o!1e (&nd +!' !' &,&!n 're''ed by 6on H&+n?e8'

1o--en') b/ o '&,e & !oup '! main &,&!n' +e!r ne/r& ne!,+bo/r'.0

By 1one-or&ry '&nd&rd' +e en6eo-en +ere roo'ed w&'

,!,&n!1. B/ beween "#<$ &nd "#": +e 'r&e,!1& &n 7or +e

Ger-&n' oo be1&-e -ore &nd -ore ,!,&n!1. In +e 1o/r'e o7 +e

Moro11o 1r!'e' o7 "#<$0 &nd "#"" ! be1&-e 1e&r +& !n w&r one

wo/d +&6e o 1o/n on '!r!ed re'!'&n1e by +e Be,!&n' &' we &'

!ner6en!on by & '/b'&n!& Br!!'+ e5ed!!on&ry 7or1e. S1+!e77en8'

7e&r &re&dy e5re''ed !n "#<$ +& +e ene-y -!,+ re6en &

Ger-&n &d6&n1e &1ro'' +e M1/'e beween L!e,e &nd N&-/r or !n

+e &re& beween N&-/r &nd Anwer !n1re&'ed '! 7/r+er. Be,!/- w&' now re,&rded &' +e 1er&!n &y o7 Fr&n1e &nd +er &r-y &' +e

o77en'!6e 7&n? o7 +e Fren1+ &r-y. Nor d!d S1+!e77en 1o/n &ny

on,er on bene6oen !n&1!on by Ho&nd. He 'e&?' o7 +e &er &'

deenden on En,&nd8' ,oodw! be1&/'e o7 +er 1oon!e'. S+e +&'

&re&dy -&de re&r&!on' &,&!n' +e Ger-&n' o/7&n?!n, +e 7or' o7

L!e,e &nd w! de7end +e M1/'e !ne & e&' & M&&'r!1+. T+e Fren1+

1o--&nd -e&nw+!e +&' be1o-e -/1+ -ore &,,re''!6e. S1+!e77en

&''/-e' +e Fren1+ w! no +e'!&e o -&r1+ !no Be,!/- rob&by

&11o-&n!ed by & Br!!'+ e5ed!!on&ry 7or1e o bo1? +e Me/'e

1ro''!n,' beween G!6e &nd L!e,e. He 1&nno +&6e been &1/&!ned

w!+ +e ,re& &n 7or &n o77en'!6e '/b-!ed o +e Fren1+ W&r

Co/n1! by Gener& M!1+e & +e be,!nn!n, o7 "#"" &r!1/&ry &'

! w&' no &11eed. B/ +e Fren1+ 1o/ner-o6e o +e Ger-&n

!n6&'!on o7 Be,!/- &''/-ed !n +!' &' -e-or&nd/- o7 De1e-ber

"#": 1orre'ond' 7&!ry 1o'ey w!+ M!1+e8' '/,,e'!on'. So S1+!e77en

0 In 7raf "!hlieffen und der Weltrieg# p. 99 77. Foer'er rerod/1e' +e &n &-o' !n !'

en!reyw!+ &d-!r&!on &nd &ro6&.

93OPERATIONAL MEMORANDA AFTER

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1on'r/1ed Ir!' new &n <"" +e &''/-!on o7 +e -o' d!'&d6&n&,eo/'

1ond!!on' on Ger-&ny8' we'ern 7ron.

He 1o-eey d!'re,&rded o!dy one 7&14 +& R/''!& +&d -e&nw+!e

re1o6ered 7ro- +er &&1? o7 we&?ne'' &nd b/! / &n enor-o/' &r-y

6&'y '/er!or !n n/-ber' o +e A/'r!&n'. T+!' !' +e -ore &'on!'+!n,'!n1e +e B&?&n 1r!'e' o7 "#<%# &nd "#": +&d '+own +e w+oe word

7ro- w+!1+ /&rer o7 E/roe +e ne5 ,re& d&n,er o w&r w&'

+re&en!n,!.e. +e R/''!&nA/'roH/n,&r!&n 1on7!1 o6er +e

B&?&n' /e'!on. Be1&/'e o7 +!' Ger-&ny8' &y wo/d be ob!,ed

o e-oy & e&' &r o7 +er 7or1e' &,&!n' Serb!& +/' e'&b!'+!n,

R/''!&n '/er!or!y e6en -ore. How -/1+ ,re&er w&' +e d&n,er o

Ger-&ny o7 & wo7ron w&r &' & re'/ o7 & +!' B/ S1+!e77en doe'

no -en!on !. W!+ '&,,er!n, one'!d1dn1'' +e o1o,en&r!&n ?ee'

+!' 'ebo/nd ,&e on +e We'ern 7ron. W+& !' +!' re&1!on o +e '!/&!on w+!1+ +&d de6eoed +ere

No & +!n o7 de7en1e &n' b/ '1+e-e' o7 &&1? ,row!n, -ore &nd

-ore d&r!n,. Now +e &&1? !' o be &/n1+ed &on, +e w+oe 7ron

'!-/&neo/'y !n order o 7ore'& & Fren1+ o77en'!6e &nd & +!'

w!+o/ -&!n&!n!n, &r,e re'er6e'7or +e '&?e o7 '!-!1!y &' +e

/' ! &nd o ,&!n d!e !n!!&!6e one'e7. T+e ob6!o/' /e'!on■

w+e+er one o/,+ no o 1o/n on 1er&!n /nred!1&be o!n' be!n,

+ed by +e ene-y !n -/1+ '/er!or 'ren,+ &,&!n' w+!1+ one wo/d

need re'er6e' /r,eny!' no e6en &'?ed. T+!' !' +e -ore '/rr!'!n,&' +e &&1?!n, 7ron +&' now been 'o 7&r e5ended &' o be 1&&be o7

o/7&n?!n, Fr&n1e8' Be,!&n o77en'!6e 7&n? &nd !' D/1+ 1on

!n/&!on. T+e 7ron o7 +e &&1? !' o re&1+ 7ro- Be7or o

N!@-e,en. In order o 7or1e +e 1ro''!n, o7 +e Me/'1 beow L!e,e

&,&!n' D/1+ re'!'&n1e +e w+oe o7 +e ower Me/'e &' 7&r &' +e

W&& !' o be 1ro''ed by 'e6er& &&1?!n, 1o/-n' o,e+er !n e5

e1&!on o7 +e D/1+ Ar-y no be!n, &be o de7end & +e 1ro''!n,

o!n'. B/ +ere !' &'o +e 1+&n1e o7 & Br!!'+ &nd!n, !n Fo&nd. To

1o6er +e r!,+ 7&n? &,&!n' +!' &nd &,&!n' +e D/1+ Ar-y wo

d!6!'!on' &r1 o &d6&n1e we'w&rd' nor+ &nd 'o/+ o7 +e W&& +e

nor+ern d!6!'!on &' 7&r &' +e w&er!ne N&&rdenUre1+Gor!n1+e-

+e 'o/+ern &' 7&r &' +e de& o7 +e S1+ed Me/'e &nd W&& 'o/+

o7 Roerd&-. Corre'ond!n, o +!' w!de'wee!n, -o6e-en o7 +e

7&r r!,+ `` !n, +e &d6&n1e o7 +e -&!n &r-y &,&!n' Fr&n1e !' o be

d!re1ed 7&r+er we' +&n !n "#<$. No on,er w! ! 7oow +e

d!re1!on Br/''e'L!e b/ !n'e&d ,o 6!& G+en o S. O-er &nd

I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN's OPERATIONAL

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Abbe6!e !.e. 1o'e o +e 'e& w!+ &n e1+eoned 1o6er!n, 1or' o

+e r!,+ w+!1+ w! 7oow +e 1o&'!ne ro- D/n?!r? o Gr&6e!ne'

C&&!' &nd Bo/o,ne.

T+!' rere'ened +e 7/ de6eo-en o7 +e oder &n4 +e

en6eo!n, -o6e-en o7 +e r!,+ w+!, w&' now o 'w!n, o/ 7&r beyond P&r!' / o +e 1o&'. To deoy +e ne1e''&ry 7or1e' +e

oer&!on wo/d !n6o6e no -erey +e 'o/+ern 1orner o7 Ho&nd &

M&&'r!1+ (&' !n "#<$) b/ r&1!1&y +e w+oe 1o/nry. T+e Ger-&n

Ar-y w&' o o/r +ro/,+ +e w+oe re,!on o7 +e ower R+!ne &nd

!' de& 7ood!n, Nor+ern Fr&n1e !?e & 'r!n, !de. B/ -ore +&n

+& ! w&' '!-/&neo/'y o &&1? +e w+oe Fren1+ e&'ern 7ron

7ro- Be7or o *erd/n&n enerr!'e w+o'e ro'e1' S1+!e77en now

'ee-ed o re,&rd &' -ore ro-!'!n, +&n be7ore. B/ wo/d +e

Ger-&n Ar-y +&6e eno/,+ roo' o 1&rry +ro/,+ +e w+oe o7 +!'enor-o/'y en&r,ed o77en'!6e T+& !' +e /e'!on S1++e77en &'?'

+!-'e7. He +!n?' +e 1&n 'o6e ! &ry by reor,&n!'!n, +e &r-y. He

'/,,e'' d!'b&nd!n, +e od 1or' o7 +e !ne &nd /!n, w!1e +e

n/-ber o7 d!6!'!on' !n +e!r &1e. T+e'e 1o/d be 'ren,+ened by

-!5!n, A1!6e w!+ Re'er6e roo' !n '/1+ &w&y +& +e!r -&nower

wo/d be &-o' e/& o +& o7 +e od 1or' o7 "%9< b/ w!+ ,re&y

!n1re&'ed 7!reower. F/r+er-ore +ey wo/d +&6e +e &d6&n&,e o7

+e '+orer 1o/-n'o7-&r1+ &nd beer e/!-en o7 +e 7or-er

Re'er6e d!6!'!on' w!+ &r!ery. T+!' w&' & 6ery -odern '/,,e'!on 7or!-ro6e-en w+o'e b&'!1 !de& w&' / !no r&1!1e d/r!n, +e w&r.

B/ ! 1o/d no o7 1o/r'e &1+!e6e &n !n1re&'e !n +e o6er& n/-ber

o7 roo'. And w!+ +e ree!!on o7 +e de-&nd &re&dy -&de !n

"#<$ +& +e 6aud8elir# Ersat roo' &nd -ob!!'ed 6andsturm '+o/d

7oow +e &r-y !no +e 7!ed & +e 7!r' oor/n!y one8' do/b'

&re re&w&?ened 7or '/1+ & '/,,e'!on ob6!o/'y re'/o'e' ony &

6ery '+or w&r w!+o/ 'eb&1?' o+erw!'e ! 1o/d +&rdy be @/'!7!ed.

T+e e5en o7 S1+!e77e!!8' /n1er&!ny &' o w+e+er +ere wo/d re&y

be eno/,+ roo' o !n/nd&e &nd o11/y 'o -&ny &re&' &nd o !n6e'

'o -&ny 7or!7!ed o'!!on' !' '+own by b!' '/,,e'!on +& +e Ger-&n'

'+o/d re'or o error -e&'/re' !7 ne1e''&ry. In +!' -e-or&nd/- o7

"#<$ +e e5re''ed +e +oe +& Be,!/- -!,+ d!'1o6er 'o-e

&d6&n&,e !n +&nd!n, o6er +er 7orre''e' 6o/n&r!y &nd re7r&!n!n,

7ro- +o'!!!e' (Te5 I . ";0). Now +e '!-y &d6o1&e' ,!6!n, +e

Be,!&n Go6ern-en +e 1+o!1e o7 & bo-b&rd-en o7 !' 7or!7!ed

own' &r!1/&ry L!e,e &' we &' & 1on'!der&be e6yor o7 +&nd!n,

9$OPERATIONAL MEMORANDA AFTER

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


o6er & 7orre''e' r&!w&y' &nd roo'. To be &be o 1&rry o/ +e

bo-b&rd-en !7 ne1e''&ry &nd &'o o 7or1e Fren1+ own' !?e L!e

or N&n1y o 1&!/&e /!1?y +e +e&6y &r!ery !' o be '/!&by

e/!ed.

B/ +ere w&' &no+er o''!be e-er,en1y !n w+!1+ +e +e&6y &r!ery -!,+ +&6e o +e. A' +!' -e-or&nd/- o7 Febr/&ry "#<0

'+ow' S1++e77en +&d 7or-ery ener&!ned & 6ery ow o!n!on o7 +e

7!,+!n, ower o7 +e Br!!'+ e5ed!!on&ry 7or1e. In +e -e&n!-e

+!' +&d been 1on'!der&by !-ro6ed by H&d&ne8' &r-y re7or-'&

de6eo-en w+!1+ 'ee-' o +&6e e7 +e od M&r'+& no /n!-re''ed.

A &ny r&e +e w&' now 6ery 'er!o/'y 1on1erned w!+ +e d&n,er

+& +e -&r1+ +ro/,+ Be,!/- -!,+ en1o/ner 'e6ere +!ndr&n1e

7ro- a /n!ed An,oBe,!&n &r-y. I -!,+ +en be1o-e ne1e''&ry

(+e +!n?') o 7or1e & bre&?+ro/,+ w!+ +e +e o7 -&''ed +e&6y &r!ery & 'o-e '/!&be o!n& +r&'e w+!1+ 1o!n!n, 7ro- +!- !'

'/rr!'!n,.9

T+e oer&!on& &n o7 "#": re-&!ned w!+o/ r&1!1& e77e1

&+o/,+ M&@or 6on H&+n?e +&nded ! o Mo?e +e C+!e7 o7 +e

Gener& S&77 &' & ?!nd o7 be/e' 7ro- +e ne&ry o1o,en&r!&n

&/+or (w+o d!ed &-o' !--ed!&ey &7er 1o-e!n, !). Mo?e8'

re@e1!on !' /nder'&nd&be. T+!' new &n &dded o +e d&r!n, o7 +e

e&r!er ro@e1 &bo6e & ! !n1re&'ed +e br/&!y o7 +e &1!on &,&!n'

+e D/1+ w+o- +e yo/n,er Mo?e w&ned o e&6e 1o-eey &one &' we ?now 7ro- 6&r!o/' re-&r?' o7 +!'. B/ S1++e771n8' &n

+&d &n e6en ,re&er we&?ne'' w+!1+ w&' 7!n&y de1!'!6e4 +e !nended

o ?ee no re'er6e o7 roo' &,&!n' R/''!& !n +e +oe +& Ger-&n

6!1or!e' !n Fr&n1e wo/d deer +e R/''!&n' 7ro- ener!n, +e w&r

&o,e+er &nd +!' & & !-e w+en ! w&' /!e 1er&!n +& R/''!&

&nd no Fr&n1e wo/d '&r +e &6&&n1+e +e d&y one o7 +e B&?&n

/&rre' ed o &r-ed 1on7!1 beween +e Gre& Power'. Mo?e &

on1e re1o,n!'ed &' +!' -&r,!n& noe (Te5 I* . "9:) '+ow' +ow

!-o''!be w&' S1+!177en8' &n&o,y w!+ +e ye&r' "%00 &nd "%9<

w+en !n one 1&'e Fr&n1e &nd !n +e o+er R/''!& +&d '& on +e 7en1e.

B/ ! !' odd +e '+o/d +&6e +o/,+ +& R/''!& -!,+ '&y ne/r&

!n +e e6en o7 Fr&n1e &nd Ger-&ny 1o-!n, !no 1on7!1 w!+ e&1+

8 Fo1r'er8' rerod/1!on o7 +e -e-or&nd/- o7 "#": K7raf "!hheffen und der Weltrieg#

. ;" 77.) ,!6e' +e !-re''!on +& +e !de& o7 & bre&?+ro/,+ w&' +e 1ore o7 +e new

&n. T+e o77en'!6e +ro/,+ Ho&nd !' '/re''ed (7or +e o!!1& re&'on -en!oned

e&r!er).

0I. THE DE*ELOPMENT OF SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


o+er w!+o/ +e !ner6en!on o7 A/'r!&. T+e M!!&ry Con6en!on

o7 "%#: o7 w+!1+ Mo?e 'ee-' o +&6e +&d ony & +&y !de& '!/&ed

/!e +e oo'!e.%

We +&6e &re&dy d!'1/''ed +e 'r&n,e o!!1&+!'or!1& !de&' be+!nd

S1+!e771n8' '/,,e'!on +& A/'r!& '+o/d be e7 !n!!&y o +er own

de6!1e' ?now!n, +& +er 7&e wo/d be de1!ded no on +e B/, b/

on +e Se!ne. I w&' +e '&-e 1on6!1!on w+!1+ -&de +!- e&6e +e

Ger-&n e&' oen o & R/''!&n !n6&'!on &nd &,&!n ! w&' b&'ed on &

7&'e &n&o,y. Freder!1? +e Gre& +e wr!e' w&' /!-&ey o7 +e

o!n!on +& ! w&' beer o '&1r!7!1e & ro6!n1e +&n o '! / +e

&r-y w!+ w+!1+ one 'ee?' &nd -/' &1+!e6e 6!1ory. A' !7 +e

1ond/1 o7 w&r &nd +e 1&b!ne o!!1' o7 +& !-e 1o/d be 1o-&red

w!+ +o'e o7 od&yf-!!&r!y e1ono-!1&y or o!!1&y

B/ +!' d/b!o/' 'enen1e 1on7!r-' on1e -ore +& +e S1+!e77enP&n o7 "#<$ w&' b&'ed on 'r&e,!1 r!n1!e' w+!1+ +&d on,

+&rdened !no r!,!d do1r!ne !n +e -!nd o7 !' &/+or.

% Ar!1e " 4 S! & Fr&n1e e' &&/Xe &r 8Ae-&,ne og &r 8I&!e 'o/en/e &r

8Ae-&,ne & R/''!e e-o!er& o/e' 'e' 7or1e' d!'on!be' o/r &&/er 8Ae-&,ne.

Ar!1e 34 Le' 7or1e' d!'on!be' /! do!6enr Zre e-oyXe' 1onre 8Ae-&,ne . . .

'8en,&,eron [ 7ond e en o/e d!!,en1e de -&n!re /e 8Ae-&,ne &! [ /er [ &

7o!' [ 8E' e [ 8O/e'. ,o!uments ,ipl. ran!# 'Xr!e I 6o. I N<. ;;; e ;0< &nne5e.

OPERATIONAL MEMORANDA AFTER 99

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


IL THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF

THE SCHLIEFFEN PLAN

i. The breach of neutrality

OUR e5&-!n&!on o7 S1+!e77en8' 6&r!o/' &n' +&' '+own +&

+e !de& o7 -&r1+!n, +ro/,+ L/5e-bo/r, &nd Be,!/- !n

order o en6eo +e Fren1+ !ne o7 7orre''e' on +e Mo'ee

&nd Me/'e o11/!ed +!- 7ro- +!' 7!r' wee?' &' C+!e7 o7 +e Gener&

S&77 ('ee &bo6e &,e :3). T+e !de& oo? 7/r+er '+&e !n "%#9. A

Ger-&n o77en'!6e w+!1+ 'o/,+ o w+ee ro/nd *erd/n +e '&!d -/'

no '+r!n? 7ro- 6!o&!n, +e ne/r&!y o7 Be,!/- &' we &' o7

L/5e-bo/r,. (See &bo6e &,e ;".) T+e re&'on w&' /rey 'r&e,!1&

!.e. +e n&rrow 7!ed 7or oer&!on' beween +e *o',e' &nd +e Fr&n1o

Be,!&n 7ron!er. In +e ne5 -e-or&nd/- (&bo/ "%##) & 'e1ond

re7e1!on w&' &dded+& er+&' +e ene-y -!,+ &&1? by -&r1+

!n, +!' e7 w+!, +ro/,+ Be,!/- &nd L/5e-bo/r,. B/ e6en !7 +e

d!d no &n en6eo-en o7 +!' e7 w!n, +ro/,+ L/5e-bo/r, &nder+&' Be,!/- &'o ro-!'ed +e ,re&e' 1+&n1e o7 '/11e'' 7or +e

Ger-&n &&1? ('ee &bo6e . ;:). Bo+ +e'e &r,/-en' were now /'ed

&,&!n &nd &,&!n b/ &7er "#<$ !n & '+&rer 6e!n4 I7 b!ndy r/'!n,

+! +e '&n1!y o7 ne/r&!y we were o &&1? &on, +e w+oe 7ron

Be7orMon-edy +e wr!e' !n Dr&7 III & r&1!1& &nd /n

'1r//o/' ene-y wo/d 'oon e77e1!6ey en6eo o/r r!,+ 7&n?

+ro/,+ Be,!/- &nd L/5e-bo/r,. Be,!&n 1o/ner-e&'/re' wo/d

be oo we&? or oo &e o be e77e1!6e. In & w&r o7 &,,re''!on

&,&!n' Fr&n1e +e &w' o7 'e7de7en1e wo/d -&?e ! !-o''!be 7orGer-&ny o re'e1 L/5e-bo/r, &nd Be,!&n ne/r&!y. T+e

Fren1+ &re now &' 1on6!n1ed o7 +!' &' we." Ony !n +e -e-or&nd/-

o7 "#": doe' +e 'ee? & o!!1& @/'!7!1&!on4 T+!' 1o/nry (Be,!/-) !'

re,&rded &' ne/r& b/ !n 7&1 ! !' no. More +&n +!ry ye&r' &,o

! -&de L!e,e &nd N&-/r !no 'ron, 7orre''e' o re6en Ger-&ny

7ro- !n6&d!n, !' err!ory b/ ow&rd' Fr&n1e ! e7 !' 7ron!er'

" S!-!&ry Dr&7 I*. D&n,er o7 +e Fren1+ -&r1+!n, +ro/,+ Be,!/- &re&dy !n I.

L&w o7 'e7de7en1e &'o !n II.

9%

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


oen.: T+!' +o/,+ !' '! &b'en 7ro- +e dr&7' o7 "#<$. S1+!e77en

-/' +&6e !1?ed ! / 7ro- +e Ger-&n Pre'' w+!1+ d/r!n, +e

'e1ond Moro11o 1r!'!' !n "#"" be1&-e 'o-ew+& e51!ed o6er

r/-o/r' o7 Fr&n1oBe,!&n &nd An,oBe,!&n &,ree-en'. B/

1er&!ny ! w&' no o!!1& b/ -!!&ry re&'on' w+!1+ or!,!n&y ,&6e

+!- +e !de& o7 6!o&!n, ne/r&!y. He doe' no 'ee- o +&6e worr!ed

/nd/y &bo/ +e ,r&6e o!!1& 1on'e/en1e' 1er&!ny e'' 'o +&n

&bo/ +e -!!&ry e77e1+e o''!b!!y o7 en&1!o/' Be,!&n re'!'&n1e.

He 'ee-' & !e -ore d!'/!eened by +e ne1e''!y o7 6!o&!n,

D/1+ ne/r&!y 7or +e '&?e o7 & /!1? &d6&n1e on & w!de 7ron.

Be1&/'e o7 +e n&rrow 7!ed o7 &d6&n1e !n Be,!/- +e wr!e' !n +e

7!r' dr&7 ('ee Aend!5 ") ! !' ne1e''&ry o 6!o&e +e ne/r&!y

no ony o7 Be,!/- b/ &'o o7 +e Ne+er&nd'. B/ &' on, &' noo+er e5ed!en 1&n be 7o/nd one +&' o -&?e +e be' o7 +e'e

d!77!1/!e'. Dr&7 II ree&' +!' 'enen1e b/ 1ro''e' o/ &' on, &'

no o+er e5ed!en 1&n be 7o/nd &nd &dd' +e (6ery !-or&n)

7oonoe4 D!'1/''ed w!+ +e C+&n1eor. A & &er o!n +ere !'

+e 'r&n,e 'enen1e re&!ned !n +e 7!n& 7or- (&nd re1e!6ed by Mo?e

w!+ & '1e!1& noe !n +e -&r,!n)4 T+e Ne+er&nd' re,&rd En,&nd

&!ed o Fr&n1e no e'' &' &n ene-y +&n doe' Ger-&ny. I w! be

o''!be o 1o-e o &n &,ree-en w!+ +e-.3 S1+!e77en 'oon

d!6e'ed +!-'e7 o7 +!' !/'!on 7or !n "#": +e w&' 1on6!n1ed o7 +eoo'!e+& Ho&nd w&' 1o-eey deenden on En,&nd.

How &bo/ +!' 7e&r +& +e Fren1+ -!,+ en6eo +e Ger-&n

o'!!on !n Lorr&!ne by -&r1+!n, e7 +ro/,+ L/5e-bo/r, &nd

Be,!/- T+!' 7e&r w&' o be e5re''ed !-e &nd &,&!n !n '/b'e/en

Ger-&n -!!&ry !er&/re 'o-e!-e' by o!n!n, o +e ,re& d&n,er'

en&!ed 7or +e R/+r. W&' ! @/'!7!ed

We ?now +& +e !de& o7 7or1!by r&!'!n, +e Be,!&n 7ron!er

b&rr!er' &yed & ,re& &r & +e +e!,+ o7 +e Fren1+ 'r/,,e 7or

+e,e-ony /nder N&oeon III. A7er +!' 7& +ere 1o/d be no +o/,+

o7 & Fren1+ o77en'!6e 7or -&ny de1&de'. B/ w+en Fren1+ 1+&/6!n!'-

7&red / &,&!n /nder Bo/&n,er !n "%%9 &nd +ere 'ee-ed o be &n

!--ed!&e +re& o7 & Fr&n1oGer-&n w&r E/roe&n /b!1 o!n!on

w&' no & & 1er&!n +& Be,!&n ne/r&!y wo/d be re'e1ed by

1!+er be!,eren '!n1e bo+ +&d 'e1/red +e!r o'!!on' on +e Lorr&!ne

: See . "93 beow '!-!&ry4 &n o7 "#"" Te5 *I.

3 A11ord!n, o & 'ory +en 1/rren !n +e Gener& S&77 +!' w&' b&'ed on 1er&!n

&n!Br!!'+ re-&r?' !n D/1+ -!!&ry 1!r1e'.

THE BREACH OF 9#

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


8/17/2019 Ritter 1


7ro- +e 'o/+. I !n1!den&y &ny+!n, 1o/d '/r En,&nd !no

&1!on ! wo/d be +e o11/&!on o7 Be,!/- by +e Fren1+ Ar-y.

For & +e'e re&'on' +e w+oe enerr!'e 'ee-' +!,+y /n!?ey.$

T+!' 7!ed !n w!+ +e de1&r&!on B!'-&r1? +&d 1&/'ed o be

/b!'+ed !n +e 'e-!o77!1!& Post@ +e Br!!'+ re7e1!on' were no ony re-&/re b/ &'o ,ro/nde''. Ger-&ny wo/d ne6er oen & w&r w!+

+e 6!o&!on o7 & E/roe&n re&y. I7 one '/o'ed +& +e Ger-&n

Gener& S&77 w&' bo/nd o 1one-&e & bre&?+ro/,+ +& Be,!/- !

+&d o be o!ned o/ +& +!' 7&r 7ro- e5+&/'ed +e !n,en/!y o7

+e Ger-&n Gener& S&77. I w&' 7/r+er-ore &n error o '/o'e +&

+e 1ond/1 o7 Ger-&n o!1y w&' '/b@e1 o +e 6!ew' o7 +e Gener&

S&77.0

B!'-&r1? +en re'o/ey re7/'ed o oen & w&r w!+ & 6!o&!on o7

!nern&!on& &w e6en !7 Br!!'+ /b!1 o!n!on were re&red o

re1on1!e !'e7 o +!'. Mo?e +o/,+ & Fren1+ en6eo!n, -&r1+

+ro/,+ Be,!/- w&' &' /n!?ey &' ! w&' +&r-e'' &nd ne6er e6en

1on'!dered +e o''!b!!y o7 & Ger-&n &d6&n1e !n +e oo'!e

d!re1!on. T+!' !n '!e o7 +e 7&1 +& E/roe&n -!!&ry !er&/re

+&d on, been d!'1/''!n, ! +& !n "%%: +e Fren1+ Gener& Sere

de R!6!ere' +&d de1&red &n !n6&'!on +ro/,+ Be,!/- o be +e

n&/r& !ne o7 &d6&n1e 7ro- +e Ger-&n '&ndo!n &nd +& +e

Fren1+ Gener& S&77 +&d '!n1e ordered 1er&!n 1o/ner-e&'/re' '/1+&' 7or!7!1&!on' on +e!r nor+ern 7ron 7ro- H!r'on o D/n?!r?.9 Nor

w&' +ere !n +e 8n!ne!e' &ny &1? o7 Fren1+ -!!&ry &/+or' w+o

-&de !,+ o7 Be,!&n ne/r&!y '&y!n, ! '+o/d no be re,&rded &' &

'er!o/' ob'&1e o +e ,re& Fr&n1oGer-&n d/e.% Gr&d/&y !

be1&-e & 1o--on&1e o7 E/roe&n -!!&ry !er&/re +& Be,!/-

o77ered +e n&/r& -e&n' o7 &''&,e 7or '/1+ & d/e &nd +e Br!!'+

Gener& S&77 'ee-' o +&6e &?en +e -o' -&ero77&1 6!ew o7 &.

Gener& Rober'on re1ord' +& +e d!'1/''ed w!+ +!' Go6ern-en

&' e&ry &' "#<: w+& w&' o +&en !n +e e6en o7 +e Ger-&n' 7ee!n,ob!,ed o -&r1+ +ro/,+ Be,!/- !n +e!r &&1? on Fr&n1e. S&!'b/ry

re7/'ed &' +e +&d done !n "%%9 o 1o--! +e Br!!'+ &!/de !n

&d6&n1e. T+ree ye&r' &er & 1on7eren1e o7 +e Br!!'+ Gener& S&77

& C&-b1rey d!'1/''ed +e robe-' o7 & Fr&n1oGer-&n w&r. A w&r

$ Gr&7 Mo?e D!e deuts!hen 'ufmars!hplrine 1"<1 is li2o# ed. S1+-er7ed "#:# . ":$.0 S1+wer7e,er iid.# . "":. 8 W. Foer'er 7!danen8erstatt# . "<0 7. C7. +e &11o/n o7 +e Be,!&n C+!e7 o7 S&77 D/1&rn1 !n "#<<4 S1+wer7e,er iid..

. 0; 7

THE BREACH OF NEUTRALITJ %

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


,&-e w&' ordered w+!1+ re'/o'ed & Ger-&n -&r1+ +ro/,+

Be,!/- (on & 6ery &r,e '1&e). T+!' +&ened !n &n/&ry "#<$ !.e.

be7ore +e o/bre&? o7 +e Moro11o 1r!'!' &nd on, be7ore +e wor?!n,

o/ o7 +e ,re& S1+!e77en P&n do/be'' w!+o/ de&!ed ?nowed,eo7 +e Ger-&n &n' !n +e e6en o7 w&r &nd '!-y on +e b&'!' o7

,ener& 'r&e,!1& 1on'!der&!on'. T+e w&r ,&-e w&' +ed !n M&r1+

Ar!. Gener& Rober'on (&er o be C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 !n

+e w&r) 1o--&nded +e Ger-&n '!de. He oo &d6&n1ed +!'

7or1e' nor+ o7 +e Me/'e &nd S&-bre &nd 1&-e o +e '+&er!n,

1on1/'!on +& Fr&n1e by +er'e7 wo/d be !n1&&be o7 +od!n, o77

'/1+ &n &d6&n1e. T+!' e1+n!1& 1on1/'!on be1&-e +e 1&'!ron b&'!'

7or & 7//re &n' o7 +e Br!!'+ Gener& S&77 w+!1+ +&d !n 7&1

be1o-e 6ery &n!Ger-&n '!n1e +e Boer w&r. A &,ree-en' beween

+e Br!!'+ &nd Fren1+ -!!&ry 7ro- "#<$ o "#"; &bo/ +e d!'&1+

o7 & Br!!'+ e5ed!!on&ry 7or1e o +e Con!nen were b&'ed on +e

7!r- 1on6!1!on +& Fr&n1e wo/d be o' !7 Br!&!n d!d no 1o-e o

+er &!d.# I7 o/r 1r!!1& &n&y'!' o7 +e S1+!e77en P&n +&' been 1orre1

! -/' be 1on1/ded +& +e Br!!'+ 6&'y o6err&ed +e d&n,er o

Fr&n1e. And !7 'o +!' w&' +!'or!1&y & 1&&'ro+!1 error.

One 1&n 'ee +& @/' &' S1+!e77en !-&,!ned Ger-&ny8' r&1!1&

&nd /n'1r//o/' ene-!e' o be 1&&be o7 6!o&!n, L/5e-bo/r,&nd Be,!&n ne/r&!y 'o +e Br!!'+ Gener& S&77 w&' 1on6!n1ed +&

+e Ger-&n' were 1&&be o7 6!o&!n, & !nern&!on& &w'. A&' one

-/' 1on1ede +& !n +!' 1&'e +e Br!!'+ -!'r/' w&' -ore @/'!7!ed.

We +&6e &re&dy 'een (I :) +& / o "#<0 +ere w&' no Fren1+

oer&!on& &n de'!,ned 7or &ny+!n, -ore +&n /re de7en1e. Nor

d!d +e Moro11o 1r!'!' o7 "#<$ &nd & +& +&d -e&nw+!e r&n'!red

&bo/ Ger-&n !n6&'!on &n' +ro/,+ Be,!/- 1+&n,e +e /rey

de7en'!6e 1+&r&1er o7 +e -e&'/re' &?en by +e Fren1+ Gener& S&77.

How 7&r Fren1+ 7e&r' o7 & Ger-&n -&r1+ +ro/,+ Be,!/- &ndL/5e-bo/r, were !n1re&'ed by +e Br!!'+ !n +e 'r&e,!1& d!'1/''!on'

# T+e &bo6e &nd +e &r,/-en' +& 7oow &re b&'ed on & '/dy o7 +e &r o7 +e

Be,!&n &nd Fren1+ Gener& S&77' !n +e re+!'ory o7 +e Gre& W&r w+!1+ I +&6e

1o-eed !n -&n/'1r! o,e+er w!+ 7/r+er '/d!e' o7 +e Fren1+ &nd Br!!'+ -!!&ry

'y'e-. I !nend o /b!'+ +e'e w!+!n +e 7r&-ewor? o7 *o. II o7 - y boo? "taatsunst

und =riegshand8er. B!b!o,r&+!e' o7 +e !er&/re /'ed -&y be 7o/nd !n +e 7oow!n,4

P. K/?e $eeresaufau und $eerespoliti Englands om *urenrieg is um Weltrieg ("#3:)

C. Ho''1 ,ie englis!h%elgis!hen 'ufmars!hpl4ne gegen ,euts!hland or dem Weltrieg

("#3<) &'o !n +e d!''er&!on ('/,,e'ed by -e) by . H&neb/+ *eitr4ge ur Ent8i!lung

der /olle der elgis!hen eutralit4t in der franRsis!hen 'ussenpoliti 1900 is 191# G!n,en

"#;9 (ye'1r!).

II. THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE SCHLIEFFEN %:

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


w+!1+ be,&n beween +e wo Gener& S&77' !n &n/&ry "#<0 ! !'

d!77!1/ o '&y. In &ny 1&'e & &n w&' now de6eoed 7or +e 7!r' !-e

7or & 1o/ner&&1? on Be,!&n 'o! & +e 'e1!& !n'!,&!on o7 +e

Br!!'+. T+ey e'&b!'+ed 1on&1 w!+ +e C+!e7 o7 +e Be,!&n Gener&S&77 D/1&rn1 &nd '/11eeded !n re&1+!n, & de&!ed &,ree-en &bo/

+ow &nd w+ere & Br!!'+ e5ed!!on&ry 7or1e w&' o 1o-e o Be,!/-8'

&!d. T+!' wo/d be e!+er by 1o6er!n, Anwer or by bo1?!n, +e

Me/'e 1ro''!n,' &bo6e L!e,e !--ed!&ey +e Ger-&n' 'e 7oo on

Be,!&n 'o!. In +e &er 1&'e +e Br!!'+ wo/d rob&by +&6e 7or-ed

& ?!nd o7 e5en'!on o7 +e Fren1+ e7 w!n, b/ w!+ oer&!on&

!ndeenden1e.

L&er +e'e &rr&n,e-en' were 1!ed on +e Ger-&n '!de &' e6!den1e

+& +e Be,!&n' +&d 1o-ro-!'ed +e!r o'!!on &' ne/r&' &nd

+ey were /'ed &' & o!!1& @/'!7!1&!on o7 +e Ger-&n !n6&'!on. I

1&n +&rdy be d!'/ed +& +ey were !n1o-&!be w!+ & 'r!1 6!ew

o7 & ne/r&8' ob+,&!on' /nder !nern&!on& &w '!n1e +ey -e&n

7&6o/r!n, one o7 +e be!,eren &r!e'& 7&6o/r!!'- w+!1+ e5ended

o ,!6!n, +e Br!!'+ 1o-ee !n'!,+ !no Be,!&n &n' 7or -ob!!'&

!on &nd deoy-en. Howe6er +e we!,+ o7 +e &11/'&!on !' -/1+

red/1ed by +e 7&1 +& +e Be,!&n &,ree-en 'r&n, no 7ro-

o!!1& 1&r!1e b/ 7ro- & 6ery re& need o 'ee? +e 7ro- one o7 +e ,/&r&nee!n, Power' &,&!n' & 6ery re& &nd 'er!o/' +re& o

Be,!&n ne/r&!y. A,&!n +!' +re& 1&-e /n!&er&y 7ro- Ger-&ny

no 7ro- Fr&n1e. F!n&y ! w&' no d/e o &ny 7&/ o7 Be,!/-8' b/

o & /&rre &-on, +e 7or-er ,/&r&nee!n, Power' +& Be,!&n

ne/r&!y be1&-e -ore &nd -ore o7 & 7!1!on.

F/r+er-ore !n -&?!n, +e &,ree-en' o7 "#<0 +e Be,!&n

Go6ern-en &nd Gener& S&77 +&d no !nen!on o7 -o6!n, o!!1&y

!no +e 1&- o7 +e We'ern Power'. T+ey +&d &11eed +e Br!!'+

o77er o7 +e w+!1+ 1&-e &' & '/rr!'e !n 7&1e o7 +e 'ee-!n,y !--!nen d&n,er o7 Ger-&n !n6&'!on b/ 7ro- +e be,!r-!n, +ey

re-&!ned '1e!1& &bo/ +e r&1!1& 6&/e o7 Br!!'+ ro-!'e' &nd

Br!!'+ -!!&ry e77!1!en1y. W!+ +e e&1e7/ 1on1/'!on o7 +e

1on7eren1e o7 A,e1!r&' +e Be,!&n' be1&-e 6ery 1+&ry o7 7/r+er

o6er/re' &nd &e-' & re1onn&!''&n1e by +e An,oFren1+ &er

+e'e were en!rey re@e1ed. Ob6!o/'y ! w&' 7e !n Br/''e' +& w!+

+e ,row+ o7 Fren1+ -!!&ry 'ren,+ &nd +e re1/er&!on o7 R/''!&

+e Fren1+ Gener& S&77 w&' ,&+er!n, 1on7!den1e &nd w!+ ! +e

!n1!n&!on 7or &n o77en'!6e o7 !' own. T+!' &ro/'ed +e '/'!1!on

%3THE BREACH OF NEUTRALITJ

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


+& !n +e e6en o7 w&r Be,!/- -!,+ +&6e o 1o/n on &n !n6&'!on

7ro- Fr&n1e &' we. I w&' D/1&rne w+o !n +e &' ye&r' be7ore +e

w&r '&red & !6ey &nd '/11e''7/ &,!&!on 7or &n !n1re&'e !n Be,!&n

&r-y 'ren,+ w!+ +e ob@e1 o7 e/!!n, Be,!/- o de7end +er7ron!er' w!+ +er own 7or1e' !n'e&d o7 be!n, deenden on 7ore!,n

Power'. And +e Be,!&n Gener& S&77 !n 7&1 re&red de7en1e &n'

!n bo+ d!re1!on'.

A7er & +!' S1+!e77en8' &11/'&!on (!n +e -e-or&nd/- o7 "#":)

+& +e Be,!&n' +&d on, &,o '/rrendered +e!r ne/r&!y 1&n ony

be d!'-!''ed &' /n@/'."< B/ d!d +e Fren1+ &n & -&r1+ +ro/,+

Be,!/- &7er "#<0

A' & -&er o7 7&1 +e Fren1+ Gener& S&77 d!d -o6e !n +e &'

ye&r' be7ore +e w&r 7ro- +e /re de7en'!6e o !de&' o7 &n o77en'!6e

no w!+o/ ob6!o/' !n7/en1e 7ro- Ger-&n -!!&ry +eor!e'. Ano+er

!n7/en1e o7 1o/r'e w&' !n1re&'ed 'e71on7!den1e re'/!n, 7ro-

&''/r&n1e' o7 Br!!'+ &nd R/''!&n +e &nd 7ro- +e ,re& !n1re&'e' !n

Fren1+ &r-y 'ren,+ &nd -!!&ry re7or-' o7 +e &' rew&r de1&de.

Added o +!' +ere 'ee- o +&6e been +e '/rr!n,' o7 +e Br!!'+

Gener& S&77 w+!1+ w&' &&reny -ore 1on6!n1ed +&n +e Fren1+

+& +e Ger-&n' wo/d &/n1+ &n o77en'!6e +ro/,+ Be,!/- &nd

w&ned o 'o +!' !n !-e by & 1o/ner&&1?. In Febr/&ry "#""Gener& M!1+e 6!1ere'!den o7 +e S/re-e W&r Co/n1! '/b

-!ed o +e W&r M!n!'er & 'r&e,!1 &n !n &11ord w!+ +e !de&' o7

Gener& W!'on D!re1or o7 M!!&ry Oer&!on' on +e Br!!'+

Gener& S&77."" Bo+ '&w /!e 1e&ry +& +e Ger-&n' wo/d no be

1onen o -&r1+ +ro/,+ +e 'o/+e&'ern 1orner o7 Be,!/- 'o/+

o7 +e Me/'e &nd S&-bre b/ wo/d /'e +e w+oe 1o/nry &' a

+e&re o7 w&r. To 1o/ner +!' +ey de1!ded +& +e b/? o7 +e Fren1+

Ar-y wo/d +&6e o be &''e-bed on +e Fren1+ nor+ern 7ron!er

beween D/n?!r? &nd Mon-Xdy re&dy o &/n1+ &n !--ed!&e1o/nero77en'!6e !no Be,!/- w+!e +e de7en1e o7 +e e&'ern

7ron!er wo/d +&6e o be e7 o +e 1o6er!n, roo' '&!oned +ere.

"< One wo/d be -ore @/'!7!ed !n &11/'!n, +e Br!!'+ -!!&ry o7 e6!y ow&rd'

D/1+ ne/r&!y '!n1e +e!r &n o -&?e Anwer +e b&'e o7 +e Br!!'+ E5ed!!on&ry

For1e d!'re,&rded D/1+ 'o6ere!,ny o6er +e Lower S1+ed. C7. *ritish ,o!uments on

the Origins of the War# HI . "#$ (No. ::" C7). Ony &er roe'' were e5e1ed. W+en

!n "#"" +e D/1+ 'ee-ed o be on +e o!n o7 re!n7or1!n, +e b&rr!er 7or' o7 *!''!n,en

+ere w&' ,re& 1on'ern&!on !n En,&nd &nd Fr&n1e &nd &'o !n roBr!!'+ Be,!&n

1!r1e'. C7. 6&n der E' !n4 /eue tie Paris# : "#:3 . $:" 77.

11 6es 'rmes franLaises dans la 7rande 7uerre# "." :nd Xd. "#30 . 39 77. &nd Anne5e 3;.

II. THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE SCHLIEFFEN %

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


O7 & +e &n' +o/,+ o/ !n P&r!' Gener& M!1+e8' &one

7ore'&w +e w+oe bodne'' o7 +e S1+!e77en P&n. Je ! w&' '+e6ed

(on /y "#+ "#"") w!+o/ & d!'1/''!on be1&/'e ! re/!red & re

or,&n!'&!on o7 Fren1+ &r-y 7or-&!on' re-!n!'1en o7 S1+!e77en8''1+e-e o7 "#": w!+ !' -!5/re o7 A1!6e &nd Re'er6e 7or-&!on'.

T+!' w&' re,&rded by +e S/re-e W&r Co/n1! &' !-r&1!1&be.

Gener& M!1+e w+o +&d been 7nrai en Chef de'!,n&e o' +e 6!1e

re'!den1y o7 +e Co/n1! &nd o77re be1&-e Co--&nder!nC+!e7

!n +!' &1e.

B/ o77re oo 7&6o/red +e r!n1!e o7 &n o77en'!6ee51e +&

+!' &!-' were -/1+ -ore -ode'. I 'ee-' +& +e Fren1+ Gener&

S&77 '+&red +e 6!ew o7 Gener& de C&'en&/ w+o re-&r?ed !n

"#": +& &n e11enr!1 -o6e-en !?e & dee &d6&n1e o7 &r,e Ger-&n

&r-!e' 7ro- M&-Xdy o L!e &nd +e!r deoy-en &' &n o77en'!6e

7ron ow&rd' +e 'o/+ wo/d be 'o +&&rdo/' +& one 1o/d no

!-&,!ne +e Ger-&n Gener& S&77 1&&be o7 '/1+ !-r/den1e.": A

+& w&' e5e1ed w&' & Ger-&n bre&?+ro/,+ !n Be,!/- 'o/+ o7

+e Me/'e &nd S&-bre. o77re w&' &r!1/&ry &n5!o/' o o11/y +e

'e1or o7 +e Me/'e beween G!6e &nd N&-/r !n ,ood !-e &nd we

&re&dy ?now +ow -/1+ +e '/11e'' o7 +!' &d6&n1e deended on

,e!n, +ere be7ore +e Ger-&n' +&d 1ro''ed +e Me/'e. On 'e6er&o11&'!on' +ere7ore o77re &'?ed 7or 7reedo- o &d6&n1e !no

Be,!/- w!+o/ +&6!n, o w&! 7or +e Ger-&n !n6&'!on o be1o-e &

7&1. B/ !n +!' de1!'!6e -&er one 1&n ob'er6e +e d!77eren1e !n

'r/1/re beween +e Fren1+ Re/b!1 &nd I-er!& Ger-&ny. In

+e &er +ere were no 7or-& d!'1/''!on' w+&e6er beween o!!1&

&nd -!!&ry de&r-en' &bo/ +e Gener& S&778' 1&-&!,n &n'

w+!e !n P&r!' 1&re w&' &?en o 'ee +& '/1+ /e'!on' 1o/d no be

de1!ded by +e -!!&ry &one. T+e Pr!-e M!n!'er w&' 1+&!r-&n o7

+e Conseil "uprieur de la ,fense ationale# !n w+!1+ +e w&' '/ored by +e -o' !-or&n de&r-en& -!n!'er' w+!e +e C+!e7 o7 +e

Gener& S&77 oo? &r ony !n &n &d6!'ory 1&&1!y. E6en +e Conseil

"uprieur de la 7uerre# e1+n!1&y +e '/re-e &r-y 1o--&nd w&'

": Q/oed 7ro- Foer'er 7edanen8erstatt# . "3<. A11ord!n, o Gener& Per1!n

191# 6es erreurs du $aut Commandement ("#:<) . % +e Fren1+ Gener& S&77 1on'!dered

! !-o''!be 7or +e Ger-&n' o -&n '/1+ & on, 7ron !ne w!+ '/77!1!en 7or1e'

o do ! +ey wo/d +&6e o /'e & -!!on re'er6!'' !n +e 7!r' !ne &nd +!' w&' re,&rded

&' o/ o7 +e /e'!on. Per1!n8' boo? !' 7/ o7 b!erne'' o6er +e 7& o7 Gener& M!1+e.

T+e &er8' reor o7 No6e-ber "<+ "#"" !' rerod/1ed on . ;: 77. (&'o !n 6es 'rmes

franLaises &' &nne5e 3). !n 1onne1!on w!+ M!1+e8' /e'!on!n, be7ore & 1o--!ee.

THE BREACH OF NEUTRALITJ $

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


deenden on &ny o7 +e Gre& Power' &nd !n !' deer-!n&!on o

de7end !' 7reedo- o +e !-! o7 !' re'o/r1e'. Borne &on, on & 'ron,

1/rren o7 n&!on&!' 7ee!n, ! be1&-e & -&er o7 r!de &nd +ono/r.

T+e 'y!n, &1!6!!e' o7 En,!'+ &nd Fren1+ o77!1er' !n Be,!/- &7er"#<0 1re&ed ony ,ener& &nnoy&n1e. D/r!n, +e &' ye&r' o7 e&1e

Be,!/-8' re&r-&-en re&1+ed '/1+ & !1+ +& w!+ +er +ree &r-y

1or' '+e w&' /!e & 1on'!der&be ower. B/ ! w&' 1er&!ny no

7e&r o7 dr!6!n, +!' 7or1e !no +e &r-' o7 +e Ger-&n' by & re-&/re

!n6&'!on w+!1+ ro-ed Grey +!' de1!'!on w&' d/e o e51/'!6ey

o!!1& 1on'!der&!on'. En,&nd -/' no o'e +e enor-o/' &d6&n

&,e o7 be!n, &be o ener & w&r !n +e roe o7 'e7e'' ,/&rd!&n o7

E/roe&n re&!e'. U!-&ey +!' w&' no 7or -or& re&'on' b/ 7or

'ober re&'on' o7 '&e 'ober 1on'!der&!on o7 Br!&!n8' own !nere'.

A7er & ! w&' no a /e'!on o7 +e!n, Be,!/- &nd +er 1&!- o

ne/r&!y b/ o7 '&6!n, Fr&n1e&' w&' '+own by +e !ne,r&!on o7

+e Br!!'+ e5ed!!on&ry 7or1e !no +e Fren1+ 7ron !ne !n "#"". A

'e1ond ob@e1 -&y +&6e been o ,/&rd +e Be,!&n 1o&' &,&!n'

Ger-&n o11/&!on !n +e !nere' o7 +e Br!!'+ N&6y. B/ !7 +e'e

were no -or& !-/'e' & e&' +ey were '! & 6!1ory o7 o!!1&

re&'on!n, o6er +e w!'+e' o7 /n'1r//o/' 'r&e,!''. And +&

-e&n & ,re& de&. In &ny o+er w&y Grey 1o/d +&rdy +&6e1&rr!ed +!' eoe !no +e w&r. Ger-&n o!!1' on +e o+er +&nd

now &!d !'e7 oen o +e &11/'&!on o7 +e w+oe word +& ! w&'

,o6erned &nd d!re1ed by /n'1r//o/' -!!&r!''&n &11/'&!on

w+!1+ +&' '!n1e &!n on Ger-&ny !?e & 1/r'e &nd be1&-e +er doo- no

ony & *er'&!e' b/ &'o e6en -ore & +e 1on7eren1e' o7 Mo'1ow

Te+er&n &nd J&& !n "#;;$ w+en +e err!be deed' o7 Ado7 H!er

'ee-ed '/b'e/eny o +&6e @/'!7!ed !.

Seen !n +e !,+ o7 +e'e &erd&y e6en' +e S1+!e77en P&n &e&r'

o be no+!n, e'' +&n +e be,!nn!n, o7 Ger-&ny8' &nd E/roe8'-!'7or/ne'. T+e o7en-&de 'e1/&!on +& En,&nd wo/d +&6e

enered +e w&r e6en w!+o/ +e S1++e77en P&n &nd +e Ger-&n

!n6&'!on o7 Be,!/- -&?e' no d!77eren1e. I !' r/e +& +e Br!!'+ E-

!re wo/d no +&6e 'ood by &nd w&1+ed Ger-&ny 1r/'+ Fr&n1e

w+o'e '/r6!6& w&' 6!& o !' !nere' !n -&!n&!n!n, +e b&&n1e o7

ower on +e Con!nen. T+& !' w+y Grey &n'wered Pr!n1e L!1+now

'?y e6&'!6ey w+en +e &'?ed +!- on A/,/' "' "#"; (!n1!den&y

w!+o/ &/+or!y 7ro- Ber!n) w+e+er +e Br!!'+ Go6ern-en

wo/d /nder&?e o '&y ne/r& !7 Ger-&ny re7r&!ned 7ro- -&r1+!n,

%% SCHLIEFFEN PLAN

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


8/17/2019 Ritter 1


@/'!7!ed be7ore +e word.:< A,&!n' +!' ! -!,+ be &r,/ed +& +e

En,!'+ wo/d o''!by or e6en rob&by +&6e &,reed o +e Ger-&n

'/,,e'!on. We !n +& 1&'e Ger-&ny wo/d +&6e +&d o re@e1 +e

S1+!e77en P&n &nd +ere wo/d +&6e re-&!ned ony +e de7en1eo7 +e Lorr&!ne 7ron or & +e -o' & ,!,&n!1 &e- & & bre&?

+ro/,+ w+!1+ Mo'er +!n?' wo/d no +&6e been &o,e+er +oee''

!7 ! +&d been we eno/,+ re&red be7ore+&nd. A' o/r e5o'!!on

+&' '+own +!' de7en1e wo/d +&6e been & re/rn o +e &n' o7 +e

eder Mo?e.

O7 1o/r'e ! !' &w&y' & d/b!o/' b/'!ne'' ry!n, o 1on'r/1

&7erw&rd' w+& -!,+ +&6e +&ened b/ !n 7&1 ne6er d!d. B/

w!+o/ ry!n, o wor? o/ '/1+ o''!b!!!e' +ere 1o/d be no

o!!1&+!'or!1& 1r!!1!'-. In &ny 1&'e one +!n, e-er,e'. E6en !7 +eGer-&n !n6&'!on o7 Be,!/- o77ered ,re& !n!!& -!!&ry &d6&n&,e'

! w&' & -o' /n+&y 'o/!on o!!1&y.

I !' &r!1/&ry r&,!1 +& by re7/'!n, o 6!o&e D/1+ ne/r&+y

&nd -&?!n, ro6!'!on 7or +e !oup de main on L!e,e !n'e&d +e

yo/n,er Mo?e '+o/d +&6e &,,r&6&ed +e o!!1& '!/&!on e6en

7/r+er. I7 +!' !oup de main w&' o '/11eed & & ! +&d o be 'e !n

-o!on !--ed!&ey &7er +e de1&r&!on o7 & '&e o7 w&r. Con

'e/eny +e re''/re o7 !-e on +e '&e'-en w+o were -&?!n,

o!!1& de1!'!on' & +e end o7 /y "#"; w&' -/1+ !n1re&'ed. I !'

we ?nown +& ! w&' d/e o +!' re''/re o7 !-e o +e /n1&nny

re1!!&n1y o7 -ob!!'&!on' deoy-en' &nd de1&r&!on' o7 w&r

+& & e77or' & & o!!1& 'ee-en o7 +e SerboA/'r!&n 1r!'!' 1&-e

oo &e. T+e o/bre&? o7 +e w&r !n "#"; !' +e -o' r&,!1 e5&-e

o7 & ,o6ern-en8' +ee'' deenden1e on +e &nn!n, o7 'r&e,!''

+& +!'ory +&' e6er 'een.

In &ow!n, +e-'e6e' o be dr&wn !no +!' '&e o7 deenden1e

!n re,&rd!n, +e &nn!n, o7 w&r &' /nre'er6edy +e &77&!r o7 -!!&ry 'e1!&+'' !e' +e +!'or!1& ,/! o7 B!'-&r1?8' '/11e''or'. P&n' o7

&,,re''!on o '&y no+!n, o7 1on/e' were &' e6erybody ?now'

od&y en!rey 7ore!,n o +e- nor 1o/d &nybody rero&1+ Be+

-&nnHowe, w!+ +&6!n, 1ond/1ed +!' 7ore!,n o+1y w!+ &ny

?!nd o7 7r!6o!y. On +e 1onr&ry +e w&' &-o' 1r/'+ed by +!'

+e&6y re'on'!b!!!e' &nd +e d!77!1/!e' w+!1+ were -o/n!n, on &

'!de' &,&!n' +!' o!1y o7 e&1e &nd -ed!&!on. And ye !?e +!'

rede1e''or +e w&' /n7&!+7/ o +e &!/de o7 B!'-&r1? w+o +&d

G0 Ernsthafie Plaudereien iier den Weltrieg ("#:$) . 30 7.

< SCHLIEFFEN PLAN

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


e ! be ?nown !n "%%9 +& ! w&' &n error o '/o'e +& +e 1ond/1

o7 Ger-&n o!1y w&' '/b@e1 o +e 6!ew' o7 +e Gener& S&77.

T+ere 1&n be no do/b +& +e C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 ?e +e

Go6ern-en !n7or-ed 7ro- +e be,!nn!n, o7 +!' &n o -&r1++ro/,+ Be,!/- !n 1&'e o7 w&ro7 1o/r'e ony 1on7!den!&y w!+

o/ +ere re-&!n!n, & r&1e !n +e do1/-en' o7 +e Fore!,n M!n!'ry:"

7or ! w&' &7er & & n!!+&ry 'e1re o7 +e 7!r' order. B/ +!' d!d no

re1/de 1on7!den!& d!'1/''!on' beween +e C+!e7 o7 +e Gener&

S&77 &nd +e C+&n1eor. T+e 7!r' o7 +e'e d!'1/''!on' 'ee-' o +&6e

&?en &1e '+ory &7er +e 1o-e!on o7 +& +!rd 'r&e,!1 &n

7or +e We'ern 7ron !n w+!1+ S1+!e77en 1o--!ed +!-'e7 7or +e

7!r' !-e o 6!o&!n, Be,!&n ne/r&!y. Co/n H/enC&'?! w+o

& +e !-e &yed +e roe o7 1on7!den!& &d6!'er &nd r!6&e 'e1re&ry o Pr!n1e Ho+eno+e re1ord' +& !n M&y "#<< +e C+!e o7

+e Gener& S&77 &'?ed +!- o 1o-e &nd 'e1 +!-. He +en &'?ed

Co/n H/en !7 +e wo/d &,ree o 'o/nd Ho'e!n &nd +e C+&n1eor

1on7!den!&y on +e 7oow!n, -&er4 A7er on, &nd 1on'1!en!o/'

re7e1!on +e +&d be1o-e 1on6!n1ed +& !n +e e6en o7 & wo7ron

w&r '/11e'' -!,+ o''!by deend on Ger-&ny8' no &ow!n,

!nern&!on& &,ree-en' o re'r&!n +er 'r&e,!1 oer&!on'. I wo/d

-e&n & ,re& de& o +!- !7 Ho'e!n 1o/d ,!6e +!- +!' er'on& o!n

o7 6!ew. T+e w+oe 1on6er'&!on &'ed ony & 7ew -!n/e'. T+e

n&-e o7 +e 1o/nry o w+!1+ S1+!e77en re7erred w&' ne6er -en!oned

b/ Co/n H/en !--ed!&ey +o/,+ o7 Be,!/-.::

He !r' reored +!' 1on6er'&!on o +!' 7r!end Ho'e!n w+o 7e

o en,+y brood!n, b/ 7!n&y de1&red +& !7 +e C+!e7 o7 +e Gre&

Gener& S&77 &nd &r!1/&ry & 'r&e,!1 &/+or!y !?e S1+!e77en

+o/,+ '/1+ & -e&'/re o be ne1e''&ry +en ! wo/d be +e d/y o7

d!o-&1y o &d@/' !'e7 o ! &nd re&re 7or ! !n e6ery o''!be

w&y. Co/n H/en 1&!-' o +&6e been o7 & d!77eren o!n!on+&! w&' & -o-eno/' de1!'!on w+!1+ wo/d need 1&re7/ +o/,+.

F/nd&-en&y +e w&' &,&!n' &ny 6!o&!on o7 ne/r&!y w!+o/ +e

er-!''!on o7 +e '&e' !n6o6ed be1&/'e +e 1on'e/en1e' 1o/d no

be red!1ed. Bo+ ,ene-en e5re''ed +e!r 6!ew' ne5 -orn!n, o

Pr!n1e Ho+eno+e w+o !?ew!'e be1&-e +o/,+7/ b/ '&!d no -ore.

H/en od S1+!e77en &bo/ +e &/d!en1e &nd +e o!n!on' w+!1+ +&d

:"Se1 +e 'ory o7 +e re/e' o B!!ow by +e R1!1+'&r1+!6 &nd !' 'e/e (. #: &nd7oonoe :3 beow).

::Gr&7 H/enC&'?! &0 Iahre P!liti mid 7eselh!haft ("#30) . 39" 77.

THE BREACH OF #"

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


8/17/2019 Ritter 1


/b!'+ed !n "#3< '/ddeny de6eoed & -/1+ beer -e-ory +&n

be7ore. He +ere reor' !n de&! & 1on6er'&!on w!+ Gr&7 S1+!e77en

&bo/ +!' oer&!on& &n' !n "#<; or "#<$. B!!ow '&y' +e

&11eed +e &er8' !de& o7 -&r1+!n, +ro/,+ Be,!/- w!+o/'/rr!'e &nd !--ed!&ey '/ored ! by & /o&!on 7ro- C&/'ew!

(w+!1+ &re&dy 1roed / !n +e 1on6er'&!on w!+ !--1r-&nn).

B/ now +e o'e' &' & w!'e '&e'-&n &nd r/e +e!r o7 B!'-&r1?. For

we!,+y o!!1& re&'on' +e 1&!-' o +&6e '&!d we '+o/d ony

&?e +!' &1!on !7 &nd w+en Be,!&n ne/r&!y +&' 7!r' been 6!o&ed

by o/r ene-!e'. In '/or o7 +!' +e re1&ed +e e6en' o7

"%%9% &nd B!'-&r1?8' &r!1e !n +e Post e6en' w+!1+ +&d !-

re''ed +!- deey be!n, & yo/n, d!o-& & +e !-e (&nd w+!1+

we -&y &dd +&d been /b!'+ed &new !n +e orddettts!he 'llgemeine

;!itung !n "#"9 &nd were +/' 1on6en!eny o +&nd w+en +e wroe +!'

-e-o!r'). Gr&7 A7red S1+!e77en B!!ow 1on!n/e' ro&ed +!'

eye,&'' 'e6er& !-e' &' w&' +!' +&b! &nd +en '&!d4 8O7 1o/r'e I

'! +od' ,ood od&y. We +&6e no be1o-e -ore '/!d !n +e -e&n

!-e.8 S1+!e77en &dded +owe6er +& +e ended o +e 6!ew +&

Ho&nd !n 1&'e o7 w&r wo/d 'ee !n /' +er n&/r& &y &,&!n' En,&nd.

A' 7or Be,!/- '+e wo/d +&rdy oo'e & Ger-&n !n6&'!on by

7or1e o7 &r-' b/ wo/d 1onen +er'e7 w!+ & roe'. F/r+er-ore +e

(S1+!e77en) w&' o7 +e o!n!on +& !n +e e6en o7 & &r,e'1&e w&r

+e Fren1+ &nd o''!by +e En,!'+ wo/d !n6&de Be,!/-

!--ed!&ey. T+!' wo/d ,!6e /' & 7ree +&nd.

I !' no e&'y o ?now w+& o -&?e o7 +!' &11o/n. T+e !/'!on'

w+!1+ B!!ow /' !no S1+!e77en8' -o/+ 1&n ony be 7o/nd &r!&y

!n +!' -e-or&nd&. Wo/d +e ,ener& +&6e r!ed !n +!' w&y o @/'!7y

+!-'e7 !n 7ron o7 +e o!!1!&n S/rey +e w+oe +!n, !' enden

!o/'y 1oo/red. B!!ow +ere '+ow' +!-'e7 !n +e o'e o7 +e w!'e

'&e'-&n !n order o +row & 1orre'ond!n,y d&r?er '+&dow on W!+e- II o7 w+o- +e +&' @/' od +e 'ory o7 &n o/r&,eo/' !e1e

o7 7oy. In &n/&ry "#<; ('&y' B!!ow) +e K&!'er !n6!ed +e K!n, o7 +e

Be,!&n' o Ber!n &nd 1on@/red / +e fata Morgana o7 ,re& 1on/e''

o7 od B/r,/nd!&n err!ory !n Fr&n1e w+!1+ Be,!/- &nd Ger-&ny

were o -&?e o,e+er& !n &n e77or o w!n +!- o6er o & 1o'e &!&n1e.

W+en +e -e w!+ & '+o1?ed re7/'& +e K&!'er -&de br/& +re&' o

+e e77e1 +& +e wo/d 6!o&e Be,!&n ne/r&!y !n +e ne5 w&r.

T+e Be,!&n d!o-& B&ron 6&n der E' w+o e' +e '&-e 'ory

&' re&ed o +!- by K!n, Aber ?now' no+!n, o7 +e'e br/&TSP

THE BREACH OF #3

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


+re&' ony o7 &n o-!no/''o/nd!n, &ern&!6e4 For /' or &,&!n'

/' So B!ow -/' +&6e e5&,,er&ed & L!e (or er+&' +e K&!'er

&re&dy d!d 'o +!-'e7). B/ +!' doe' no+!n, o &er +e +&!r

r&!'!n, !-re''!on o7 +e K&!'er8' re&1!on o S1+!e77en8' 1&-&!,n&n'. I '+ow' & o!!1& !-&,!n&!on w+!1+ 'ee-' ne6er o +&6e

o/,rown boy!'+ !--&/r!y. Un7or/n&ey +e '&-e !' r/e o7 &

on, ee,r&- w+!1+ W!+e- II 'en 'oon &7erw&rd' o +e C+&n1eor

!n w+!1+ +e &!n' +!' !1/re o7 +ow o 1ond/1 w&r w!+ En,&nd.

He '/,,e'' o11/y!n, Be,!/- & on1e &' & ed,e &nd +en

+&nd!n, ! o6er o Fr&n1e 7or +er &nne5&!on +ereby b/y!n, Fren1+

ne/r&!y.:0

B/ +ow d!d B!!ow re&1 o +e K&!'er8' !n'!r&!on W+& yo/r

M&@e'y '&y' &bo/ Be,!/- +!' +e n&! on +e +e&d. E6ery+!n,deend' on +e Be,!&n' +&6!n, no !de& +& !n 1&'e o7 w&r we &re

,o!n, o 1on7ron +e- w!+ '/1+ &n ant. . . aut (7or /' or &,&!n' /').

O+erw!'e +ey -!,+ / & +e!r -oney !no b/!d!n, 7or!7!1&!on'

&,&!n' /' &nd dro & +!n o +e Fren1+ o -&?e &n' o 1oe w!+

+!' e6en/&!y. A1/&y +e +&d on, be7ore '/,,e'ed !n & eer o

Ho'e!n !n De1e-ber "#<; +& !n 1&'e o7 w&r w!+ En,&nd +e

ne/r& 1o/nr!e' o7 Be,!/- Ho&nd &nd Den-&r? '+o/d & on1e

be o11/!ed &' & ed,e &nd & 'r!n,bo&rd 7or -!!&ry oer&!on'.:9

No B!!ow w&' 1er&!ny no +e '&e'-&n w+o'e w!'do- &nd

'ren,+ o7 1+&r&1er wo/d e5or1!'e +e d&n,er' !-!1! !n +e

S1+!e77en P&n. He 1&!-' o +&6e d!'1/''ed +e- o11&'!on&y w!+

+e yo/n,er Mo?e 'o one -&y &''/-e +& +e e7 +e S1+!e77en P&n

o +!' '/11e''or &' &n !n+er!&n1e on, re1o,n!'ed by +e o!!1&

e&der'+!&n !n+er!&n1e w+!1+ 1o/d no now be d!'owned. Be+

-&nnHowe, &n'wered +e /e'!on o7 +e /ei!hsar!hi !--ed!&ey

(&' d!d S&e Se1re&ry 6on &,ow) o +e e77e1 +& +e +&d ?nown o7

+e !nended 6!o&!on o7 ne/r&!y on, be7ore +e w&rb/no+!n, o7 +e de&!' o7 +e S1+!e77en P&n &nd 1er&!ny no+!n, o7

Mo?e8' -od!7!1&!on'.:% T+e -&r1+ +ro/,+ Be,!/- w&' &'o

G0 7rosse Politi# I (:) No. 0::# /y 3<+ "#<$. T+e &''&,e +&' ob6!o/'y no+!n,

o do w!+ +e S1+!e77en P&n. B!!ow ,en8rdigeiten# II . 9: 77 90 77. In +e 7!r'

o7 +e wo &''&,e' B!!ow re7er' o noe' -&de & +e !-e. Reor by 6&n der E!'4

/eue de Paris# : "#:3 . $3< 7.

:9 T+!--e4 ront 8ider *iilo8 ("#3") . :<0.

:%Leer o !--er-&nn "ddeuts!he Monatshefte# "%" . 3%:. In +!' 'en'&!on& e''&y

Der Kr!e, !n der Ge,enw&r :,euts!he /eue# &n/&ry "#<# 7esammelte "!hriften# I

. "#) S1+!e77en +!ned r&+er !-r/deny & Ger-&n &n' 7or -&r1+!n, +ro/,+

Be,!/- (re&!n, +e- &' 'e7e6!den &nd ,ener&y e5e1ed) +!' ed o &w?w&rd

#:. THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE SCHLIEFFEN

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


d!'1/''ed !n +e Mo?eL/dendor77 re&r-&-en -e-or&nd/- o7

De1e-ber :"' "#": w+!1+ +&' +e d!'!n1!on o7 be!n, +e 7!r'

do1/-en o d&re dr&w +e 7/ 1on1/'!on' 7ro- +e S1+!e77en P&n.:#

I !' d!77!1/ o /nder'&nd w+y +e Gener& S&77 +ed b&1? 'o on, w!+ +e!r ,re& de-&nd' 7or re&r-&-en. E6en odder & 7!r' '!,+ !'

+e 7&1 +& +e C+&n1eor d!d no !n'!' & on1e on 1on'/&!on

beween -!!&ry &nd o!!1& de&r-en' o 7!nd o/ !7 +ere were no

&n &ern&!6e w&r &n o S1+!e77en8' w+!1+ w&' bo/nd o +&6e '/1+

d!'&'ro/' o!!1& 1on'e/en1e'.

Howe6er &nyone w+o ?now' +e @e&o/' 'e1!on&!'- o7 +e

&d-!n!'r&!6e de&r-en' !n +e W!+e-!n!&n e-!re +e ,/7

beween C!6! &nd M!!&ry +e o6erower!n, !n7/en1e o7 +e

-!!&ry 1&- on +e K&!'er +e d&'+!n, one 7&'+!on&be !n +e

re&-en o7 7ore!,n &77&!r' +e d!77!1/ o'!!on o7 +e C+&n1eor

wed,ed !n beween /ei!hstag &nd *undesrat# Pr/''!&n M!n!'ry o7

S&e &nd Pr/''!&n D!e M!!&ry &nd C!6! C&b!ne N&6& Bo&rd &nd

Gener& S&77 &nd 7!n&y +!' +ee'' deenden1e on +e 7&6o/r o7 +e

'o6ere!,n w!+o/ +e b&1?!n, o7 & o!!1& 1&b!ne&nyone

d!o-&!1 !n/!r!e' 7ro- Br/''e'. C7. B!! ow iid.# II . 9%. A11ord!n, o B/1+7!n?

=Rpfe der alten 'rmee (/n/b!'+ed) +ere were 7/r+er d!o-&!1 &w?w&rdne''e'. In &n!ner6!ew w!+ +e 1orre'onden o7 +e Petit Parisien (w+!1+ w&' &'o r!ned by ,er

TagF# S1+!e77en w&' ob!,ed o one down & n/-ber o7 +!' '&e-en' &r!1/&ry !n +e

-!!&ryo!!1& 7!ed or e6en o &?e +e- b&1?.

:# Rerod/1ed !n4 Re!1+'&r1+!6 =riegsrstung und =riegs8irts!haft# I An&,eb&nd

An&,e $; . "$% 77 L/dendor77 ranRsis!he 4ls!hung meiner ,ens!hrift# "#"# &nd

Mein politis!her Werdegang ("#33) . "%: 77. L/dendor7 S&e' +& +e 7!r' dr&7 w&'

wr!en by +!- rewr!en by Mo?e &nd &'y bro/,+ !no !' 7!n& 7or- by

bo+ o7 +e- o,e+er. T+e &n o -&r1+ +ro/,+ Be,!/- !' re&ed +ere &' '! be!n,

Mo' Se1re &nd +e C+&n1eor &nd W&r M!n!'er &re &'?ed o re& ! &' '/1+. Co/d

Be+-&nnHowe, +&6e +&d no offi!ial !n7or-&!on &bo/ +!' !nen!on be7ore +&

W+en !n "#"" B&ron 6&n der E!' &'?ed Be+-&nnHowe, +ro/,+ +e Ger-&n

A-b&''&dor !n P&r!' (S1+hn) &nd +e M!n!'er !n Br/''e' (6on Foow) 7or & 7or-&de1&r&!on +& Ger-&ny wo/d no 6!o&e Be,!&n ne/r&!y !n 1&'e o7 w&r Be+-&nn

'&!d +& Ger-&ny +&d no !nen!on o7 6!o&!n, Be,!/-8' ne/r&!y b/ '+e 1o/d no

-&?e &n o77!1!& de1&r&!on be1&/'e +e Fren1+ wo/d +en den/de +e!r nor+ern 7ron

&nd re!n7or1e +e!r e&'ern 7ron (6&n der E!' iid.# . $:9). I7 Be+-&nnHowe, re&y

,&6e +!' &n'wer ! w&' & 6ery 1e6er -&n/6re &,reed /on w!+ Mo?e be1&/'e +e

!nd!1&ed &' -!!&r!y /nde'!r&be +e 6ery +!n, w+!1+ Ger-&ny -o' w&ned.

A11ord!n, o +e '&-e &/+or!y w+o re7er' o & reor !n +e orddeuts!he 'llgemeine

;eitung# S&e Se1re&ry 6on &,ow &n'wered So1!&De-o1r& /e'!on' !n +e b/d,e

1o--!ee o7 +e Re!1+'&, by de1&r!n, +& Be,!/-8' ne/r&!y w&' '&7e,/&rded by

!nern&!on& re&!e'. T+e So1!&De-o1r& Ledebo/r 1en'/red +!' re!1en1e !n &n oen

'e''!on o7 +e Re!1+'&, on /ne ":+ "#"3 :"tenographis!he *eri!hte# III. Le,!'&/r

er!ode CCC S. $;#" D).

THE BREACH OF #$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


w+o ?now' & +!'3< wo/d on +e 1onr&ry be r&+er '/rr!'ed !7 +e

C+&n1eor +&d been 1&&be !ndeed +&d e6en +o/,+ o7 1onro!n,

+e oer&!on& &n' o7 +e Gener& S&77 +ro/,+ 1!6d!&n de&r-en'.

Be+-&nnHowe,8' o'!!on w&' '/1+ +& e6en &7er +e o' w&r

+e +&d o de7end +!-'e7 &,&!n' +e &11/'&!on' o7 +e -!!&ry +& +e+&d !ner7ered w!+o/ &/+or!y !n -!!&ry &77&!r'. In dr&w!n, /

+e &n o7 1&-&!,n +e '&y' !n +!' o'+/-o/' *etra!htung!n um

Weltrieg (*o. II &,e 9) +e o!!1& e&der'+! +&d no '+&re. Nor

+&d ! &ny !n +e 1+&n,e' o w+!1+ S1+!e771n8' &n w&' '/b@e1ed 'o-e

!-e &7er +e o/bre&? o7 w&r or !n +e de&r/re' 7ro- +e -od!7!ed

&n w+en ! 1&-e o be e5e1/ed !n r&1!1e. D/r!n, -y w+oe er-

o7 o77!1e +ere w&' ne6er &ny ?!nd o7 1o/n1! o7 w&r !n w+!1+

o!!1!&n' !ner6ened !n +e ro' &nd 1on' o7 +e -!!&ry deb&e.

M/1+ +&d 1+&n,ed '!n1e C&/'ew! 1o/d wr!e :On War# Boo?

*III *I B)4 I !' &n !n&d-!''!be &nd e6en +&r-7/ d!'!n1!on

o e&6e & ,re& -!!&ry enerr!'e or !' &nn!n, o & 8/rey -!!&ry8

@/d,-en -ore ! !' &b'/rd o 1on'/ ro7e''!on& 'od!er' on & &n

7or & w&r !n order +& +ey -&y @/d,e 7ro- & 8/rey -d!&ry8 '&nd

o!n w+& 1&b!ne' &re o do. B/ ! !' e6en -ore &b'/rd w+en

+eor!'' de-&nd +& +e &6&!&be -e&n' o7 w&r '+o/d be &!d be7ore

+e ,ener& &' & b&'!' on w+!1+ o dr&w / & -!!&ry &n 7or & w&r or

1&-&!,n.

:. Schlieffen, olstein and the !orocco crisis of "#<$0

We +&6e 1&ed S1++e77en8' ,re& 1&-&!,n &n o7 "#<$ +e be,!nn!n,

o7 Ger-&ny8' -!'7or/ne' be1&/'e &' +e b&'!' o7 oer&!on& &n' !n

"#"; ! robbed +er o!1y o7 7reedo- o7 -&noe/6re &nd 7or1ed +er o

&''/-e +e roe o7 &,,re''or !n +e eye' o7 +e word. B/ e6eryone

?now' +& +e word8' &11/'&!on &,&!n' +e Ger-&n Gener& S&77

wen -/1+ 7/r+er. I w&' &11/'ed o7 +&6!n, 1on'&ny &nned w&r'

o7 1on/e' &nd +&6!n, 7or1ed +e Ger-&n Go6ern-en !no +e w&r o7

"#";. T+!' &11/'&!on 7or-' +e b&'!' o7 &r!1e "0< o7 +e Tre&y o7

*er'&!e'4 T+e Ger-&n Gre& Gener& S&77 &nd & '!-!&r bod!e' w! be

d!''o6ed &nd -&y no be e'&b!'+ed &,&!n !n &ny 7or-. W!+ +!' ! w&'

+o/,+ o 'o / +e -&!n 'o/r1e o7 Ger-&n -!!&r!'- w+!1+!n +e

6!ew o7 +e 6!1or!o/' Power' w&' 1on'&ny +re&en!n, word e&1e.3< Do1/-en&ry re'e&r1+ !no +e d!77!1/ o'!!on o7 B!'-&r1?8' '/11e''or' +&' +&rdy

be,/n. On +e b&'!' o7 re'e&r1+e' by -y '/den' &nd -y'e7 I w! de& w!+ +!' /e'!on

!n +e 'e1ond 6o/-e o7 "taatsimst und =ri!gshand8er.

SCHLIEFFEN PLAN

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


B/ +!' 1on1e!on +&d ye 7/r+er 1on'e/en1e'. D/r!n, +e

Se1ond Word W&r ! 7r/'r&ed e6ery e77or o7 Ger-&n &r!o' o

7!nd o!!1& +e &bro&d &r!1/&ry !n En,&nd 7or & re6o &,&!n'

H!er by Ger-&n Gener& S&77 o77!1er' &nd &r-y 1o--&nder' /nder+e 7or-er C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 L/dw!, Be1?. T!-e &nd &,&!n

+e'e e77or' -e w!+ +e ,r&6e' '/'!1!on. A1ro'' +e C+&nne !

w&' d!77!1/ o 1red! &n enerr!'e by Gener& S&77 o77!1er' &nd

-e-ber' o7 +e Pr/''!&n /n?er 1&'e w!+ &ny+!n, b/ re&1!on&ry

&nd !-er!&!' &!-'." Indeed w+en +e +e&d' o7 +e ,re& &!&n1e -e

7or +e 7!r' !-e !n Te+er&n S&!n de1&red ! ne1e''&ry o '+oo &bo/

$<<<< Ger-&n Gener& S&77 o77!1er' &nd o+er -!!&ry 'e1!&!''

C+/r1+! w+o roe'ed &,&!n' +!' 6!,oro/'y ne6er+ee'' +o/,+

+& &bo/ "$< -&!n 1/r!' &-on, +e Gener& S&77 wo/d +&6e o be e5e1/ed. F!n&y +e P/b!1 Pro'e1/or & N/re-b/r, de1&red +e

Ger-&n Gener& S&77 o be '!-y & 1r!-!n& or,&n!'&!on &nd !

re/!red ,re& e77or' o /&'+ +!' ,ener& !nd!1-en.

We -/' re-e-ber +e'e 7&1' w+en & +e end o7 o/r d!'1/''!on

we /rn o +e /e'!on w+e+er S1+!e77en8' oer&!on& &n o7 "#<$

-!,+ be /nder'ood &' & Ger-&n +!'or!&n '/o'ed no on, &,o:

&' & &n 7or & re6en!6e w&r !.e. &n &,,re''!6e w&r &,&!n' Fr&n1e

w+!1+ +e C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 +&d &,reed on w!+ B&ron

Ho'e!n +e e&d!n, br&!n o7 +e Fore!,n M!n!'ry. A11ord!n, o +!'

!nerre&!on Ho'e!n !nended o bow / +e +re&en!n, r!n, o7 &

o!!1& en1!r1e-en &nd S1+!e77en8' !nen!on w&' o ro6e o

+!' 7r!end Ho'e!n +& &n &,,re''!6e w&r wo/d +&6e & ,ood 1+&n1e

o7 '/11e''.

O/r d!'1/''!on / o now +&' &re&dy '+own +& +e origin o7 +e

S1+!e77en P&n 1&nno be 7o/nd !n o!!1& 1on'!der&!on' b/ e51/

'!6ey !n -!!&rye1+n!1& one' +& ! w&' no +e Moro11o 1r!'!' o7

"#<$ w+!1+ bro/,+ ! o -&/r!y b/ 'r&e,!1& '/d!e' &nd +ee''on' o7 '&77 r!de' ,o!n, b&1? !no +e 8n!ne!e'. B/ ! 1o/d +&6e

been +& +e 'r&e,!' !n'!red w!+ +e ,r&nde/r o7 +!' own 1on

1e!on &nd deey 1on6!n1ed +& Ger-&ny8' o'!!on -&de & 'ee

-en o7 &11o/n' w!+ Fr&n1e !ne6!&be no ony +&d &n e&rne'

de'!re o / +!' &n' !no oer&!on +!-'e7 b/ -oreo6er /'ed

+!' er'on& 1onne1!on' w!+ +e Fore!,n M!n!'ry o /r,e !' e&d!n,

" C7. -y boo? Carl 7oerdeler uud die deuls!he Widerstandse8!gung# 3. A/7. "#$0.

: Peer R&''ow S1+!e77en /nd Ho'e!n !n4 $istoris!he ;eils!hrift# "93 "#$: .

:#93"3.

SCHLIEFFEN HOLSTEIN AND THE MOROCCO CRISIS OF

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


7!,/re' o 'r!?e be7ore +e &''!n, o7 +e /n!/ey 7&6o/r&be !ner

n&!on& '!/&!on d/e o R/''!&8' &r&y'!' by de7e& &nd re6o/!on.

In +& 1&'e we '+o/d +ere +&6e o/r 7!r' !n'&n1e o7 & -!!&r!'

w&r-on,er!n, !n7/en1e be!n, e5ered by +e Gener& S&77 on Ger-&no+1y. W+e+er +!' w&' re&y & wor? !' +/' & /e'!on w+!1+ need'

1&re7/ &nd /nre@/d!1ed e5&-!n&!on.

In order no o 1ond/1 ! w!+!n oo n&rrow & 7r&-ewor? we w!

7!r' 1&' & ,&n1e & +e er'on&!y o7 Gr&7 S1+!e77en &nd +e word o7

o+!1& !de&' !n w+!1+ +e !6ed.

E6ery+!n, re1orded o7 +!' !7e o!n' o &n e51e!on&y e&o/'

o77!1er +!,+y ,!7ed 7ro- +e -!!&ry o!n o7 6!ew b/ no r!1+y

endowed &' & +/-&n be!n,.3 He +&d no been & /! o7 +e C&de

S1+oo' b/ re1e!6ed & ,r&--&r '1+oo ed/1&!on o re&re +!- 7or+e '/dy o7 &w. Howe6er &7er +!' 'er6!1e &' & oneye&r 6o/neer

+e e-b&r?ed on & -!!&ry 1&reer /r'/!n, ! w!+ & '!n,e-!ndedne''

w+!1+ d!'!n,/!'+ed +!- -&r?edy 7ro- +e wo Mo?1'. He

o''e''ed !e o7 +e!r !ber& ed/1&!on. H!' &/'er!y o7 1+&r&1er w&'

er+&' &11en/&ed by +e o'' &7er ony 7o/r ye&r' o7 -&rr!&,e o7 +!'

w!7e w+o- +e +&d no been &be o -&rry /n! "%0% w+en +e w&'

+!ry7!6e. In +e en'/!n, one!ne'' +e +rew +!-'e7 !no +!' d/!e'

w!+ redo/bed ener,y. A' 1o--&nd!n, o77!1er o7 +e !' 7arde

Jlanen +e w&' 7&-o/' 7or +!' e& w+!1+ e5ended o +e '-&e'

de&!' o7 d&yod&y ro/!ne (!n1/d!n, +e !n'e1!on o7 '&be' & 7o/r

!n +e -orn!n,)b/ &'o -ore +&n r&d!!on de-&nded o +e

we7&re o7 +!' -en. To @/d,e 7ro- +!' own re-&r?' +e &11eed +e

+!,+ o77!1e o7 C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 !n "%#" w!+o/ o6err&!n,

+!-'e7 re,&rd!n, ! &' & +&rd &'? &nd ry!n, o 7/7! ! w!+ /n'&r!n,

d!!,en1e. H!' 1oe&,/e Frey&,Lor!n,+o61n w&' rob&by e5&,

,er&!n, w+en +e drew & !1/re o7 S1+!e77en8' on, wor?!n, d&y

'&r!n, & '!5 !n +e -orn!n, e5end!n, +ro/,+o/ +e e6en!n, o7en

3 T+e b!o,r&+y by H/,o Ro1+' "!hlieffen. Ein 6ehens% und Charaterild fr das

deuts!he l(ol (/b!'+ed '+ory &7er +e Gre& W&r $. A/7. "#;<) !' wr!en by

S1+!e77en8' do1or &nd er'on& 7r!end &nd b&'ed &ry on 7&-!y &er' &nd 7&-!y

e,end'. T+e boo? !' /!e /n1r!!1& o!!1&y n&!86e &nd 1oo/red w!+ &nGer-&n!'-4

/nre!&be !n de&!. T+e e''&y by Fr+. 6on Frey&,Lor!n,+o6en 7eneralfeldmars!hall

7raf "!hlieffen ("#:<) o77er' -/1+ +& !' o7 !nere' &' & re'/ o7 +!' er'on& &nd o77!1!&

1on&1. T+e '&-e &!e' o +e '+or 1+&er on S1+!e77en !n +e -e-o!r' o7 Gener&

E. 6on E!'en+&rRo+e )m *anne der PersRnli!heit ("#3"). W. Ee8' e1/re Gr&7

S1+!e77en ('ee 7oonoe "< . $" &bo6e) o77er' & 7!ne 1+&r&1er '/dy er+&' o6er

e-+&'!'!n, +e !nee1/& ee-en. Le'' /'e7/ !' +e +!,+y @o/rn&!'!1 boo? by E.

B!r1+er &nd W. Bode "!hlieffen@ Mann und Wer ("#39).

% #0. THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE SCHLIEFFEN

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


8/17/2019 Ritter 1


8/17/2019 Ritter 1


on1ede'!'ed 1o-e!or 1&nno be d!',/!'ed by 7!ne 'ee1+e'. T+e

de+ o7 +er ,r/d,e !' deer-!ned no by e-o!on b/ by +er b&&n1e

'+ee. R/''!& +&d @o!ned Ger-&ny8' ene-!e' 7ro- +e !n+er!ed

&n!&+y o7 S&6' 7or Ger-&n!1 eoe' 7ro- r&d!!on& 'y-&+y w!+ L&!n' &nd 7ro- +e need 7or 1red!. F!n&y I&y re6ened 7ro-

e5&nd!n, we'w&rd' by +e Fren1+ 7ron!er b&rr!er' w&n' o e5&nd

nor+e&' &nd oer&e +e A/'r!&n' ne!+er on +e 'o/+ern 'oe' o7

+e A' nor on +e '+ore o7 +e Adr!&!1.

Ene-!e' on & '!de' B/ w+y d!d +ey no 'r!?e d/r!n, +e

B&?&n 1r!'!' @/' +&!y '/r-o/ned We +ere &r1 'e6er& re&'on'.

W+&e6er e'e En,&nd +&' !n Ger-&ny +er be' 1/'o-er. S+e 1&nno

&77ord 7r!6oo/'y o !n6o6e +er e-!re !n w&r'. I7 '+e 'e' +e word

on 7!re '+e +&' beer +!n,' o do +&n e +er &r-y be &rre'ed !nS1+1'w!, &7er B!'-&r1?8' 7or-/&. R/''!& +&' '/77ered '&dy !n +e

w&r w!+ &&n. Fr&n1e w&n' o en@oy 'or1d/ re6en,eb/ ony !n

1o-&ny o7 ,ood 7r!end' o7 w+o- '+e !' no ye '/77!1!eny 1er&!n.'

F!n&y +ey &re & &7r&!d o r!'? +e!r re1!o/' !n'r/-en o7 w&r !n &

7!,+ w!+ & we&r-ed ene-y. In +e &' re'or ! !' ony Ger-&n

-!!&ry ower w+!1+ '&7e,/&rd' E/roe8' e&1e 7or +e !-e be!n,.

Howe6er +e 1o&!!on !' re&dy. T+e Power' +o'!e o Ger-&ny

&re 'o 7&6o/r&by &1ed +& +ey 1&n 1+oo'e +e!r own -o-en.

Ger-&ny !' +re&ened &nd w&1+ed by +e- & +e !-e. T+ey +&6e &

d!'/!e!n, e77e1 on +e Ger-&n ner6o/' 'y'e- '+&?en by e1ono-!1

'r/,,e &nd b/'!ne'' 1r!'e'. To re!e6e +!' re''/re one !' e-ed

o ,!6e !n o &11e /nre&'on&be de-&nd' &nd e ,o o7 one &d6&n&,e

&7er +e o+er. Me&nw+!e A/'r!&H/n,&ry !' !ed down !n +e

'o/+e&' by +e B&?&n 1r!'!'. S+e de-&nd' '/or 7ro- +er &y

b/ 1&nno o77er &ny !n re/rn. By +e!r &1!1' +e ene-y +&6e

-&n&,ed o &o e&1+ 1o/nry & 'e&r&e +e&re o7 w&r o re6en

bo+ 1o-b!n!n, !n o6erw+e-!n, '/er!or!y o de7e& +e!r 7oe' !n/rn. A/'r!& +&' o &?e o6er +e So/+ern 7ron. Ger-&ny +e

We'ern. R/''!& re&!n' 7reedo- o 'r!?e de1!'!6ey w!+ & +er -!,+

w+ere6er '+e 1+oo'e'.

W+y !n '!e o7 +!' 7&6o/r&be '!/&!on do Ger-&ny8' 7oe' '!

+e'!&e o &?e / &r-' E6en 'e&r&ed Ger-&ny &nd A/'r!& &re

'! oo 'ron,. T+ey -/' 7!r' be we&?ened by !nern& 1on7!1'4

A/'r!& by +e /&rre beween +e n&!on&!!e' o w+!1+ 7/e !' be!n,

&dded b/'!y Ger-&ny by 'r!7e beween +e &r!e' And ye 7or +e

% C7. Me-or&nd/- o7 "#": . "9< beow.

SCHLIEFFEN HOLSTEIN AND THE MOROCCO CRISIS OF I#<$0 IOI

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


b&e o 1o-ebe ! w!+ &r-' or o+erw!'e+ere -/' be & e&'

ow&rd' +e o/'!de word & 8/n!ed b&nd o7 bro+er'8 &nd & ,re&

ower7/ -!,+y &r-y ed by & 'ron, +&nd &nd !n'!red w!+

&b'o/e 1on7!den1e. Ao,e+er & 6ery 'o-bre ro,no'!' O7 1o/r'e ! !' no 1er&!n

!7 &nd w+en w&r w! 1o-e. B/ &n ende&6o/r !' &7oo o br!n, &

+e'e Power' o,e+er 7or & 1on1ered &&1? on +e Cenr& Power'.

A +e ,!6en -o-en +e door' &re o be oened +e dr&wbr!d,e' e

down &nd +e -!!on'ron, &r-!e' e oo'e r&6&,!n, &nd de'roy!n,

&1ro'' +e *o',e' +e Me/'e +e Kon!,'&/ +e N!1-en +e B/, &nd

e6en +e I'ono &nd +e Tyroe&n A'. T+e d&n,er 'ee-' ,!,&n!1.

W+en +e'e &r!o!1 w&rn!n,' were 'o/nded by +e 7or-er C+!e7

o7 +e Gener& S&77 !n +e ,euts!he /eue !n "#<# T+eodor B&r+ +e

de-o1r&!1 /b!1!' 'o?e !ron!1&y o +e +&/1!n&!on' o7 &

n&!on&!'!1 ro7e''or o7 +!'ory.# He 7&!ed o re1o,n!'e +& -!!&ry

-!nd' wo/d ne&ry &w&y' end o 'ee 7ore!,n o!1y e''en!&y &' &

'r/,,e 7or ower &nd e&1e -erey &' & &/'e 7or bre&+ !n w+!1+

o &1/!re 'ron,er &r-&-en'. B&r+ +!-'e7 ob6!o/'y /nderr&ed

+e e5en o7 +e !nern&!on& en'!on' &nd n&!on& &''!on' /n1o6ered

by +e B&?&n 1r!'!' o7 "#<% &' w 9e &' +e 'er!o/'ne'' o7 +e '!/&!on

!n Cenr& E/roe 7&1ed w!+ +e d&n,er o7 w&r 7ro- bo+ e&' &nd

we'. I7 one 1o-&re' S1+!e77en8' o!!1& o/o/r!n,' w!+ +e 1on

e-or&ry -e-or&nd& o7 +!' A/'r!&n 1oe&,/e Co/n Conr&d 6on

Hoendor7 one no!1e' +& +e Ger-&n doe' no b&'e +!' 7!,+!n,

'!r! <"" +e e-b&rr&''!n, Weltans!hauung w+!1+ 1+&r&1er!'e' +e

A/'r!&n ,ener&4 +e b!oo,!1& 6!ew o7 o!!1& &1!6!y w+!1+ 'ee'

! &' &n eern& 'r/,,e 7or e5!'en1e !n w+!1+ w&r !' &n !ne6!&be

7&e. I !' r/e +& S1+!e77en oo d!d no 1on'!der ! &6o!d&be !n +e

on, r/n b/ +e now+ere de-&nd' &n oen!n, o7 +o'!!!e' & +e

7&6o/r&be -o-en&nd +e doe' no do 'o !n +e ,re& -e-or&nd/-o7 "#":.

Here +e e&1ere'er6!n, roe o7 +e Ger-&n Ar-y !' 're''ed e6en

-ore4 Se1/re be+!nd 7orre''e' r!6er' -o/n&!n' &nd 'w&-' +e

'&y' !n rero'e1 o7 +e 1r!'e' o7 "#<$ &nd "#<# Ger-&ny8' ne!,+

bo/r' were y!n, !n w&! 7or +e!r /nroe1ed we&?er &d6er'&ry

w+o w&' en!rey on +!' own. I w&' no +e Tr!e A!&n1e b/ 'oey

+e Ger-&n Ar-y w+!1+ +ed R/''!& &nd Fr&n1e !n 1+e1?. Ne!+er

w&ned o &?e / &r-' on1e Ger-&ny e7 no do/b &bo/ +er

# E!'en+&rRo+e iid.# . 3%.

NS OF THE SCHLIEFFEN PLAN

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


deer-!n&!on o 7!,+ b&1?. No word o7 re,re +ere +& Ger-&n

o!1y +&d 7&!ed o -&?e /'e o7 +e /n!/ey 7&6o/r&be -!!&ry

'!/&!on o7 "#<$ 7or &n &&1? on Fr&n1e.

B/ S1+!e77en !' 6ery 1r!!1& o7 Ger-&n o!1y d/r!n, +e Moro11o

1r!'!' o7 "#"". We 7&!ed +e '&y' o -&?e ! 1e&r &' we d!d !n "#<$&nd "#<# +& we were w!!n, o /'e o/r &r-y !7 ne1e''&ry we e

o/r'e6e' be !n!-!d&ed by En,&nd8' e-y +re&'. F&1ed w!+

Ger-&ny8' o/'o?en re'o6e En,&nd !n "#"" wo/d +&6e ,!6en !n

@/' &' Fr&n1e d!d !n "#<$ &nd R/''!& !n "#<#. B/ on +!' o11&'!on

! w&' Ger-&ny w+o y!eded &nd 'o +e 'e w&' bro?en w+!1+ +&d

'o 7&r -&de +er &r-y 'ee- !n6!n1!be. Nor 1o/d +e o' re'!,e be

re'ored by +e &r-y re7or- o7 "#": w+!1+ bro/,+ !e -ore +&n

1+&n,e' !n or,&n!'&!onnone !n ower. T+!' !-e ! w&' no

Ger-&ny8' ro-!'e o '&nd by +er A/'r!&n &!e' w+!1+ 'e1/rede&1e (& re7eren1e o +e B&?&n 1r!'!' o7 "#":) b/ ony En,&nd8'

w!'+ 7or e1ono-!1 re&'on' o &6o!d & word w&r.

T+e'e &re&' no +!'or!&n wo/d do/b od&y,ro'' o+!1& -!'

@ /d,-en'. Be+!nd +e- one 'en'e' +e '/'!1!on &nd d!'&'e w!+ w+!1+

+e 'en!or ,ener&' 7oowed Be+-&nnHowe,8' o!1y o7 e&1e7/

'ee-en w!+ En,&nd. Je e6en !n +!' b!er 1r!!1!'- +ere !' no

word o7 'r!?!n, & bow o7 +e !de& o7 & re6en!6e w&r. T+e dr&7

o7 +e "#": -e-or&nd/- -&?e' +!' 1e&rer '!. I '&y' e5!1!y4

I w&' no ye & /e'!on o7 e&1e or w&r b/ +ere '+o/d +&6e been

& d!'&y o7 7!r- deer-!n&!on o '&nd 7&' !n 7&1e o7 +!' +re& w+!1+

&er ro6ed e-y. Nor do +e 7oow!n, 'enen1e' 7ro- +e 7!n&

e5 e6en +!n & +e o''!b!!y +& Ger-&ny -!,+ de!ber&ey &?e

/ &r-' o bre&? +e r!n, o7 d!o-&!1 en1!r1e-en by 7or1e4 I !'

o be +oed +& En,&nd8' w! -&y no 7or e6er be de1!'!6e &nd +&

Ger-&ny w! one d&y re,&!n +e o'!!on o7 ower ne1e''&ry o +er

e1ono-!1 ro'er!y. W!+o/ & w&r +!' w! '1&r1ey be o''!be.

How ! w! 1o-e &bo/ re-&!n' o be 'een.T&?!n, & +e'e re-&r?' beween "#<# &nd "#": &' & w+oe

S1+!e77en8' /ndery!n, &!/de o +e /e'!on o7 w&r 'ee-' o +&6e

been 'o-ew+& &' 7oow'4 Ger-&ny w&' +re&ened by ene-!e' on

& '!de' w&' -&!ny deenden on +er own e77or' &nd 1o/d no

e5e1 e77e1!6e +e 7ro- +e Tr!e A!&n1e. I w&' ony d/e o

+er 'ron, &r-y +& e&1e +&d been re'er6ed / o now. S!n1e '+e

need no be &7r&!d o7 w&r +er -!!&ry oen!& '+o/d be &d6&n1ed

&' & 7&1or !n o+!1& d!'1/''!on'. B/ +e de1!'!on e&1e or w&r

SCHLIEFFEN HOLSTEIN AND THE MOROCCO CRISIS OF IQO$0

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


w&' & -&er no 7or 'od!er' b/ 7or '&e'-en. For +e Gener& S&77

! w&' 'o-e+!n, w+!1+ re-&!ned o be 'een.

D!d S1+!e77en d!'&y +e '&-e &!/de d/r!n, +e Moro11o 1r!'!'

o7 "#<$ or d!d +e & +& !-e ,o 7/r+er &nd /r,e +e Fore!,n M!n!'ry

o -&?e &n &,,re''!6e w&r &,&!n' Fr&n1e A' one -!,+ e5e1 +e o77!1!& e6!den1e !' e5re-ey '1&ny. In

Ar! "#<; on, be7ore +e on'e o7 +e Moro11o 1r!'!' Bow -&de

6erb& !n/!r!e' +ro/,+ +e Co/n'eor Pr!n1e L!1+now'?y &' o +ow

+e C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 re,&rded Ger-&ny8' -!!&ry ro'e1'

!7 & Fr&n1oGer-&n w&r '+o/d now be1o-e ne1e''&ry. T+e re&'on

7or +!' !n/!ry 1&nno (&11ord!n, o T!!--e 7rosse Politi# I (")

No. 0<3") be dee1ed !n +e do1/-en'. Per+&' ! w&' +e 1on1/'!on

o7 +e An,oFren1+ &,ree-en on Nor+ A7r!1& <"" Ar! %+ "#<;

w+!1+ ,&6e r!'e o ! b/ ! oo?' &' !7 Bow -&!ny w&ned o ?now +ow 7&r +e R/''o&&ne'e w&r w+!1+ +&d be,/n !n Febr/&ry wo/d

wor? o/ o Ger-&ny8' &d6&n&,e by re!e6!n, -!!&ry re''/re on

+er !n 1&'e o7 w&r. S1+!177 en8' &n'wer ,!6en 6erb&y &nd !n wr!!n,

w&' 6ery 1&re7/y +o/,+ o/ &nd '/ored by re1!'e !n7or-&!on

&bo/ +e 'ren,+ o7 +e R/''!&n Ar-y. So 7&r +e 1on1/ded +ere

+&d been no &re1!&be we&?en!n, o7 +e R/''!&n'8 'ren,+ on +e!r

we'ern 7ron b/ & n/-ber o7 1!r1/-'&n1e' -&de ! 6ery /n!?ey

+& +ey wo/d be w!!n, or &be o -&?e w&r !n E/roe &nd +e

E&' '!-/&neo/'y. In +e end +e d!d no &n'wer +e /e'!on &bo/

+e 1+&n1e' !n & Fr&n1oGer-&n w&r. B/ 7ro- +!' re-&r?' L!1+

now'?y 1on1/ded +& !7 w&r w!+ Fr&n1e '+o/d be1o-e ne1e''&ry

+e re'en -o-en wo/d do/be'' be 7&6o/r&be.

A !n & +e C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 1o/d no +&6e e5re''ed

+!-'e7 w!+ ,re&er 1&re or e'' 1+&/6!n!'-.

T+!' !' +e ony or!,!n& e6!den1e w+!1+ +e ,re& 1oe1!on o7

Ger-&n do1/-en' 1&n o77er !n &n'wer o o/r /e'!on. T+ere !' &

!e1e o7 6erb& !n7or-&!on 7ro- Bow (o E. !--er-&n) !n "#:"4Gr&7 S1+!e77en ne6er r!ed o !n7/en1e -y o+1y. Nor d!d +e e6er

re1o--end & re6en!6e w&r o -e or e6en ry o /r,e -e o -&?e

w&r."< One -&y do/b +e re!&b!!y o7 +!' e'!-onyb/ one

1&nno '!-y o6eroo? !. I' 6&/e &' e6!den1e !' 1er&!ny -/1+

,re&er +&n +& o7 & +e &11o/n' or!,!n&!n, 7ro- +e 1!r1e o7

S1+!e77en &d-!rer'&11o/n' w+o'e re&!on'+! o e&1+ o+er w!

o11/y /' &er.

10 "ddeuts!he Monatshefte# M&r1+ "#:" . 3%<.

"< H. THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE SCHLIEFFEN PLAN

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


F!r' +ere !' '! & &''&,e 7ro- T!r!8' Erinnerung!n (&,e ";3)

w+!1+ +&' 'o-e!-e' been /oed o ro6e +& S1+!e77en re&red

or & w&r w!+ Fr&n1e. T!r! 'e&?' o7 & -ee!n, & +e C+&n1eor8'

on O1ober 3"' "#<; w+en +e /e'!on w&' d!'1/''ed w+e+er &n&!&n1e '+o/d no be o77ered o R/''!& now +& '+e w&' dee !n w&r

worr!e'. Ho'e!n +oed +!' wo/d / re''/re on +e Fren1+ o

&ro&1+ Ger-&ny !n +e!r /rn. Gr&7 S1+!e77en w+o w&' re'en

oo? +e -!!&ry o!n o7 6!ew. He e'!-&ed +& +e R/''!&n' wo/d

'! be &be o -ob!!'e & 7ew &r-y 1or' 7or o''!be deoy-en

&,&!n' Fr&n1e. Now &' on +e re6!o/' o11&'!on w+en we d!'1/''ed

+e e5ed!!on o C+!n& I T!r!\ dee1ed !n +e d!'!n,/!'+ed

oo?!n, &nd &1!/rn 'r&e,!' 'o e-!nen !n +!' own '/b@e1 & 1er&!n

ne,e1 o7 non-!!&ry r&!n' o7 +o/,+ T+/' T!r!. I !' & -y'ery

+ow &nyone 1&n 'ee -ore !n +!' /o&!on +&n S1+!1771n8' &,ree-en

o Ho'e!n8' roo'&' &nd &n &e- o '/or +e- by 'r&e,!1&

1on'!der&!on'. Indeed ! !' ony o''!be by & 1o-ee d!'or!on o7

+e /o&!on '/1+ &' one 7!nd' !n +e -e-o!r' o7 +e d!o-&!'

B&ron 6on der L&n1?1nW&?en!."" B/ 6on der L&n1?1n d!d no

+&6e +e T!r! -e-o!r' o +&nd +e ,&!y re7er' o +e o/&r

&-+e on S1+!e77en by S/r,eonGener& Ro1+' & +!,+y /e'!on

&be 'o/r1e. Ro1+' re7er' o T!r!":

b/ re7r&!n' 7ro- /o!n, +!- 6erb&!- &nd o77er' !n'e&d & 1o-eey d!77eren &11o/n o7 S1+!177en8'

re-&r?'+e one 6on der L&n1?1n +en rod/1e' &' & 'o1&ed or!,!n&

&11o/n-&!n&!n!n, +& S1+!e77en -&de +e- &er &-on, &

1!r1e o7 !n!-&e'. We 'or!e' od !n & 1!r1e o7 !n!-&e' 1&nno

be 1+e1?ed by o/'!der'. B/ +ere +e ,r&6e' '/'!1!on 'ee-' !nd!1&ed.

Ro1+' d&e' +e -ee!n, wron,y (!n "#<$). He +!-'e7 +&' o &d-!

+& +!' &11o/n !' !n d!re1 1onr&d!1!on o B!ow8' '&e-en. He

doe' no e6en ry o -&?e ! &/'!be +& S1+!e77en &1!/rn &nd

e5re-ey 1orre1 '+o/d +&6e 1+&ed w!+ o/'!der' &bo/ +e'/b'&n1e o7 &n o77!1!& 1on7eren1e o7 '/1+ & +!,+y o!!1& 1+&r&1er.

F!n&y +e e-bro!der' +!' &11o/n !n & -o' '/'e1 -&!-er4 S1+!1771n8'

re-&r?' 'o '+o1?ed +e &1!7!' C+&n1eor +& +e &d@o/rned +e

-ee!n, (+!' !' 1onr&d!1ed by T!r!8' &11o/n) &nd 7ro- +en on

be1&-e S1+!e77en8' de1&red ene-y /r,!n, +!' d!'-!''&4 & e,end we

"" O. Fr+. 6on der L&n1?enW&?en! M!ine dreissig ,i!mt2ahr! i""" is lgi" ("#3")

. S9. A11ord!n, o +!' S1+!e77en +&d '&!d4 Fro- & -!!&ry o!n o7 6!ew I 'ee +e

ony 'o/!on !n &n !--ed!&e w&r &,&!n' Fr&n1e. En,&nd !' '! we&? 7ro- +e Boer

w&r R/''!& !' '! !ed down !n +er w&r &,&!n' &&n Fr&n1e !' !'o&ed &nd we '+o/d be

&be o 1oe w!+ Fr&n1e on +er own. ": $. A/7L . ;0 &nd %$.

SCHLIEFFEN HOLSTEIN AND THE MOROCCO CRISIS OF IQO$0 I < $

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


'+& &er d!'ro6e. A +!' '+ow' +e enden!o/' r&!' o7 & +ero8' b!o

,r&+y. A & 1o'' ! -/' be & o!!1& !nr!,/e +& 1&/'e' +e ,re&

-&n8' d!'-!''& 7ro- +!' o' &nd '!n1e +ere !' no e6!den1e w+&e6er

o7 & o!!1& d!'&,ree-en beween S1+!e77en &nd +e C+&n1eorT!r!8' re-&r? +& +e 7or-er oo? & /rey -!!&ry o!n o7 6!ew

& +& -ee!n, !' ,reed!y !1?ed / &nd '/!&by e-be!'+ed by

/o!n, 'o1&ed re-&r?' &-on, & 1!r1e o7 !n!-&e'.

On o o7 +!' 1o-e' +e need o7 +e b!o,r&+er & n&!6e n&!on&!'

o7 &nGer-&n +/e o re'en +!' +ero &' +e ony -&n w+o w&'

+o/,+7/ eno/,+ o d!'1ern +e o''!b!!y o7 & '/11e''7/ re6en!6e

w&r & +e r!,+ -o-en. Ony &' &n &7er+o/,+ doe' Ro1+' 'ee-

o +&6e re&!'ed +& & +e !-e +!' &-+e w&' /b!'+ed ("#:")

+!' -!,+ e&'!y d&-n S1+!e77en &' one o7 +e w&r-on,er' o7

"#"; &nd +& on +!- &nd +e Gener& S&77 wo/d +/' 7& & '+&dow

o7 w&r ,/!. And 'o +e !' n&!6e eno/,+ o re1ord w!+ 7/ &ro6&

on +e 6ery &,e on w+!1+ +e e' o7 +e &e,ed re-&r? !n +e

C+&n1eery B!ow8' &''/r&n1e +& S1+!e77en ne6er /r,ed +!- o

-&?e w&r !ndeed +e &er '&e' e-+&!1&y (&,e %$) +& +e ,ener&

ne6er re'/-ed o @/d,e w+e+er +e !nern&!on& '!/&!on 'ee-ed

o -&?e w&r de'!r&be b/ &w&y' ?e 'r!1y w!+!n +e !-!' o7 +!'

de&r-en."3

Ob6!o/'y +!' !' & wor+e'' 'o/r1e 7or 'er!o/' +!'or!1& re'e&r1+.

I !' ony w!+ re'er6&!on' +& noe -&y be &?en o7 & 'e1ond 'ory

o7 +!' b!o,r&+er e!n, o7 & r!6&e 1on6er'&!on w!+ S1+!e77en

(&,e ;<). I !' '&!d o +&6e &?en &1e !n +e +!,+ '/--er o7 "#<$.

S1+!e77en e' Ro1+' o7 +!' &n5!ey o6er & 1o-ee en1!r1e-en o7

Ger-&ny. Now we 1o/d ,e o/ o7 +e noo'e &nd 'ee &11o/n'

w!+ Fr&n1e '!n1e R/''!& wo/d no be &be o &?e &ny &1!on 7or &

on, !-e. Fr&n1e !n & '!-!&r '!/&!on wo/d no +e'!&e o &&1?

/'. We w+y '+o/d S1+!e77en no +&6e &?ed on '/1+ !ne' o &7r!end I wo/d &-o' be '/rr!'!n, !7 +e +&d no ener&!ned '/1+

'en!-en' &' & 'od!er +ey &re reored o7 o+er 'en!or -e-ber' o7

+e o77!1er 1or' oo."; B/ & +!' +&' no+!n, o do w!+ & o!!1&

&1!on &' C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77.

I !' 'r&n,e +ow /n1r!!1&y Gener& S&77 o77!1er' o7 +e S1+!e77en

"3 On . 9" ($. A/7.) +e e6en &''/re' /' +& S1+!e77en +&d ro6ed w!+ 'r&e,!1 !n'!,+

+& +e 6ery !n&de/&1y o7 Ger-&ny8' -!!&ry 'ren,+ &nd +& o7 +er &!e' -&de !

!-o''!be 7or +e !de& o7 &n &,,re''!6e or re6en!6e w&r &,&!n' +e Enene e6en o

'/,,e' !'e7. T+e S1+!e77en P&n +&d ony been de'!,ned 7or +e e6en o7 & de7en'!6e w&r.

"; C7. +e &!/de o7 +e W&r M!n!'er 6on E!ne- iid.# . no 7.

IOV "<;. THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE SCHLIEFFEN

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


'1+oo +&6e &11eed Ro1+'8 e,end&ry &11o/n. W. Groener ree&'

'o-e o7 +!' &1' !n order o ro6e S1+!e7Ten8' o!!1& 7&r'!,+edne''

&nd +e 1&'' & B!ow +e 'r&n,e rero&1+ +& +e d!d no &'? S1+!e77en

+e @/'!7!&be /e'!on w+e+er /nder +e re6&!!n, o!!1& 1!r1/-'&n1e' o7 "#<;$ ! wo/d no +&6e been e5ed!en 7or Ger-&ny

o 7ree +er'e7 o7 +e en1!r1e-en by 7or1e."$ He +&' no o+er e6!den1e

+&n Ro1+'8 &11o/n o ro6e +& S1+!e77en w&ned & re6en!6e w&r.

B/ !n +!' /n/b!'+ed -e-o!r' wr!en !n "#3% o11/r' +e 7oow!n,

'r&n,e &r&,r&+4 W+en !n M&y "#<$ &n &r!1e &e&red !n +e

En,!'+ -&,&!ne The T8entieth Century de-&nd!n, +& En,&nd

'+o/d & on1e 1on1/de &n &!&n1e w!+ Fr&n1e S1+!e77en oo? +!'

&r!1e er+&' !n !'e7 no 'o we!,+y &' &n o11&'!on o &'? +e K&!'er

&nd Go6ern-en o de1&re w&r on Fr&n1e &nd 'o bre&? +e ne w+!1+

&' +e &one '&w 1e&ryw&' !,+en!n, ro/nd /'."0 How odd +& &n

En,!'+ -&,&!ne &r!1e '+o/d +&6e ed +e C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77

o de-&nd 7ro- +e K&!'er &nd Go6ern-en & de1&r&!on o7 w&r

&,&!n' Fr&n1e How doe' Groener ?now +!' Cer&!ny no 7ro-

S1+!e77en +!-'e7 be1&/'e !--ed!&ey &7erw&rd' +e 1on7e''e' +&

& +e !-e +e &nd +!' 1o-r&de' on +e Gener& S&77 ,&6e !e

+o/,+ o o!!1' &nd +e!r -!!&ry 1on'e/en1e'. . . . I w&' no

,ener&y ?nown +& S1+!e77en +&d been !n 7&6o/r o7 & w&r b/ we were & -ore or e'' o7 +e '&-e o!n!on.

We +e r!dde !' 'o6ed 6ery '!-y. *on der L&n1?en ,!6e' &

-ore &11/r&e render!n, o7 +e En,!'+ -&,&!ne &r!1e."9 T+e &/+or

1on'!dered +e E/roe&n '!/&!on 6ery 'er!o/' &nd de-&nded +e

!--ed!&e 1on1/'!on o7 &n An,oFren1+ &!&n1e. He 1on1/ded by

'&y!n, +& Ger-&ny8' o+!1& &nd -!!&ry '!/&!on w&' & +e

-o-en 'o 7&6o/r&be 7or & re6en!6e w&r &,&!n' Fr&n1e +& e6en &

-on&r1+ 'o we ?nown 7or +!' o6e o7 e&1e &' W!+e- II wo/d !n

+e on, r/n be /n&be o re'!' +e e-&!on o &&1? Fr&n1e &nd 'o

'e1/re E/roe&n +e,e-ony. S1+!e77en '/b-!ed +!' &r!1e o

+e K&!'er +ro/,+ & '&77 o77!1er C&&!n 6on H&e7en. I 1&-e b&1?

15 ,as Testament des 7rafen "!hlieffen ("#:9) . 0. W. Foer'er !n 7raf "!hlieffen und der

I-eltrieg# . $ 7! ony +!n' (by re7err!n, o Ro1+') +& S1+!e77en +&d been d!'-!''ed

be1&/'e +e d!d no 7! !no +!' er& o7 !/'!on' &nd Uo!&' B!!ow8' er&\ &nd +& +e

+&d 7e +!' +!-'e7. Foer'er &'o ree&' 7ro- & new'&er &r!1e by 6on Gober, !n

"#:< +e &e,&!on +& on +e&r!n, +e order 7or -ob!!'&!on S1+!e77en +&d 1+eered.

"0 E5r&1 7ro- +e A-er!1&n +oo'& o7 +e Groener &er'.

"$ O. Eb&1+er T+e B&&n1e o7 Power !n E/roe !n4 The ineteenth Century and

'fter# M&y "#<$ 6o. $9 . 9%9%<;.

SCHLIEFFEN HOLSTEIN AND THE MOROCCO CRISIS OF IOO$0 "<9

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


w!+ +e K&!'er8' -&r,!n& noe4 No Ne6er w! I be 1&&be o7 '/1+

&n &1!on I oo?' &' !7 6on H&e7en w+o +&d &n !-or&n 7/n1!on &'

o!!1& !&!'on o77!1er o7 +e S/re-e Co--&nd d/r!n, +e w&r od

Groener o7 +!' o11/rren1e &nd o7 +e I-er!& -&r,!n& noe. W+& be1&-e o7 ! !n Groener8' 6&,/e -e-ory &7er -&ny ye&r' need' no

7/r+er 1o--en. He -&?e' o7 ! & new -on/-en o +e o!!1&

w!'do- o7 +e S1+!e77en '1+oo8' ,re& -&'er&nd o +e b!ndne''

o7 I-er!& o!1y."%

E/&y !rree6&n !' & 7/r+er e'!-ony4 & new'&er &r!1e on

Groener8' boo? eldherr under Willeu# /b!'+ed by S1+!177en8' 'on

!n&w W. 6on H&+n?e !n +e *erliner *orseneitung o7 M&y 0+

"#3<."# T+!' oo !' /oed by 6on der L&n1?en &nd o !/'r&e +e

-&'er8' w!'do- 'o +!,+y r&!'ed by Groener we &re od +e

7oow!n,4 In "#<;$ w+en De1&''e w&' -&?!n, +re&en!n, 'ee1+e'

&nd b&ndy!n, &bo/ +e !de& o7 w&r &,&!n' Ger-&ny Gr&7 S1+!e77en

o!ned o/ o +e C+&n1eor Pr!n1e B!!ow +e e5r&ord!n&ry &d

6&n&,e' o Ger-&ny8' -!!&ry &nd o!!1& '!/&!on. I7 &r-ed

1on7!1 w!+ Fr&n1e were /n&6o!d&be (Gr&7 S1+!e77en &d6!'ed) !

wo/d be de'!r&be !7 +e w&r were o be '&red by Fr&n1e & +e

-o-en -o' 7&6o/r&be o Ger-&ny4 En,&nd w&' '! '/77er!n,

7ro- +e e77e1' o7 +e Boer W&r R/''!& w&' !ed down by +er w&r

w!+ &&n Fr&n1e w&' +re&en!n, w&r &,&!n' Ger-&ny 7ro- &

o'!!on o7 !'o&!on. T+e'e &re r&+er e/!6o1& '&e-en'. B/ on

1o'er !n'e1!on one 'ee' +& H&+n?e !' no re&y 1&!-!n, & & +&

S1+!e77en +&d re1o--ended &n &&1? on Fr&n1e on +e 1onr&ry +e

+o/,+ ! de'!r&be o e&6e +e !n!!&!6e !n -&?!n, w&r o +e Fren1+.

Ger-&ny need no 7e&r +e-/!e +e re6er'e T+!' wo/d 1orre'

ond w!+ +e +r&'e w+!1+ 6on E!'en+&rRo+e /oe' !n & 6ery

de7!n!e (&nd +/' -ore &/'!be) 7or-. Le +e- 1o-e +e C+!e7

o7 +e Gener& S&77 !' '&!d o +&6e 1r!ed e51!edy w+en & +e !-e o7 +e Moro11o 1r!'!' M&@or 6on K/+ bro/,+ +!- +e new' o7 Fren1+

"% Gordon A. Cr&!, The Politi!s of the Prussian 'rmy 1&0%195 ("#$$) . :%; /oe'

&no+er &''&,e !ro- Groener8' /n/b!'+ed 6eenserinneruugeu w+!1+ !' !nended o

ro6e S1+!e77en8' de'!re 7or w&r4 & e1/re w+!1+ +e ,&6e o +e Gener& S&77 (no d&e)

&bo/ +e 1&-&!,n o7 "%<0. In +!' +e !' reored o +&6e '&!d +& !nd!,n&!on o6er +e

-!'&?e' o +e Ar-y Co--&nd o7 +& !-e wo/d e&d now+ere. I w ro/d be -ore o

+e o!n o do !?e +e -en o7 "%"3 w+o &doed +e -e&n' by w+!1+ N&oeon

de7e&ed /' &nd /'ed +e- o re6en,e +e-'e6e' on +e &/+or o7 +e!r '/77er!n,. I

1&nno 'ee +e 1onne1!on beween +!' +!'or!1& &!/de &nd o/r robe-.

" # " &- ob!,ed o +e We'de/'1+e B!b!o+e? !n M&rb/r, 7or & +oo'& o7 +!'

&r!1e.

!o% SCHLIEFFEN PLAN

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


re&r-&-en.:< T+& +e '+o/d +&6e re!ed o!-!'!1&y o Bow8'

or Ho'e!n8' /e'!on' &bo/ Ger-&n -!!&ry ro'e1' !7 ! 1&-e o

& w&r w!+ Fr&n1e (7or !n'&n1e !n +e 6e!n o7 +e o77!1!& &n'wer o7

Ar! "#<;) !' er7e1y n&/r&4 +ow 1o/d +e +&6e &n'wered o+er w!'e T+e M!n!'er 7or W&r 6on E!ne- &'o de'1r!bed +e '!/&!on

&' 7&6o/r&be w+en !n +e 'r!n, o7 "#<$ Bow &nd &er +e K&!'er

&'?ed +!- &bo/ +e re&d!ne'' o7 +e Ar-y+e &er w!+ +e

e-+&!1 r!der4 I don8 !?e w&r &nd don8 w&n o -&?e ! /ne'' !

!' &b'o/ey ne1e''&ry.:"

A7er & +!' +ow 1&n one &11e +e &''/r&n1e o7 S1+!e77en8' 7&-!y

b!o,r&+er Ro1+' +& Bow 7e&red +e C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77

&' & !re'o-e w&r-on,er &nd 'o e77e1ed +!' d!'-!''& by +e K&!'er.

In '/or o7 +!' 1&!- Ro1+' rod/1e' no+!n, b/ +!' own ,/e'' wor? w+!1+ !' /n'/b'&n!&ed by &ny e6!den1e:: &nd 1onr&d!1ed by

& 7!r- dementi 7ro- Bow`:3 Abo6e & ! be1o-e' 1e&r 7ro- +e

reor' &nd do1/-en' /b!'+ed &-on, +e &er' o7 +e yo/n,er

Mo?e:; +& +ere w&' no 1onne1!on beween +e Moro11o 1r!'!' &nd

S1+!e77en8' re!re-en. I !' o''!be +& Bow 7/r+ered !we '+&

,o !no +& !n & -o-en b/ e6ery+!n, +e d!d !n +!' 1onne1!on

+&ened efore +e 'r!n, o7 "#<$. W+en & +e be,!nn!n, o7 "#<;

W!+e- II r&n'7erred Mo?e o +e Gre& Gener& S&77 &' Q/&rer

-&'erGener& ! w&' ob6!o/'y 'o +& +e '+o/d 7&-!!&r!'e +!-'e7

w!+ +e d/!e' o7 !' C+!e7. In +e 7oow!n, '/--er +e +&d o &1

&' /-!re !n +e K&!'er M&noe/6re' &nd & +e!r 1on1/'!on 7o/nd

+!-'e7 !n +e o'!!on o7 de7end!n, +!' 1+!e7 &,&!n' +e K&!'er8'

1r!!1!'- &+o/,+ +e +!-'e7 w&' !n no 'or o7 &,ree-en w!+

S1+!e77en8' 'r&e,!1& 6!ew' or I!!' &!/de ow&rd' +e Crown. A'

e&ry &' &n/&ry "#<$ +& !' o '&y on, be7ore +e be,!nn!n, o7 +e

Moro11o 1r!'!' +e +&d 1er&!n !ner6!ew' w!+ Bow &nd W+e- II

w+!1+ 'ee- o +&6e de1!ded +!' &o!n-en &' S1+!e77en8' '/11e''or.He re&e' +ow one -orn!n, w+!e +ey were r!d!n, o,e+er !n +e

T!er,&ren Bow &'?ed +!- w+e+er +e wo/d no 'oon '/11eed

:<I- *anne der PersRnli!heit# . ;3 7. S!-!&r '&e-en' !n Fr1y&,Lor!n,+o6en

iid.# . ";".

:" *on E!ne- iid.# . "":. E!ne- &''/re' /' +& +e d!d e6ery+!n, o b&1? / +e

C+&n1eor !n +!' d!o-&!1 b&e &,&!n' De1&''1 &nd +&d +e 7er6en de'!re o

'ee +e w+oe -&er w!+ +e 'word. T+!' w&' wr!en !n "#33 I7 ! !' r/e ! '!

-e&n' no -ore +&n & +oe &nd &n &n'wer o /e'!on' no +e re'/-!on o7 ,!6!n,

o!!1& &d6!1e.

::Ro1+' iid.# . %; 77. I !' no wor+ w+!e d!'1/''!n, +!' 7/r+er.

GH "iiddeuts!e Monatshefte# M&r1+ "#:" . 3%<. :; Mo?e iid.# . :%% 7.% TSP

SCHLIEFFEN HOLSTEIN AND THE MOROCCO CRISIS OF IO O 0

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


S1+!e77en w!+ w+o- +e Bow\ e6!deny d!d no &,ree. Mo?e

-erey '&!d +& +e +oed +e 1/ wo/d &'' 7ro- +!-. B/ & 7ew

d&y' &er +e w&' 1&ed o &n !ner6!ew w!+ W+e- II w+o od

+!- +& +e w&' d!'-&yed o +&6e +e&rd 7ro- Bow +& +e w&'

re/1&n o '/11eed S1+!e77en. T+!' ed o & on, 1on6er'&!on !n

w+!1+ Mo?e '+owed re-&r?&be 1o/r&,e &nd ,re& 7r&n?ne''. He

r&d!1&y 1r!!1!'ed +e re'en 7or- o7 +e K&!'er M&n/6re' w!+ +e!r

1&6&ry b&e' &nd +e K&!'er8' 1on'&n er'on& !ner7eren1e &' we

&' +e Gener& S&77 w&r ,&-e' w!+ +e!r re,/&r en6eo!n, o7

&r-!e' o7 $<<<<< o 0<<<<< -en & 7ew d&y' &7er +e '&r o7 oer&!on'.

He re,&rded & +!' &' & /rey +eore!1& e&1e!-e ,&-e w+!1+

+&d no r&1!1& 6&/e &nd 1o/d ony e&d o d&n,ero/' !/'!on'. He

do/bed w+e+er +e /n!7or- 1o--&nd o7 -!!on'ron, &r-!e' w&'

o''!be &ny -ore +&n +e /!1? er-!n&!on o7 w&r' &' 7or-ery by de1!'!6e b&e'. T+e -odern Peoe8' W&r wo/d /rn o/ o be &

on, &rd/o/' 'r/,,e w!+ & 1o/nry w+!1+ w! no &d-!

de7e& /n! +e 'ren,+ o7 +e eoe !' bro?en. Mo?e d&red o

de-&nd & 1o-eey 7ree +&nd 7or & -ore re&!'!1 w&r!?e de'!,n o7

+e 'r&e,!1 e5er1!'e' &nd -&noe/6re' &nd &r!1/&ry & ,re&er

re'r&!n o7 +e 'o6ere!,n !n +e K&!'er M&n/6re'. B/ +e 1&rr!ed bo+

o!n' &nd &' & '&r w&' ordered o ry +!' +&nd & rod/1!n, & '1+e-e

7or +e -&n/6re' o7 +e 7oow!n, '/--er. S1+!e77en 7o/nd

+!' 6ery e-b&rr&''!n, &nd r!ed o !,nore +e I-er!& w!'+ by re&r!n, +e -&n/6re' +!-'e7. B/ +e o!dy ,o +!-'e7 !no &n

&w?w&rd '!/&!on w!+ +e K&!'er w+o- +e de1!dedy 6e5ed &nd

w+o now re!e6ed +!- o7 &nn!n, +e -&n/6re' by & 7or-&

order.

A +!' +&ened be7ore +e @o/rney o T&n,!er &nd +e o/bre&?

o7 +e 1r!'!' !n Fr&n1e. T+e ne5 de6eo-en w&' ony o be e5e1ed4

W!+e- II w&' +!,+y '&!'7!ed w!+ Mo?e8' er7or-&n1e &nd +!'

new 'ye !n -&n/6re' &nd !--ed!&ey &7er +e K&!'er M&n/6re'

w&ned o &o!n +!- &' C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77. Mo?e +&d

d!77!1/y !n &rr&n,!n, +& S1+!e77en '+o/d be ?e !n o77!1e & e&'

/n! +e end o7 +e ye&r:$ &nd +& &' +e!r o +!' ,re& rede1e''or +e

'+o/d be &owed (on O1ober :0+ "#<$) o /n6e! +e 7!ne Mo?e

:$ C7. ee,r&- 7ro- W!+e- II o Bow o7 /y 3<+ "#<$ :7rosse Politi# I (:)

. ;9#) w+ere +e -en!on' +& Mo?e w! re&1e Gr&7 S1+!e77en +!' w!ner. T+e

K&!'er +&d d!'1/''ed w!+ +!- +e 7&n&'!1 &n o7 o11/y!n, Be,!/- &' & ed,e !n 1&'e

o7 & w&r w!+ En,&nd+ere7ore +e 1&n +&rdy +&6e been oo?!n, 7or & C+!e7 o7 S&77

e'' -!!&n +&n S1+!e77en


8/17/2019 Ritter 1


'&/e !n +e Khn!,'& w+!1+ +e d!d w!+ & 'ee1+ 7/ o7 ,en/!ne

6ener&!on &nd -ode'y.

W+& were +e K&!'er8' -o!6e' !n d!'-!''!n, +!- T+ere !' no r&1e

o7 o!!1& d!77eren1e' !n e!+er W!+e- II8' or B!ow8' re-&r?' o

Mo?e. Bo+ 'ee- o +&6e +&d 'er!o/' 7e&r' o7 & w&r w!+ En,&nd !n

+e w!ner o7 "#<;$. W!+e- -&!n&!ned +& +!' 7e&r ed bo+ o7

+e- o +e 1on1/'!on +& S1+!e77en & 'e6enywo w&' oo od

7or +e ,re& &'?' &+e&d. T+e C+&n1eor +&d been +e 7!r' o -en!on

!&n &11o/n w+!1+ &!e' w!+ Mo?e8' !-re''!on o7 B!ow8'

&!/de ow&rd' S1+!e77en re1e!6ed d/r!n, +e!r &? !n +e T!er,&ren.

B/ B!ow w&' 6ery &n5!o/' !n +e eye' o7 o'er!y o '+&?e o77 &re'on'!b!!y 7or S1+!e77en8' d!'-!''& &nd re&1e-en by Mo?e.

In +e "ddeuts!he Monatshefte !n "#:" +e den!ed +&6!n, 1onr!b/ed o

S1+!e77en8' re'!,n&!on. In +!' ,en8rdigeiten +e de'1r!be' +e 1on

6er'&!on !n +e T!er,&ren w+!1+ be1&-e ?nown +ro/,+ +e /b

!1&!on o7 +e Mo?e &er' !n "#:: /!e d!77ereny &' !7 Mo?e

+&d no 7e e/& o +!' new o' &nd +&d /r,eny &'?ed +!- o

re-on'r&e w!+ +e K&!'er &,&!n' +!' &o!n-en. T+!' +e +&d done

&d-!edy w!+ re/1&n1e.:0 T+e r/+ !' rob&by +& d/r!n, +!'

1on6er'&!on' w!+ W!+e- II B!!ow +&d 7e +e K&!'er w&ned ore&1e +e &1!/rn &nd r&+er '!77 od ,ene-&n:9 by +!' own

Gener& +e weed/1&ed '!-/&!n, &nd &-!&be Mo?e. So w+y

'+o/dn8 +e 1o/r!er +e +e ro1e'' &on, on +e /!e F/r+er

e5&n&!on' 7ro- o''!be o!!1& -o!6e':% 'ee- +&rdy ne1e''&ry.

T+e 7!n& de1!'!on w&' rob&by -&de +e -o-en +e new -&n

!-re''ed +e K&!'er w!+ +!' 7r&n? 1o/r&,eo/' word' +!' 1r!!1!'- o7

+e od ro/!ne o7 +e Gener& S&77 &nd +!' -odern !de&'.

O/r !n/!ry +&' '+own +& +ere !' no re!&be do1/-en&ry

e6!den1e 7or +e '&e-en +& Gr&7 S1+!e77en /r,ed +e K&!'er or

G&,en8rdigeiten# II "#3< . "%: 77. B!!ow !' 1&ree'' eno/,+ o d&e +e 1on6er'&!on

A//-n "#<$. By +en e6ery+!n, +&d been de1!ded.

:9C7. Ho'e!n8' &re+en'!on !n "%#" +& S1+!e77en w!+ +!' /!e -&nner w! no

!-re'' +e K&!'er4 eer o Id& 6on Sn&,e !n4 F. 6on Ho'e!n 6eenseenntnis

in *riefen an eine rau# ed. by H. Ro,,e ("#3:) . "$$. To w&n o !-re'' +e K&!'er

w&' '/rey /n+!n?&be o +e -on&r1+!' S1+!e77en.

:%Fro- Ro1+8' &-+e one ,e' +e !-re''!on +& S1+!e77en ,/e''ed & B!ow8'

1o&bor&!on !n +!' d!'-!''& b/ ne6er &''/-ed +& ! w&' d/e o o!!1& -o!6e'

'/o'!n, (/!e r!,+y) +& +e +&d been de1&red 'en!e&n &11/'&!on -ore wo/nd!n, o & 'od!er +&n & 1!6!!&n &nd !n +!' 1&'e do/by wo/nd!n, '!n1e +e eder Mo?e

+&d re-&!ned !n o77!1e ! +e w&' &-o' n!ney.

SCHLIEFFEN HOLSTEIN AND THE MOROCCO CRISIS OF "O# 0 I I I

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


"": II. THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE SCHLIEFFEN PLAN

B!!ow o -&?e w&r &,&!n' Fr&n1e d/r!n, +e Moro11o 1r!'!'. B/

+!' ne,&!6e roo7 !' '! !n1o-ee & one o!n. We ?now +& +e

C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 w&' !n?ed o B&ron Ho'e!n by od !1' o7

7r!end'+!%# &nd +& beween +e wo e'e1!&y d/r!n, +e Moro11o

1r!'!' o7 "#<$ +ere were o7en 1on7!den!& &?' &bo/ +e o!!1&'!/&!on.3< O7 +e 1onen o7 +e'e 1on6er'&!on' no de&!' &re

?nown. Per+&' S1+!e77en no ony en1o/r&,ed +e 7el8iirat w!+

-!!&ry &r,/-en' o /'e +re&en!n, &n,/&,e ow&rd' Fr&n1e

b/ &'o e6en /r,ed +!- o 'e!e +e oor/ne -o-en 7or &

d!o-&!1 bre&? & de1&r&!on o7 w&r. D!d Ho'e!n -e&n o

7oow '/1+ &d6!1e!7 ! w&' e6er ,!6en Ony !7 +& were 'o 1o/d

one 'e&? o7 & 'er!o/' +re& o E/roe&n e&1e +ro/,+ +e '&bre

r&!n, o7 +e Ger-&n Gener& S&77.

oTo ,e o +e boo- o7 +!' /e'!on we -/' '/dy 7!r' +e

or!,!n& 'o/r1e' 7ro- Ho'e!n8' own +&nd !.e. +!' o77!1!& -e-or&nd&

&nd 1orre'onden1e o be 7o/nd !n +e ,re& 1oe1!on o7 do1/-en' on

+e re+!'ory o7 +e Gre& W&r &nd &'o +!' r!6&e eer' 3" 'e1ondy

'/1+ o7 B!ow8' de1ree' &nd d!re1!6e' &' &re ob6!o/'y b&'ed on

Ho'e!n8' '/,,e'!on' or &re !?ey o +&6e been dr&wn / by +!-

+!rdy &nd ony !n +e &' re'or +e -e-o!r' o7 6&r!o/' d!o-&'

&nd Fore!,n M!n!'ry de&r-en& +e&d' !n w+!1+ ,en/!ne !n7or

-&!on !' o7en d!77!1/ o d!'!n,/!'+ 7ro- r/-o/r &nd +e&r'&y

or -ere '/b@e1!6e o!n!on.

Ho'e!n8' e&r!e' -e-or&nd/- on +e Moro11o /e'!on !' rob

&by +!' noe o7 /ne 3rd "#<; !n w+!1+ +e 1on'!der' +e 1on'e/en1e'

o7 +e An,oFren1+ &,ree-en o7 +e '&-e ye&r.3: I w! (+e +!n?')

e&d o & 88'ow &b'or!on o7 Moro11o by Fr&n1e. T+!' 7or & '&r

:#A11ord!n, o 6on der L&n1?1n iid.# p. $% S1+!e77en +en & 7ard!%Jlanenlieutenant#

!nrod/1ed B&ron Ho'e!n +en & =ammergeri!htsreferendar# !no Ber!n +!,+ 'o1!ey !n +e

7!7!e'. In "%#" Ho'e!n r!ed o br!n, S1+!e77en &nd C&r!6! o,e+er 'o +& bo+ -en1o/d 1o/ner&1 +e K&!'er8' enden1y o er'on& d!re1!on !n -!!&ry -&er' (Ho'e!n

o Id& 6on S!!n&,e A/,/' '+ "%#" !n 6eenseetintnis# p. "$$ 7.). In & eer o7 "%#9

:iid.# . "%9) +e wr!e'4 W+!e I &- wr!!n, Gener& Gr&7 S1+!e77en !' '!!n, +ere

re&d!n, do1/-en' & +!n, +e doe' &bo/ on1e & wee? !n !-e' o7 ro/be.

3<In & eer o S1+!e77en o7 No6e-ber :#+ "#<; Ho'e!n &'?' +!- o 1o-e &nd 'ee

+!- er+&' o-orrow T+/r'd&y & +e /'/& !-e !.e. beween 7!6e &nd 'e6en. I +&6e

'e6er& +!n,' o e yo/ (6on der L&n1?en iid.# p. $#).

H1 The $olstein Papers 133< to 1909# ed. by Nor-&n R!1+ &nd H. M. F!'+er 6o. I

("#$$) 1on&!n &11ord!n, o H. M. F!'+er no+!n, -&er!&y new &bo/ +!' Moro11o

o!1y.

HG Crosse Politi# (") No. 0$:".

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


-e&n' 1on'!der&be d&-&,e o Ger-&n e1ono-!1 !nere''.33 B/ -ore

!-or&n !' & o!!1& 1on'!der&!on4 !n +e d!'1/''!on' o7 +e Gre&

Power' on 1oon!& /e'!on' Ger-&ny -/' no &ow +er'e7 '!-y

o be /'+ed &'!de '+e -/' '&7e,/&rd +er r!,+ o &y & &r 7or +e'&?e o7 +er re'!,e +er '&nd!n, &' & Gre& Power. Ho'e!n +!n?'

Moro11o !' & 6ery '/!&be ,ro/nd on w+!1+ o -&?e +!' 1&!-.

T+ere Ger-&ny 1&n 1o-e 7orw&rd &' ,/&rd!&n no ony o7 !ner

n&!on& &w &nd +e !ndeenden1e o7 & 7ree 'o6ere!,n b/ &'o o7 +e

e1ono-!1 !nere'' o7 & E/roe&n n&!on' by oo'!n, +e e'&b

!'+-en o7 & Fren1+ roe1or&e &nd & Fren1+ -onooy o7 Moro11&n

r&de. B/ 7or +!' o!1y ! !' &b'o/ey ne1e''&ry 7or Ger-&ny o 7or,o

&1/!'!!on' !n Moro11o !n'e&d '+e -/' 1+&-!on +e &nne5&!on o7

T&n,!er &nd !' +!ner&nd by S&!n !n +e e6en o7 +e S/&n8''o6ere!,ny one d&y be1o-!n, /nen&be. In +!' w&y Ger-&ny 1&n

+oe 7or '/or 7ro- o+er Power'. E6en En,&nd (w+o 1o/n'

S&!n &-on, +er roe,e') w! be ,&d !7 o+er' oo? &7er +er own

(re&!6ey 'ron,) e1ono-!1 !nere'' &nd +er 6&''&. Ar!1e # o7 +e

An,oFren1+ &,ree-en ro-!'!n, '/or 7or Fr&n1e8' Moro11o

o!1y w! rob&by re-&!n &on!1.

T+e'e &re +e b&'!1 r!n1!e' o7 & o!!1& ro,r&--e o w+!1+ !n

-y o!n!on Ho'e!n &d+ered /n'wer6!n,y r!,+ /n! +e A,e1!r&'

1on7eren1e o7 "#<0 +e w&' &' /ndeerred by +e e77or' o7 De1&''e

&nd Ro/6!er o re-o6e Ger-&n ob@e1!on' by +e o77er o7 1oon!&

1o-en'&!on (!n b!&er& ne,o!&!on') &' +e w&' by +e /ne5e1edy

en&1!o/' '/or ,!6en o Fr&n1e by Br!&!n. Ho'e!n w&' no !n +e

e&' !nere'ed !n 1oon!& &1/!'!!on' (@/' & +& !-ed/r!n, +e

,re& Herero r!'!n, !n So/+We' A7r!1&o!n!on !n Ger-&ny w&'

r&+er !red o7 1oon!e') b/ ony !n o!!1& 1&!-'. He w&ned o

'+ow +e word +& we don8 '! /!e !7 'o-eone re&d' on o/r

oe'. B/ w&' +!' +e re'er6&!on o7 o/w&rd re'!,e re&y +!'/!-&e ,o& I !' +&rd o be!e6e 7or ob6!o/'y o/w&rd re'!,e

wo/d &'o +&6e been re'er6ed !7 !n b!&er& ne,o!&!on' Ger-&ny

+&d ,o '/b'&n!& 1o-en'&!on 7ro- Fr&n1e '/1+ &' '/or o6er

+e B&,+d&d r&!w&y or +&rbo/r' on +e Moro11&n we' 1o&' or

7ron!er &d@/'-en' !n Cenr& A7r!1&4 &nd +& w&' +e ?!nd o7 +!n,

&1/&y o77ered o +er. B/ Ho'e!n (&nd B!ow) d!d no e6en &ow

33 T+& ! 1o/d &'o e&d o & '/b'&n!& !n1re&'e !n Fren1+ -!!&ry 'ren,+ 'ee-' ony

o +&6e been 1on'!dered &7erw&rd'. C7. Ro'en o Low+er De1e-ber ;+ "#<$4 *ritish

,o!uments# III No. "#< . ";9.

SCHLIEFFEN HOLSTEIN AND THE MOROCCO CRISIS OF IQO 0 ""

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


'/1+ o77er' o de6eo &nd re7/'ed +e- o/ o7 +&nd. W+y P/rey

o/ o7 1on'!der&!on 7or +e S/&n o7 Moro11o w+o- Ger-&ny +&d

ro-!'ed o '/or To be beer &be o &y +e &r o7 'e7e'',/&rd!&n o7 !nern&!on& r&de !nere''

T+e ?ey o Ho'e!n8' w+oe Moro11o o!1y 'ee-' o -e o !e !n

one o7 +!' &' o77!1!& noe' d&!n, 7ro- & !-e (Febr/&ry ::nd "#<0)

w+en +!' o!1y +&d &re&dy &' ,ood &' 7o/ndered. T+e Fren1+

&ro&1+ o En,&nd +e '&y' be,&n !--ed!&ey &7er F&'+od&

w+en +e Fren1+ '&w +ey 1o/d &1+!e6e no+!n, against En,&nd. In

+e '&-e w&y +e Fren1+ w! ony 1on'!der &ro&1+!n, Ger-&ny

w+en +ey 'ee +& En,!'+ 7r!end'+!w+!1+ &7er +e re'/ o7 +e

&' ee1!on' 1&n +&rdy be &ny+!n, b/ &on!1!' no eno/,+ o

ob&!n Ger-&ny8' 1on'en o +e Fren1+ 'e!/re o7 Moro11o &nd

+& Ger-&ny w&n' o be o6ed 7or +er own '&?e.38 T+!' 1&n ony

-e&n4 Fr&n1e -/' be &/,+ +& & 7r!endy 1onne1!on w!+ Ger-&ny

!' !nd!'en'&be o +er own !nere' be1&/'e En,&nd8' 7r!end'+! 1&n

ne6er be -ore +&n &on!1 !.e. !' wor+e'' 7ro- +e -!!&ry

o!n o7 6!ew &nd /nre!&be or !n'/77!1!en 7ro- +e o!!1&.

T+e +oe o7 &1+!e6!n, &n &!&n1e o7 +e Con!nen& Power' &,&!n'

En,&nd w&' 7ro- "#<; o "#<0 +e b&'!1 !de& o7 Ger-&n 7ore!,n o!1y.In '!e o7 +e Fr&n1oR/''!&n -!!&ry &!&n1e R/''!&8' !nd!,en1e

d/r!n, +e &&ne'e w&r -&de +!' +oe &e&r no en!rey 7/!e &nd !

re&1+ed !' 1/-!n&!on !n /y "#<$ & +e -ee!n, o7 +e e-eror'

& B@or?o. T+e ,re&e' ob'&1e w&' &w&y' +e !-&1&be en-!y

o7 +e Fren1+. S+o/d & o!!1& enene de6eo o/ o7 +e An,o

Fren1+ 1oon!& &,ree-en o7 "#<; & +oe' o7 & Con!nen& &!&n1e

wo/d w&ne. Howe6er &r&do5!1& ! -&y & 7!r' 'o/nd Ho'e!n8'

Moro11o o!1y w&' !nended &' & -e&n' o7 7or1!n, Fr&n1e !no &

7r!endy &ro&1+ &nd +!' by -e&n' o7 & do/be e6er4 o!!1&!'o&!on & &n !nern&!on& 1on7eren1e &11o-&n!ed by +&71on1e&ed

-!!&ry +re&'. T+!' 'ee-' 'r&n,e & 7!r' '!,+. B/ ! beon,ed o

+e 'ye o7 +e W!+e-!n!&n er& &nd +&d been r!ed 'e6er&

!-e' e6en &,&!n' En,&nd. I w&' w+& Ho'e!n /nder'ood by

/ealpoliti.

I7 e6ery+!n, deended on br!n,!n, &' -&ny Power' &' o''!be o

+e 1on7eren1e &be o -ob!!'e +e!r !nere' !n &n oen door 7or

!nern&!on& r&de !n Moro11o +e ob6!o/' 'e wo/d +&6e been o

de-&nd '/1+ & 1on7eren1e !--ed!&ey (er+&' '/ored by & H 7rosse Politi# I (") . :<%.


8/17/2019 Ritter 1


de-on'r&!on !n +e Re!1+'&,) no by '+o1?!n, +e word w!+ one8'

own '/rr!'e &1!on' !n Moro11o &nd ro-!'e' o7 +e o +e S/&n or

by 1o--!!n, one'e7 o +e de7en1e o7 & de1re! M/'!- '&e on,

""" need o re7or-. B/ B!!ow&-o' 1er&!ny on Ho'e!n8'

&d6!1eno ony /r,ed /on +e 6ery re/1&n K&!'er +e !oup de theatre

o7 & S&e 6!'! o T&n,!er b/ e6en dr&7ed & 'o-ew+& -&r!& &nd

+re&en!n, 'ee1+ 7or +!-4 I7 od&y I were o ,!6e Jo/r M&@e'y

& 7!r- ro-!'e o7 '/or yo/ wo/d &&1? +e Fren1+ o-orrow. B/

I wo/d r&+er !7 o''!be re'er6e +e e&1e e6en +o/,+ I +&6e &

6ery 'ron, &r-y. T+ere7ore I -/' re'er6e -y de1!'!on !n +e e6en

o7 ! re&y 1o-!n, o & w&r beween Moro11o &nd Fr&n1e b/ I do

no be!e6e - +!'. Fr&n1e w! ry o 'ee +ow 7&r '+e 1&n ,e w!+ +re&'.B/ Fr&n1e ?now' +er '!/&!on !' & d&n,ero/' one !7 '+e &&1?'

Moro11o w!+o/ 7!r' &''/r!n, +er'e7 o7 Ger-&ny8' ne/r&!y.3$

T+!' w&' & 'o-ew+& /nd!',/!'ed ro6o1&!on o7 Fr&n1e &nd one

-&y 1o/n ! 7or/n&e +& W!+e- II d!'re,&rded +!' C+&n1eor8'

roo'&. D!d +en B!!ow&nd +!' 1o/n'eor Ho'e!nw&n +e

w&r In +e '&-e eer o +e So6ere!,n +e de1&re'4 T+ere 1&n be

no /e'!on o7 Jo/r M&@e'y8' r!'?!n, & w&r w!+ Fr&n1e o6er Moro11o.

On +e o+er +&nd ! !' -ore +&n do/b7/ !7 +e re'en Fren1+

1!6!!&n Go6ern-en w+!1+ +&' -ore o 7e&r 7ro- & 6!1or!o/',ener& +&n 7ro- &ny e5ern& ene-y wo/d w&n o r!'? & w&r w!+

Moro11o &' on, &' +ere !' +e '!,+e' o''!b!!y +& Ger-&ny

-!,+ 'ooner or &er !ner6ene. For +e re'en +ere7ore we -/'

e&6e o/r /!-&e !nen!on' !n do/b.

P&!ny +!' &-o/n' o & o!1y o7 b/77. A 7!r' +e b/77 w&'

'/11e''7/. De1&''e +owe6er &doed & 6ery 1on7!den &!/de !n

+e re'en1e o7 +!' -!n!'er!& 1oe&,/e'30 &nd 7ore!,n d!o-&!1

1!r1e' were /!1? o 'ee +& !n r/+ +e K&!'er 7e&red no+!n, -ore

+&n w&r. B/ Ro/6!1r +e r!-e -!n!'er !?e -o' o7 +!' 1oe&,/e'

w&' 7/y &w&re o7 +e we&?ne'' o7 Fr&n1e & +!' -o-en &nd &'o o7

+e e-&!on +!' re'ened o +e Ger-&n -!!&ry o 'ee

&11o/n' w!+ +er now.39 E6en +e ro-!'e o7 +e Br!!'+ C&b!ne

H5 7rosse Politi# (") No. 0$90 . :9%.

30In +e C&b!ne Co/n1! o7 /ne :nd +e de1&red !n &n'wer o Ro/6!er8' &re+en'!on'

o7 & w&r w!+ Ger-&ny4 Don8 be!e6e & +& +ey8re ony b/77!n, :7rosse Politi#

(:) . ;<9).

39 C7. +e reor by +e A-b&''&dor B!+o/rd 7ro- Ber!n Ar! :%+ "#<$ :,o!uments

,ipl. ran!ais# G 'er!e *I No. 30#) w+!1+ -en!on' +e !n7/en1e o7 & w&r &ry&d-!edy & '-& one !n +e o77!1er 1or' b/ re,&rd' W!+e- II &' & -&n o7 e&1e.

SCHLIEFFEN HOLSTEIN AND THE MOROCCO CRISIS OF IO O 0 ""

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


+& !n 1&'e o7 & 1on7!1 +ey wo/d & on1e 1on'/ w!+ +e Fren1+

Go6ern-en &bo/ @o!n -e&'/re' w&' no -/1+ 1on'o&!on !n 7&1e

o7 & ower7/ Ger-&n Ar-y. I' e77e1 !n P&r!' w&' en1o/r&,!n, b/

! d!d no re6en Ro/6!er dro!n, +!' Fore!,n M!n!'er De1&''e

!n +e +oe o7 -&?!n, &n /nder'&nd!n, w!+ +e Ger-&n' e&'!er.

I w&' & r!/-+ o7 Ger-&n d!o-&1y &nd +e K&!'er-o'

!-r/denywen 'o 7&r &' o 're'' ! by ee6&!n, Co/n B!ow o

r!n1ey r&n?. Ony now d!d +e En,!'+ be1o-e 7/y &w&re o7 +e

e5r&ord!n&ry we&?ne'' o7 +e!r &!e'.3% *ery 'oon +ey re1o,n!'ed

oo +& +e B!!owHo'e!n o!1y w&' no re&y 1on1erned w!+

Moro11&n !nere'' b/ w!+ oo'en!n, or bre&?!n, / +e An,o

Fren1+ enene.3#

So +ere were ro-!'e' o7 +e !n &n &n5!o/' &e-o re6en &ny 1o-ro-!'e' be!n, wre'ed 7ro- Ro/6!er w+!1+

wo/d d!-!n!'+ Fr&n1e8' 'o!' !n Moro11o (7or !n'&n1e by -&?!n,

+er ,!6e / 'o-e or'). T+/' 7ro- +e be,!nn!n, +e Moro11o

d!'/e w&' re,&rded &' & e' o7 +e Enene &nd w&' 1ond/1ed w!+

&ror!&e -e&n'.

Eyre Crowe (w+o- one -!,+ 1& +e Br!!'+ Ho'e!n) e5re''ed !n

+!' 7&-o/' -e-or&nd/- o7 &n/&ry !' "#<9 +e rero'e1!6e 6!ew

+& +e er!od !--ed!&ey &7er +e 7& o7 De1&''e w&' +e -o'

d&n,ero/' -o-en 7or +e Enene. I7 & +& -o-en Ger-&n o!1y +&d been !ne!,en eno/,+ o b/!d Fr&n1e ,oden br!d,e' !.e. o

e&6e +er Moro11o !n e51+&n,e 7or -ere !-&,!n&ry 1on1e''!on' on

+e &ern &er o be 7oowed & A,e1!r&' or o &rr&n,e &n

&,ree-en on o+er o!!1& /e'!on' +e Enene 1o/d +&rdy +&6e

'/r6!6ed. T+e Fren1+ wo/d +&6e 'een +& En,&nd 1o/d o77er no

re& 'e1/r!y w+ere&' +e Ger-&n' were &-en&be o re&'on &nd

were no /'!n, +e!r -!!&ry '/er!or!y o b/y Fr&n1e. T+/' +e

Fren1+ wo/d +&6e been e7 w!+ & 7ee!n, o7 b!erne'' ow&rd'

En,&nd w+o re7/'ed 'o '/bborny o r&n'7or- +e Enene !no &7or-& -!!&ry &!&n1e &nd w&' no o7 -/1+ -!!&ry 6&/e e!+er.;<

3%B&7o/r o Edw&rd *II /ne %+ roo' (S!dney Lee Ed8ard -)) ("#:9) II . 3;;).

De1&''18' d!'-!''&. . . d!'&yed & we&?ne'' on +e &r o7 Fr&n1e w+!1+ !nd!1&ed +&

'+e 1o/d no & re'en be 1o/ned on &' &n e77e1!6e 7or1e !n !nern&!on& o!!1'.

3#S!r F. Ber!e o L&n'downe Ar! :$+ "#<$4 T+e ,ener& 7ee!n, !n P&r!' !' +&

+e 1+!e7 ob@e1 w+!1+ +e Ger-&n e-eror +&' +&d !n 6!ew . . . !' o '+ow o +e Fren1+

eoe +& &n /nder'&nd!n, w!+ En,&nd !' o7 !e 6&/e o +e- &nd +& +ey +&d

-/1+ beer 1o-e o &n &,ree-en w!+ Ger-&ny :*ritish ,o!uments on the Origins of the

War# III . 9$). L&er Grey 'o?e !n & '!-!&r 6e!n o Meern!1+ :7rosse Politi# I (")

No. 0#:;)0*ritish ,o!uments# III . ;<< 7.

I0 "";. THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE SCHLIEFFEN

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


B/ w+e+er +!' re7e1!on &7er +e e6en w&' 1orre1 &nd w+e+er

+e Fren1+ 1o/d re&y +&6e been !nd/1ed o 7or,o +e +e ree&edy

ro-!'ed by En,&nd &nd !n'e&d +row +e-'e6e' !no +e &r-' o7

Ger-&ny !7 ony +e &er '+owed +er'e7 +oro/,+y &1&be !' 6er6 do/b7/. Ho'e!n & &ny r&e w&' o7 & d!77eren o!n!on. I7

(o re1on'r/1 +!' r&!n o7 +o/,+) +e Fren1+ -&n&,ed o ,e

Moro11o e7 o +e- 7or T/n!'!7!1&!one6en w!+ & n/-ber

o7 1on1e''!on' o Ger-&ny !n +e 1o/nry !'e7 or e'ew+ere+e

Enene o7 "#<; wo/d +&6e &1+!e6ed !' &!-' &nd wo/d +&6e been

1e-ened by +!' r&1!1& '/11e'' 7or e6er. For +e '/11e'' wo/d +&6e

been 'oey d/e o +e En,!'+ no o Ger-&ny. T+ere7ore & e&'

!n!!&y one +&d o 'n&1+ +e booy 7ro- +e!r +&nd' &nd 7or1e +e

Fren1+ o ,!6e !n !.e. o &ow +e Moro11&n re7or-' o be or,&n!'ed!nern&!on&y or e'e 'ee? &n enene w!+ Ger-&ny !n'e&d o7

En,&nd. I7 +ey d!d +e 'e1ond Ger-&ny wo/d no +e'!&e o e

+e- +&6e Moro11o !n +e ne&r 7//re. I7 +ey re7/'ed +ey wo/d

+&6e o re'!,n +e-'e6e' o &n !nern&!on& 1on7eren1e de1!d!n,

Moro11o8' 7&e. A +!' 1on7eren1e Ho'e!n +oed & e&' o re6en

+e r&n'7er !no Fren1+ +&nd' o7 +e ower' o7 +e e5e1/!6e e'e1!&y

+e o!1e 7or1e. I7 no !nern&!on& &,ree-en 1o/d be re&1+ed on

+!' -&er +ere w&' '! +e e5ed!en o7 oredo!n, +e 1on7eren1e

by & Ger-&n 6eo &nd +/' 1on7ron!n, Fr&n1e w!+ +e 1+o!1e o7

-&?!n, w&r on +e S/&n or re7err!n, &7er & o 'ee? & &'!n,

,ener& &,ree-en w!+ Ger-&ny. Ho'e!n &nd B!!ow were /!e

1er&!n +& !n +e end +e Fren1+ wo/d no d&re 1+oo'e +e 7!r'

be1&/'e +ey 1o/d no be '/re o7 re&1+!n, +e!r ,o& w!+o/ -ee!n,

Ger-&n &r-ed re'!'&n1e. T+e oredo!n, o7 +e 1on7eren1e wo/d

ne6er re'/ !n w&r b/ wo/d roon, &nd &11en/&e !nern&!on&

en'!on w+!1+ wo/d /!-&ey be -ore d!77!1/ 7or Fr&n1e o be&r

+&n 7or Ger-&ny.One 1&n 1r!!1!'e +!' o!1y 7or be!n, 7&r oo !n,en!o/' & ,&-e&

1&1/&!on w!+ 7&r oo -&ny /n?nown' &nd +ere7ore & ,&-be

w+o'e '/11e'' w&' /!e /n1er&!n. On +e Ger-&n '!de ! re'/o'ed

& +!,+ de,ree o7 do,,ed &!en1e r/den1e &nd d!o-&!1 '?!&

/&!!e' en!rey &1?!n, !n +e K&!'er on w+o'e 1o&bor&!on 'o -/1+

deended. So 7&r &' Fr&n1e w&' 1on1erned ! /nderr&ed +e o/1+!ne''

o7 +er n&!on& r!de w+!1+ rebeed &,&!n' +e !de& o7 be1o-!n,

deenden on Ger-&ny. W!+ re,&rd o +e En,!'+ ! o6eroo?ed

+e!r deer-!n&!on ne6er o ,!6e / +e Enene & on, &' &1+!e6ed

SCHLIEFFEN HOLSTEIN AND THE MOROCCO CRISIS OF IQO$0 ""9

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


w!+ +e Fren1+ &nd +e!r re&d!ne'' o -/'er & +e!r re'o/r1e' 7or

+e '&?e o7 +e E/roe&n b&&n1e &' +ey /nder'ood !. F!n&y !

o6eroo?ed +e 7&1 +& nobody !n +e word oo? +e ?ee!n, o7 +e

oen door !n Moro11o w!+ '/1+ 'er!o/'ne'' or reended 'er!o/'ne'' &' +e Ger-&n'.

A +e'e were 1on'!der&be we&?ne''e' !n +e ro,r&--e de6!'ed

by Ho'e!n. B/ o7 one +!n, +e 1&nno be &11/'ed4 +& +e de

!ber&ey 'eered ow&rd' w&r !n &n e77or o bre&? +e ne o7 +o'!e

&!&n1e' w+!1+ w&' !,+en!n, ro/nd Ger-&ny. Now+ere !n +!'

ee,r&-' or -e-or&nd& !' +ere &ny e6!den1e 7or +!'. I7 Ho'e!n +&d

'er!o/'y w&ned w&r +e wo/d +&6e 'een o ! +& /b!1 o!n!on

+ro/,+o/ +e word &nd e'e1!&y !n Ger-&ny w&' &ro/'ed 7ro-

+e be,!nn!n,7or e5&-e by -&n!7e'oe' &,&!n' +e !n'/77er&be+re&' w+!1+ Fren1+ !-er!&!' -e+od' re'ened o & 7ree n&!on'

&nd +e d!'re,&rd o7 !nern&!on& &w by +e wo We'ern Power'.

An &e,&!on on +e'e !ne' w&' -&de !n "#"% by H&--&nn +e

Pre'' O77!1er & +e Fore!,n M!n!'ry4 Ho'e!n (+e '&!d) +&d ordered

+e 'e-!o77!1!& Pre'' o '&r & &er &&r/- &nd & 'e-!o77!1!&

'&brer&!n, w+!1+ +&d o77ended +e r&d!!on o7 +e M!n!'ry &'

we &' Ger-&n /b!1 o!n!on. B/ +!' 1+&r,e !' by no -e&n' 1orro

bor&ed !n +e ,re& do1/-en 1oe1!on o7 "#:9. Here 7&r 7ro-

1o-&!n!n, o7 & &1? o7 &&r/-' on +e &r o7 +e 'e-!o77!1!&

Pre'' Ho'e!n 1r!!1!'e' !' wron, &1!1' !n &w&y' d!'1/''!n, De1&''e8'

error' !n'e&d o7 1&!n, ener,e!1&y 7or & new 'ee-en o7 +e

Moro11o /e'!on by &n !nern&!on& 1on7eren1e o7 +e Tre&y Power'

&nd !n &y!n, / Ger-&ny8' !nere' & +e e5en'e o7 !nern&!on&

!nere''.;" B/ &nyone w+o /r,e' !nern&!on& 1on7eren1e' & on1e

-&?e' ! d!77!1/ 7or +!-'e7 o 'o6e !nern&!on& robe-' by

+e 'word by 'w!7 &1!on !n'e&d o7 ror&1ed &?'.

T+!' be1o-e' ony oo ob6!o/' !n +e on, &nd &!n'&?!n, Fr&n1oGer-&n d!'1/''!on' d/r!n, +e '/--er &nd &//-n o7 "#<$. T+ey

'+ow +ow e6en be7ore +e 1on7eren1e Ho'e!n r!ed o !nd/1e +e

Fren1+ by & -!5/re o7 /-o' 1oone'' (no w!+o/ +re&en!n,

/nderone') &nd 1on7!den!& o77er' e-or&r!y o ,!6e / +e!r

Moro11&n booy !n e5e1&!on o7 ,e!n, ! b&1? 7ro- & 7r!endy

Ger-&ny &er on. For +!' +e e-oyed 7!r' +e A-b&''&dor !n P&r!'

Pr!n1e R&do!n &nd &er +e en6oy Ro'en &' 'e1!& e-!''&r!e'

"" O. H&--&nn ;ur -orges!hi!hte des Wehrieges ("#"%) . :"< (:. A/7. "#"# . "30 >)■

S!-!&ry !n4 ,er ii!ne =urs# . 0<. C7 7tosss Politi# (:) Wo'. 0$#9 7 % i 00<0#

SCHLIEFFEN PLAN

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


bo+ w!+o/ '/11e'' 7or +e &'? w+!1+ w&' 'e +e- 'oon ro6ed

!-o''!be. I w&' &er +e 6erd!1 o7 Eyre Crowe +& +!' !-e

Ho'e!n8' d!o-&1y o6erre&1+ed !'e7. A7er +e 7& o7 De1&''e !

w&' o''!be o ,e +e Fren1+ o &,ree o +e '/--on!n, o7 +e 1on7eren1e b/ no o e5r&1 b!nd!n, ro-!'e' o7 re& we!,+ 7ro- +e-

!n &d6&n1e.

In 'r!n, Ho'e!n +&d been 7/ o7 o!-!'- &bo/ +e 1o/r'e +e

1on7eren1e wo/d &?e. En,&nd won8 '!r +e wroe on Ar! ;+

S&!n doe'n8 1o/n I&y (w+o w&ned o &1 &' &n !ner-ed!&ry)

w! be -&n&,e&be er+&' w!+ & /!e +!n +& w+!e we de&

w!+ Fr&n1e A/'r!& -!,+ de& w!+ +e irredenta> !7 Fr&n1e re-&!n'

ob'!n&e &bo/ +e !de& o7 & 1on7eren1e '+e /' +er'e7 !n +e wron,

w!+ +e Tre&y Power' ,!6!n, En,&nd S&!n &nd I&y & er+&'

we1o-e e51/'e o w!+dr&w.;: B!!ow +&d '!-!&r o!n!on'4 e6en

Ger-&ny8' -o' r&d!1& oonen' !n En,&nd wo/d 'ee re&'on

w+en +ey re&!'ed +& '+e w&' no 'ee?!n, &ny 'e1!& &d6&n&,e' !n

Moro11oe'e1!&y !7 +e A-er!1&n Pre'!den Roo'e6e were on

+er '!de.;3 Me&nw+!e 6ery 'ober!n, reor' 7ro- London +&d re&1+ed

Ber!n &nd one ,e' +e !-re''!on +& by +e &e '/--er o7 "#<$

Ho'e!n &' we &' B!!ow +&d &re&dy ,rown do/b7/ w+e+er +e

&n o oo'en +e Enene by & 'ron,+&nded &!/de o6er +e

Moro11&n /e'!on w&' r&1!1&be. W!+ +e &&ne'e w&r 1o-!n,

o &n end +e word '!/&!on w&' &re&dy /rn!n, o Ger-&ny8' d!'

&d6&n&,e &,&!n. T+e K&!'er8' +oe o7 7o/nd!n, & R/''oGer-&n

&!&n1e & B@or?o (/y "#<$) ro6ed no -ore +&n & b/bbe w+!1+

'oon b/r'. I7 +e Con!nen& lo! w&' '! o 1o-e o &ny+!n,

! w&' &' we o re'e1 Fren1+ '/'1e!b!!!e'.

T+e 1o'er +e 1on7eren1e &ro&1+ed +e -ore 1e&ry ! w&' 'een

!n Ber!n +& Ger-&ny8' 1+&n1e' o7 '/11e'' w!+ +e -!n!-/-

ro,r&--e were now 'ender !7 Fr&n1e &' e5e1ed ro6ed en&1!o/'. On No6e-ber :nd Co/n Meern!1+ !n London 'en B!!ow

& -e-or&nd/- w+!1+ 'e 7or+ w!+ 'end!d 1e&r'!,+edne''

+e +oee''y b/n,ed '!/&!on !no w+!1+ Ger-&ny +&d ,o

+er'e7 o6er Moro11o. A +e -o' '+e -!,+ &1+!e6e 'o-e '-&

&r!& '/11e''. B/ +!' wo/d do no+!n, o &er +e &n&,on!'-

w+!1+ +&d been &ro/'ed beween +er'e7 &nd +e We'ern Power'.

Meern!1+ &d-!ed +& e6en 7/ 1o-!&n1e by Ger-&ny wo/d no

+e '!n1e +!' wo/d be re,&rded !n Fr&n1e &' d/e o En,!'+ '/or

Crosse Politi# (:) No. 00<" (Ar! ;+ "#<$). ;3 )id.# No. 0$##.

SCHLIEFFEN HOLSTEIN AND THE MOROCCO CRISIS OF IQO$0 ""<

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


&nd wo/d +/' '!-y 'ren,+en +e Enene. B/ +e /ered &n /r,en

w&rn!n, &,&!n' 'ee?!n, & -!!&ry 'o/!on. W+& ,ood wo/d ! do

!7 Ger-&ny o6er+rew Fr&n1e &nd En,&nd 1on!n/ed +e w&r by 'e&

T+ere w&' no w&y o7 ,e!n, & '/1+ &n ene-y !n +e on, r/n +eBr!!'+ wo/d we&r down Ger-&ny w!+ +e!r n&6& bo1?&de &nd

7or1e +er o -&?e e&1e w!+ Fr&n1e. T+ere -&y be +o'e &-on, /'

+e -e-or&nd/- 1on1/ded w+o +!n? +!' !' & '/!&be -o-en o

e ! 1o-e o & bre&1+ beween o/r'e6e' &nd Fr&n1e w+o '&y +&

&7er +e de7e& o7 Fr&n1e we '+o/d 1o-en'&e o/r'e6e' !n E/roe

7or +e o'' o7 o/r o6er'e&' o''e''!on' o En,&nd. B/ I re,&rd ! &

1r!-!n& 7r!6o!y o 7or1e +e 1o/r'e o7 +!'ory &nd & 7oy o w&n

o '+&?e +e 7r/! o77 +e ree be7ore ! !' r!e.;;

T+!' w&'&-o' o +e o!n o7 /o&!on!n +e r&d!!on o7 B!'-&r1?8' o!1y &nd ! !' +&rd o be!e6e +& +e'e w&rn!n,' 7&!ed

o -&?e & 'ron, !-re''!on on +e Fore!,n M!n!'ry. W+en B!!ow

d!'1/''ed +e o'!!on w!+ +!' &!de' & +e end o7 De1e-ber +ey

1&-e o +e 1on1/'!on +& +ere were +ree o''!be 1o/r'e' +e

1on7eren1e -!,+ &?e. F!r' Ger-&ny -!,+ ,e +er w&y -&?!n, +!'

e&'!er 7or +e Fren1+ by +e o77er o7 & -erey ro6!'!on& &rr&n,e-en

er+&' 7or +ree ye&r' w!+ +e 6&,/e e5e1&!on o7 !-ro6!n,

+e!r o'!!on &er on. Se1ondy Ger-&ny -!,+ &7er & ener !no

'e1!& ne,o!&!on' o/'!de +e 1on7eren1e& 1o/r'e B!!ow d!d no

w&n o re@e1 1o-eey !7 +e Fren1+ '+o/d 1o-e 7orw&rd w!+

&n,!be o77er'. T+!rdy +ere w&' +e /!e !noer&be o''!b!!y

o7 & Fren1+ d!o-&!1 r!/-+ !.e. +er ob&!n!n, & ,ener& -&nd&e

7or +e w+oe o7 Moro11o no ony 7or +e e&'ern &re&' &d@o!n!n,

A,er!&. R&+er +&n &,ree o '/1+ & 'o/!on Ger-&ny wo/d +&6e o

r!'? & 1on7!1. T+e Fren1+ were o be !n7or-ed o7 +!' & on1e

+ro/,+ Pr!n1e R&do!n. I wo/d be +!' &'? o d!'!/'!on +e Fren1+

1o-eey o7 +e !de& +& we were no 'er!o/' !n +!' -&er &nd wereony ry!n, o b/77. T+e Ger-&n E-b&''y !n P&r!' w&' !n'r/1ed !n

+!' 'en'e b/ w!+ +e 7oow!n, r!der4 Ger-&ny8' &!- w&' & e&1e7/

/nder'&nd!n, !n w+!1+ bo+ &rner' wo/d re1e!6e +e!r d/e & e&'

7or +e -o-en.;$

W!+ +!' +e Moro11o 1on7eren1e +&d been '&-ed /n-!'&?&by

&' & 'r/,,e 7or re'!,e &nd & d!re1 +re& o7 w&r&d-!edy ony

!n +e e5re-e e6en o7 +e Fren1+ be!n, 1o-eey ob'!n&e+&d

> )id.# No. 0%%" (en1o'/re). Ui 7rosse Politi# I (") No'. 0#"; 0#"0 (De1e-ber :$+ &nd :#+).

":< SCHLIEFFEN PLAN

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


been rono/n1ed 7or +e 7!r' !-e. W+en +e Fore!,n M!n!'ry

-ee!n, oo? &1e Gr&7 S1+!e77en w!+ +!' d!'-!''& &' 7ro-

De1e-ber 3"' &re&dy !n +!' +&nd' w&' wor?!n, on +e ,re& -!!&ry

e'&-en 7or +!' '/11e''or. Ho'e!n w&' no re'en & +e -ee!n, b/ +ere 1&n be no do/b +& +!' w&' +e -o-en w+en B!!ow

e5o/nded +!' ro,r&--e. So -/1+ 1&n be ded/1ed 7ro- & +!' &er

re-&r?'. W&' ! +en +!' !nen!on o ?!nde +e w&r &7er &

Ob6!o/'y no '!n1e +e dee,&e' o +e 1on7eren1e were no o

1ond/1 +e!r ne,o!&!on' !n & w&y w+!1+ wo/d e&d o oen 1on7!1

b/ w!+ +e &!- o7 re&1+!n, & e&1e7/ /nder'&nd!n,. T+e +re& o7

w&r w&' ony !nended &' +e e5re-e o!!1& -e&n' o7 re''/re.

T+ere 1o/d ""< on,er be &ny /e'!on o7 bre&?!n, / +e We'ern

Enene by & 'ron,+&nded &!/de &' +&d or!,!n&y been +oed.T+& w&' on, &'. Now +e be' +& 1o/d be +oed 7or w&' o

re6en &n oen d!o-&!1 de7e& !n +e ,re& word 1on7eren1e &nd

'o '&6e Ger-&ny8' !-er!ed re'!,e. W+e+er +ere wo/d be &

Ger-&n +re& o7 w&r & & deended on one +&nd on w+e+er +e

Fren1+ wo/d oo'e 1on1e''!on' o7 &ny ?!nd on +e o+er on w+e+er

Ger-&n o!1y w&' '! re'o6ed & & 1o'' o re6en & Fren1+

r!/-+. Ne!+er w&' +e 1&'e.

A' we ?now Fren1+ o!1y '&w 6ery '?!7/y +& by ,!6!n, / +e

,ener& -&nd&e &nd re1o,n!'!n, +e oen door 7or r&de ! 1o/d

1re&e & 6ery 7&6o/r&be &-o'+ere 7or 7/r+er 1&!-' &nd d!''o6e

+e w+oe 1o-e5 o7 Moro11&n robe-' !no /e'!on' o7 de&!.

T&?en by +e-'e6e' +e r&1!1& !-or&n1e o7 +e'e w&' '-&

!ndeed ! w&' &-o' r!d!1/o/' !n roor!on o +e ,re& d!o-&!1

&rr&y ry!n, o 'o6e +e-. W+en +e d!'/e o7 +e Gre& Power'

7!n&y 1enred on +e /e'!on w+e+er be'!de' Fren1+ &nd S&n!'+

o!1e o77!1er' n&!on&' o7 o+er 1o/nr!e' '+o/d be bro/,+ !no +e

Moro11&n +&rbo/r o!1e Ger-&ny 1o/d no on,er +row +er 'wordon +e 1on7eren1e &be w!+o/ &e&r!n, +e de!ber&e d!'/rber o7

word e&1e &' ! w&' +e e5er!en1e o7 1o-ee d!o-&!1 !'o

&!on e6en 7ro- I&y +e +!rd &rner !n +e Tr!e A!&n1e w&'

b!er eno/,+. Ho'e!n &nd B!!ow +&d +o/,+ +& +! &n !nern&!on&

1on7eren1e +e -&er!& !nere' o7 +e 6&r!o/' n&!on' en,&,ed !n

Moro11&n r&de wo/d wor? o/ o Ger-&ny8' &d6&n&,e& -!'&?e

w+!1+ !' &' d!77!1/ o /nder'&nd &' o 7or,!6e For &' d!o-&' +ey

'+o/d +&6e ?nown +& !n !nern&!on& &77&!r' ! !' no +e e1ono-!1

b/ +e o!!1& +e po8er !nere' w+!1+ /rn' +e '1&e.

SCHLIEFFEN HOLSTEIN AND THE MOROCCO CRISIS OF 1"$#

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


8/17/2019 Ritter 1


-ore /n1er&!n. He w&' ob6!o/'y !-re''ed by Meern!1+8' reor

7ro- London +& +e new L!ber& Go6ern-en &nd !' Fore!,n

Se1re&ry Grey re,&rded +e Moro11o /e'!on &' & e' o7 'ren,+

7or +e Enene &nd by +!' w&rn!n, o 'ee? & 1o-ro-!'e r&+er +&nr!'? &n oen 'r/,,e 7or ower.;# He +&d ! 1on6eyed o S!r Edw&rd

Grey +& Ger-&ny +&d no !nen!on o7 bre&?!n, / +e Enene &nd

+& +e w+oe Moro11o /e'!on w&' oo /n!-or&n o be /rned

!no & /e'!on o7 Ger-&n re'!,e.$< He o!ned o/ & 'o-e en,+

o +e C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 Mo?e +& &+o/,+ +e B&7o/r

Go6ern-en +&d +re&ened o '/or Fr&n1e !n +e e6en o7 w&r

+e L!ber&' +&6e been &/,+ by +e ee1!on' +& +e ,re& -&@or!y

o7 +e En,!'+ eoe do no w&n o &y &ny -ore w&r b!' +ey

+&d +&d eno/,+ o7 +o'e 7or +e Boer W&r. F/r+er-ore Ar!1e #

o7 +e An,oFren1+ re&y o7 "#<; o!dy 1o--!ed +e Br!!'+ o

d!o-&!1 no o -!!&ry '/or o7 Fren1+ &!-' !n Moro11o. I w&'

er+&' no !-o''!be +& 1r/'+!n, Fren1+ de7e&' -!,+ /

+e En,!'+ !no & be!1o'e -ood b/ on +!' /n1er&!n 1+&n1e Fr&n1e

wo/d +&rdy r!'? w&r w!+ Ger-&ny 7or +e '&?e o7 Moro11o r&+er

wo/d '+e &do & 1on1!!&ory &!/de & +e 1on7eren1e. Howe6er

(+e +o/,+) ! 1o/d &'o +&en +& +e A,e1!r&' 1on7eren1e 7&!ed.

W+& +en T+e !nern&!on& status quo o7 +e Tre&y o7 M&dr!d o7 "%%: wo/d 1o-e !no 7or1e &,&!n. I7 Fr&n1e '+o/d +en ry o '/bd/e

Moro11o by 7or1e '+e wo/d r/n & ,re& r!'? be1&/'e rob&by (! w&'

+!ned) Moro11o wo/d no re-&!n !'o&ed !n +!' w&r. In o+er

word'4 no d&n,er o7 w&r now b/ & & &er '&,e+o/,+ Fr&n1e

wo/d +!n? w!1e be7ore 'r!?!n,.$"

How 7&r Pr!n1e B!!ow be!e6ed !n +e'e o!-!'!1 '&e-en' +!-

'e7 !' &n oen /e'!on. T+ey 1&n +&rdy +&6e -&de &n !-re''!on on

Mo?e. Abo/ +!' !-e +e re1e!6ed +e reor &re&dy /oed o7 +e

-!!&ry &&1+X !n London Co/n 6on der S1+/enb/r, w+!1+!n7or-ed +!- -!n/ey &bo/ +e 'ren,+ o7 +e e5ed!!on&ry 7or1e

w+!1+ +e Br!!'+ were ,o!n, o 'end o +e Con!nen &nd w+!1+

rob&by ed +!- o &'? Gr&7 S1+!e77en 7or +e '/e-en o +!' ,re&

3 )id# No. 0#:3 7.

50 )id.# No. 0#3:. To +&nd o/ '!-!&r r&n/!!'er' Ho'e!n &'o /'ed & 7r!end +e

b&n?er 6on S1+w&b&1+. C7. P. 6on S1+w&b&1+ 'us meinen 'ten ("#:9) &r!1/&ry +e

&11o/n' o Ro+'1+!d &nd Crowe o7 &n/&ryFebr/&ry "#<0 (. %# #< #% "<"). Here !

!' den!ed +& B!!ow +&d &ny !nen!on o7 -&?!n, w&r. T+& &7er +!' Ger-&n +re&'

no on,er -&de &ny !-re''!on !n P&r!' !' no '/rr!'!n,.

51 7rosse Politi# I (!) No'. 0#3: 0#;3 (&n/&ry :;+ "#<0).

SCHLIEFFEN HOLSTEIN AND THE MOROCCO CRISIS OF IGO$0 " & '

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


oer&!on& &n ('ee &bo6e . 9< 7oonoe;). B/ ! !' re-&r?&be +&

+e C+&n1eor (or Ho'e!n &' +e or!,!n&or) '+o/d +&6e been ry!n,

o /r,e on +e C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 &nd no +e o+er w&y ro/nd W+& were Ho'e!n8' +o/,+' d/r!n, +e'e wee?' On &n/&ry

!S+ +e +&d ob6!o/'y no ye ,!6en / +oe o7 be!n, &be o 1on6!n1e

S!r Edw&rd Grey +& ! wo/d be /n7&!r o7 En,&nd &nd Fr&n1e o

1oer1e +e o+er Tre&y '&e' !no reno/n1!n, +e!r r!,+' !n

Moro11o\ w!+o/ '/!&be 1o-en'&!on&nd &bo6e & +& +e

/ne&'+!n, o7 & ,re& w&r 7or +e '&?e o7 Moro11o wo/d be &' /n

rew&rd!n, 7or +e Br!!'+ &' 7or +e Ger-&n' or Fren1+. T+ere7ore +e

+oed +ey wo/d be 1onen o ro6!de +e!r &rner' !n +e Enene

w!+ d!o-&!1 '/or.$: Meern!1+ w&' od o !n/!re o7 Grey w+e+er En,&nd wo/d '! ,!6e -!!&ry '/or o +e Fren1+ !7

+ey be,&n &7er +e 7&!/re o7 +e 1on7eren1e o &?e o6er Moro11o

by 7or1e. Grey & 7!r' de1!ned o -&?e & b!nd!n, '&e-en !n &d6&n1e

on +e'e /e'!on'. L&er +e 1on7!r-ed +& En,&nd wo/d re,&rd

+er'e7 bo/nd o +er &rner !n +e Enene !n &ny 1!r1/-'&n1e

!n1/d!n, +e one -en!oned by Meern!1+.$3 T+!' d!d no deer

Ho'e!n 7ro- /'!n, 6&r!o/' w&y' o w&rn +e Fren1+ &,&!n' & 7&!/re

o7 +e 1on7eren1e &nd o o!n o/ +e /n7or/n&e 1on'e/en1e'4 &

1on!n/&!on o7 +e -!!&ry en'!on &nd er+&' e6en +e & o7 +e

Ro/6!er Go6ern-en &' & '1&e,o& 7or Fren1+ d!'&o!n-en. B/

+e w&' /!1? o 1o-b!ne +e w&rn!n, w!+ &n !--ed!&e renew& o7

7or-er o77er'4 Ger-&ny wo/d be re&red &7er & 7ew ye&r' o d!'1/''

& re6!'!on o7 +e Moro11o 'ee-en !n & 7or- -ore 7&6o/r&be o

Fr&n1e.$; Je & +e'e &e-' o 1o-e o &n &,ree-en 'e1rey &nd

o/'!de +e 1on7eren1e re'/ed !n 7&!/re &nd +e Fren1+ &!/de

'!77ened e6en -ore. In +e end Ger-&n o!1y +&d o -&?e / !'

-!nd w+e+er ! wo/d re&y bre&? / +e 1on7eren1e o6er +e!re'o-e o!1e /e'!on or e'e 1!-b down.

Ony & +!' @/n1/re doe' B!!ow 'ee- o +&6e &red 1o-&ny

7ro- Ho'e!n &nd +!' /nder re''/re o7 6ery de7!n!e d!re1!6e' 7ro-

+e K&!'er. A 7or-& '&e-en o7 d!77eren1e' beween +e- doe' no

&e&r !n +e do1/-en' b/ we ?now +& Ho'e!n +&d +!' &'

-ee!n, w!+ +e C+&n1eor & +e end o7 Febr/&ry &nd no on,er

1o&bor&ed w!+ +!- &' 7ro- M&r1+ ":+ +e d&y +& bro/,+ +e

s% )id.# No. 0#$3 (noe o B!!ow).

5H )id.# No. 0#$# (&n/&ry :3rd "#<0) 9<"% (Febr/&ry "#+ "#<0).

&1 )id.# No. 0##; (Febr/&ry o+) 9<3;0 (Febr/&ry ::nd) 9<$$ (M&r1+ ;+).


8/17/2019 Ritter 1


1+&n,e o7 7ron & A,e1!r&'. T+e d!77eren1e' beween +e C+&n1eor

&nd +!' 1o&bor&or were +en ony & -&er o7 &1!1' no o7 o!!1&'r&e,y. T+e '/o'!!on +& Ho'e!n +! 1onr&' o B!!ow r!ed

6&!ny o '&r & re6en!6e w&r !' no '/ored by &ny e6!den1e !n +e

do1/-en'. E6en W!+e- II o w+o- B!!ow &er rere'ened +e

7eheimrat &' +e -&!n 1/r! 7or +e 7&!/re o7 +e Moro11o o!1y

rero&1+ed +e &er ony w!+ +&6!n, w&ned +e 1on7eren1e o 7&!

&nd w!+ +&6!n, 'en +e &ror!&e !n'r/1!on' o A,e1!r&'.$$

W+& !' +e or!,!n o7 +e 1onen!on +& Ho'e!n w&' 'eer!n, o

w&rd' & re6en!6e w&r &,&!n' Fr&n1e T+e o/1o-e o7 +e Moro11o

1r!'!' w&' ,ener&y 7e o be & +e&6y de7e& 7or Ger-&n d!o-&1y!ndeed !n +e re+!'ory o7 +e Gre& W&r ! rere'en' & 1ro''ro&d'4

w!+ ! be,&n +e 1on'o!d&!on o7 +e Enene !no & !-!&ry &1 &nd

w!+ +& 1&-e +e end o7 Ger-&ny8' o!!1& 7reedo- o7 -&noe/6re.

Ho'e!n w&' 'en !no +e w!derne'' &' & '1&e,o& ! w&' /!e

n&/r& +& +e '+o/d ry o @/'!7y +!-'e7 &nd o '+!7 'o-e &r o7

+e re'on'!b!!y on o o+er'8 '+o/der'. H&d no +!' &d6!1e &w&y'

been o 'ee ! +ro/,+ !.e. o e +e A,e1!r&' 1on7eren1e 7&! r&+er

+&n &11e & Fren1+ r!/-+ H&d no W!+e- II on 'e6er& -o'

!-r/den o11&'!on' e6en !n +e re'en1e o7 7ore!,ner' '+own +&+e w&' &b'o/ey oo'ed o -&?!n, w&r !n Moro11o +ereby '&bo

&,!n, & &e-' o7 Ger-&n d!o-&1y o re&1+ beer re'/' by

7!r- or e6en -en&1!n, be+&6!o/r

I w&' r&+er !n +!' 'en'e +& Ho'e!n 'o?e o 6on der L&n1?en

w+en !n "#<# +e &er 6!'!ed +!- on B/ow8' (!nd!re1) !n'r/1!on'

o ,e +!' &ro6& on +!' de&+bed 7or +e +en end!n, Fr&n1o

Ger-&n &,ree-en on Moro11o. *on der L&n1?en 7o/nd +!- 6ery

! &nd !n ,re& de'onden1y o6er +!' &e Moro11o o!1y. He &d-!ed

+&6!n, -&de ,re& -!'&?e'4 & 7!r' +e +&d +o/,+ &n En,!'+

approement w!+ +e Fr&n1oR/''!&n D/& A!&n1e w&' /!e !-

o''!be +en w+en ! +&ened +e +&d been 1on6!n1ed +& be7ore

+e r!n, o7 +e o+er Gre& Power' +roed /' we '+o/d ry w!+ &

o/r ener,y &nd w!+ re'o/!on no o '+r!n? 7ro- +e e5re-e o

bre&? +!' r!n, oen. Hen1e +e K&!'er8' T&n,!er @o/rney B/ I -&de

& -!'&?e !n -y e'!-&e o7 +e er'on&!!e' w+o 7!n&y 1o/ned. I

&5 *ritish ,o!uments# III . 300 (L&'1ee'8 reor o7 A/,/' "0+ "#<0). In 7rosse Politi#

I (:) . $09 +ere !' & -!n/e by W!+e- II o7 "#<9. Here +e &11/'&!on &,&!n'

Ho'e- re&1+e' +e ,roe'/e ! 1&nno be &?en 'er!o/'y !n +!' 7or- b/ &,&!n

+ere !' no -en!on o7 & d!re1 de-&nd 7or & re6en!6e w&r.

9— TSP

SCHLIEFFEN HOLSTEIN AND THE MOROCCO CRISIS OF IQO$0 ":$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


8/17/2019 Ritter 1


+e'e &' e!,+ -o/+' w+en one d!77!1/ /e'!on +&' 7oowed

&no+er I +&6e 1on7erred ony w!+ +!- w!+o/ &ny /&rre!n,.

A&r 7ro- B!!ow I +&6e nobody w!+ w+o- o e51+&n,e 6!ew'

I ,!6e order' &bo/ w+& !' o be done or e'e do ! -y'e7. B/ +!'

7ee!n, o7 oney re'on'!b!!y ,!6e' -e -&ny & 'eee'' n!,+.$%

No & word &bo/ w&r or &bo/ d!77eren1e' w!+ B!!ow A +e end

o7 &n/&ry "#<0 +owe6er +e 1o-&!n' +& B!!ow8' we&?ne'' +&'

'o!ed +!' e&'/re !n +!' wor? & +e end o7 De1e-ber +e +&d &re&dy

/ !n & ro6!'!on& re/e' o be &owed o re!re'owy be1o-!n,

we&ry &'o o7 +!' 'r&n,e +ybr!d o'!!on +&7w&y beween Co/n

'eor &nd S&e Se1re&ry w!+o/ +e &/+or!y o -&?e !nde

enden de1!'!on'. A,&!n !n M&r1+ "#<0 +e ,!6e' -erey +e'eer'on& -o!6e' &nd od &,e &' re&'on' 7or +!' re!re-en. B/ now +e

1o-&!n' &bo/ +e K&!'er oo4 He &1?' er'!'en1e &nd w!+o/

+& +ere !' no '/11e'' !n o!!1'. A'o +e &1?' +e ner6e o7 +!' ,r&nd

7&+er. T+& !' +e wor' o7 !. Sowy ! ,e' no!1ed &bro&d +& H.M.

rere&' !n +e 7&1e o7 'ron, re''/re. T+!' !' +e d&n,er 7or +e 7//re.

Peoe w! ry /!n, on +e re''/re -ore o7en. I +&6e o!ned !

o/. I 1&nno do -ore. W+& +e -e&n !' 1&r!7!ed by & eer o7 Ar!

;+4 On +e Moro11o /e'!on I w&' o7 +e o!n!on +& we '+o/d

'!1? 7!r-y o o/r o!n o7 6!ew !n +e '/re e5e1&!on +& +ene/r&' wo/d 1o-e 7orw&rd w!+ roo'&' 7or & 'ee-en. R/''!&

needed & o&n o7 & +o/'&nd -!!on I&y w&' 1&rry!n, +ro/,+ & B!

1on6er'!on En,&nd w&ned o 1/ down +er Boer w&r deb. In '+or

+ey & needed no @/' e&1e (e&1e w&' ne6er +re&ened) b/

&b'o/e r&n/!!y. T+ey wo/d +&6e 1o-e 7orw&rd w!+ roo'&'

7or 1er&!n &' 'oon &' +ey '&w +& +e 1on7eren1e w&' !n d&n,er o7

7&!/re. T+!' 6!ew w&' '+&red by +e C+&n1eor +e S&e Se1re&ry

&nd +e S&e UnderSe1re&ry. B/ +e K&!'er '/ddeny oo? 7r!,+. . .

w+en +e new'&er' reored +& De1&''e +&d been '/--oned o+e K!n, o7 En,&nd. O/r Mo' Gr&1!o/' +&' & 'ron, !-&,!n&!on &nd

we&? ner6e'. He wroe o B!!ow +& we '+o/d ,!6e !n. I deore +!'

7or +e 7//re8' '&?e be1&/'e ne5 !-e ! +&en' o+er 1&b!ne' w!

re-e-ber +& Ger-&ny rere&ed /nder re''/re. T+e '&-e e1+n!/e

w! +en be r!ed &,&!n. Here !e' +e re& d&n,er. T+e Moro11o 1r!'!'

!'e7 w&' /!e +&r-e''. T+& I w+o 7or '!5een ye&r' +&6e w&1+ed o6er

Ger-&ny8' 'e1/r!y '&7e,/&rd!n, ! o +e be' o7 -y &b!!y '+o/d

now be rere'ened &' & w&r-on,er !' &n !rony o7 7&e.$#

S8 H. Rogge, iid.# . :#3 7. $# )id.# . :;; > :;0 7.

SCHLIEFFEN, HOLSTEIN AND THE MOROCCO CRISIS OF "#<$0 I:9

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


T+e'e '&e-en' &re 'o /n&-b!,/o/' +& ! !' /nne1e''&ry o /oe

7ro- +e 6&r!o/' &r!1e' &nd eer' w+!1+ Ho'e!n ,o !no +e Pre''!n "#<0 o de7end +!-'e7 &,&!n' +!' '&nderer' &nd o!!1& ene-!e'

&nd o ,!6e +!' o!n o7 6!ew &bo/ +e o/1o-e o7 +e Moro11o 1r!'!'.0<

I w! -erey /oe one 'enen1e 7ro- & eer +e wroe (w!+o/

!nend!n, ! o be /b+'+ed) o & So/+ Ger-&n ed!or4 Nobody

w&n' w&r now&d&y' be1&/'e e6ery 'en'!be o!!1!&n ?now' +& +e

-&''e' wo/d no 7oow b!ndy. -ide R/''!&. T+& & w&r 7or +e

'&?e o7 Moro11o wo/d be /no/&r !n +e +!,+e' de,ree w&'

do/be'' &' 1e&r o Ho'e!n &' o Bow &nd +e K&!'er.

W!+ +!' we +&6e re&1+ed +e end o7 o/r !n/!ry. I' re'/ 'ee-' o

-e wor+ +e ro/be. Abo/ "#<;0 Ger-&ny e5er!en1ed 7or +e

7!r' &nd ony !-e !n +e er!od be7ore +e Gre& W&r & !7!n, o7 +e

+re& o7 & wo7ron w&r &nd +/' +er -!!&ry '/er!or!y o6er +e

Fren1+ w&' &b'o/ey w!+o/ do/b. In '!e o7 +!' Fren1+ o!1y

r!ed o !,nore +er de-&nd 7or e/&!y !n +e 1o-e!!on 7or ,re&

1oon!& &re&'. For Ger-&ny&nd +!' w&' 'en'ed 'ron,y &bro&d

+e e-&!on w&' ne6er 7&r d!'&n o &?e +e oor/n!y o7 1+&en,!n, +er od r!6& o w&r &nd -&?!n, &n end o7 +er 1&!-' o

ower by 7or1e. T+e Ger-&n Gener& S&77 +&d on, re&red

oer&!on& &n' 7or & w&r w!+ Fr&n1e &nd w&' 1on6!n1ed +& +ey

+&d e51een ro'e1' o7 '/11e''. Ne6er+ee'' ! w&' w&ry o7 /r,!n,

w&r &nd e6en +e -o' &1!6e er'on&!y !n +e Fore!,n M!n!'ry

B&ron Ho'e!n ne6er +o/,+ o7 '&r!n, & re6en!6e w&r. Moreo6er

+e C+&n1eor &nd +e K&!'er were 7/nd&-en&y &,&!n' & 'o/!on

by 7or1e. T+ey were &'o 1on'1!o/' (&nd +&d o7en '&!d 'o) +& +e

-&'' o7 +e Ger-&n eoe wo/d be 6!oeny oo'ed o '/1+ & w&r.

T+ey wo/d ne6er +&6e d&red '/--on +e n&!on o '/1+ &n ener

r!'e w+!1+ wo/d +&6e been re,&rded &' & -ere C&b!ne w&r.

Any 1onne1!on beween +e S1+!e77en P&n &nd & '1+e-e o 'o6e

+e Moro11o /e'!on or bre&? / +o'!e &!&n1e' by 7or1e o7 &r-'

-&y +ere7ore be d!'1o/ned.

&0 "!lisis!he ;eitung# No. :#9 of April :%+ "#<0 in: Rogge, iid.# p. :$3 f. Letter to a

Sout !er"an e#itor in Spring, "#<0 pu$li%e# in te "ddeuts!he Monatshefte# Mar&

"#"# p. ;:< 77. 'full of %trong &riti&i%" of (ilel" II). Open letter to Ma*i"ilian Har#en,

Augu%t $+ "#<0 pu$li%e# in te ;uunft of +une "%+ "#<0. Letter to !raf Mont%,

April ::nd "#<0 in: Mont%, iid.# p. 3$% ff. Te "o%t en#uring %u&&e%% of all i% ene"ie%

of tat ti"e a% a&ie-e# $ O. Ha""ann, o a&&u%e# i" of $eing a ar"onger.

":% II. TILE /OLITICAL IM/LICATIONS OF THE SCHLIEFFEN /LAN

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


TETS

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


I. SCHLIEFFEN8S GREAT MEMOP6ANDUM

OF DECEMBER "#<$

A. EDITOR8S INTRODUCTION

". T+e Dr&7'

the great memorandum of ,e!emer 1905 "!hlieffens papers

!ontain the preliminary drafts# fragments# fair !opies and trans!ripts

enumerated elo8. Their relationship 8ith ea!h other is not easily

re!ognisale# e!ause in his !onstant re%8riting "!hlie2fen often presents the

ideas in the drafts in a different order# using old and ne8 drafts simultaneously

as his 8oring !opy 8ithout al8ays eeping to the e+a!t 8ording# et!. $o8eer#

y !arefully !omparing the releant !orre!tions and insertions 8ith the te+t

of thV. susequent fair !opies :8hi!h in turn sered as drafts themselesF it has

een possile to !onstru!t a !hronologi!al order. The proisional order made

y an ar!hiist :in WashingtonF y means of !onse!utie numers :in pen!il at the top of ea!h pageF is aritrary and has furthermore disrupted the sequen!e

of pages. lere ) hae enumerated the items !hronologi!ally.

I. ,raft in the hand8riting of Ma2or on $ahue# nineteen half%page

!olumns :pages 119%H3F interleaed 8ith empty pages for !orre!tions# t8o of

them used for posts!ripts :in $ahne(s handF. Many !orre!tions and insertions

in "!hlieffens hand8riting in the empty left%hand !olumns. *egins@ C+!e7

o7 +e Ar-y Gener& S&77. Ber!n De1e-ber 3"' "#<$. In & w&r

&,&!n' Ger-&ny Fr&n1e w! rob&by & 7!r' re'r!1 +er'e7 ode7en1e. Ends@ . . . +ere7ore & Ger-&n &&1? on Fr&n1e doe' no er-!

one o re'e1 +e ne/r&!y o7 L/5e-bo/r, &nd Be,!/-.

"in!e the te+t displays seeral gaps :re%starting out of !onte+t# sometimes in

the middle of a senten!eF# parts of this draft must hae een lost or hae een

used for other purposes. )t is proaly the earliest di!tated draft. ) therefore

reprodu!e it infill as 'ppendi+# 1.

II H& !b. T8o fair !opies in $ahne(s hand. One of them :lidF !om%

prising eighteen half%page !olumns :pp. 1H9%5&F is not !orre!tedB the other

:))F# of nineteen !olumns :pp. 19G%G10F# has many !orre!tions and insertions

"3"

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


in "!hlieffen s hand. ' third !opy :liF# of t8enty !olumns# not page%

numered# is in a !opyist(s hand# identi!al to $a# and sho8s only !orre!tions

y the !opyist. *egins@ Ber!n De1e-ber "#<$. In & w&r &,&!n' Ger-&ny

Fr&n1e w! rob&by . . . Ends@ . . . +e re-&!n!n, 1&''e' o7 re'er6!''&re o be /'ed :!f. 'ppendi+# 1# p. 15G elo8F. 'tta!hed to )) there is a

fragment !omprising four half%page !olumns. *egins@ . . . no &,&!n' +e

,re& 7orre''e' w+o'e 1on/e' re/!re' & ,re& '!e,e &&r&/'. . .

Ends@ :!rossed outF . . . wo/d &'o +&6e been de'!r&be. In order o

render +e new deoy-en d!77!1/. . .

:" ,raft in "!hlieffen s o8n hand8riting# undated# t8enty%eight half%page

!olumns :pp. <9%10&F# e+tensie !rossings%out and !orre!tions. *egins@ W&r

&,&!n' Fr&n1e\ Fr&n1e &!ed o En,&nd. T+e Fren1+ +&6e /rned +e!r1o/nry !no & 7orre''. Fro- D/n?!r? &nd C&&!'. . . Ends@ . . . &re

deoy!n, /!1?er +&n we &nd &n!1!&e +e &&1?.

:: ,raft in "!hlieffen s o8n hand# thirty half%page !olumns :pp. 9%<3F#

undated# 8ith many insertions and !orre!tions. *egins@ O77en'!6e &n

&,&!n' Fr&n1e. T+e Fren1+ +&6e /rned +e!r 1o/nry !no & 7orre''.

On +e on, 7ron!er 7ro- D/n?!r? &nd C&&!'. . . Ends@ . . . T+e 7or1e

w! ony 7/7! !' &'? !7 ! !' r&!ned o -o6e &nd 7!,+ !n wood' &nd

-o/n&!no/' 1o/nry. ) reprodu!e the frst four paragraphs of this draft as 'ppendi+# G. They are

a rephrasing of the opening senten!esB in the final ersion these 8ere left

out# ut are e!hoed in the rather strange ne8 insertion on page 1.

:3 ,raft in "!hlieffen s o8n hand# thirty%fie half%page !olumns :pp.

15<%91F# seeral insertions and !orre!tions. *egins@ W&r &,&!n' Fr&n1e

&!ed o En,&nd. Ber!n De1e-ber "#<$. In & w&r &,&!n' Ger-&ny

Fr&n1e w! e'e1!&y &' on, &'. . . Ends@ . . . 7or +ere +e de1!'!6e

b&e !' o be e5e1ed.

:;Copyist(s hand# thirty%seen half%page !olumns :pp. G15%5GF# many

!orre!tions and additions in "!hlieffen s hand. *egins@ W&r &,&!n' Fr&n1e

&+ed o En,&nd. Ber!n De1e-ber "#<$. The opening@ In +e e6en

o7 & w&r &,&!n' Ger-&ny. . . is susequently !omined 8ith the se!ond

opening :see aoe# )- i 'ppendi+# GF. Corre!ted in "!hlieffen s hand# it

egins@ T+e Fren1+ +&6e /rned +e!r 1o/nry !no & 7orre''. . . . Any

one w+o +&' b/! '/1+ & 7orre'' w! no ,!6e ! / & on1e +e w! +od

!. T+ere7ore ! -/' be &''/-ed +& Fr&n1e !n & w&r &,&!n'

Ger-&ny . . e1. Ends@ . . . 7or +ere +e de1!'!6e b&e !' o be e5e1ed.

"3: I. SCHLIEFFEN8' !REAT MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER IQ<$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


*II. ragment in "!hlieffens o8n hand# t8ele half%page !olumns :pp.

10H%1F. *egins@ . . . '!5 &r-y 1or' 7oowed by +&7 & Re'er6e 1or'

w! be 'en &,&!n' +e 'e1or o7 +e Me/'e beween N&-/r &nd

Me!ere'. Ends@ . . . w!+ +e +e o7 +!' '/er!or!y &nd +e '?! o7 +e '/bord!n&e 1o--&nder' 6!1ory w! be o/r'.

This fragment !annot e pla!ed 8ith !ertainty in proper order among the

other items. ) thin it is older than - and -)# ut it !ertainly does not elong

to item ))) :page%numering misleadingXF.

)tems -))) and )Y hae no material interest as they !ontain nothing ne8.

*III. $ahne(s hand8riting# eight half%page !olumns :pp. G5H%&0F

8ithout heading# a numer of !orre!tions in $ahne(s hand. *egins@ In &

w&r &,&!n' Ger-&ny Fr&n1e w! rob&by . . . Ends@ . . . no oo 7&r&w&y o en,&,e +!- !n b&e /nder /n7&6o/r&be 1!r1/-'&n1e'.

I. ,raft starting in "!hlieffen(s o8n hand# after !olumn G in the !opyist(s

hand# ten !olumns :pp. G&1%<0FB !orre!tions partly y "!hlieffen# partly y

the !opyist. *egins@ Ber!n De1e-ber "#<$. In & w&r &,&!n' Ger-&ny

Fr&n1e w! rob&by & 7!r' re'r!1 +er'e7 o de7en1e. Ends@ . . . +e

re-&!n!n, 1&''e' o7 re'er6!'' &re o be /'ed.

'!!ording to Professor Wolfgang oerster# 8ho informed me y letter

:asing his information on a eral statement made y on $ahneF# these preliminary drafts 8ere proaly made in ,e!emer 1905 and Ianuary 190&.

"!hlieffen finished the memorandum at the end of Ianuary 190&# and in

eruary a !opy 8as handed y on $ahne to 7eneral on Molte. The

date >,e!emer H1st# 1905> has no signifi!an!e apart from the fa!t that on

that day 7raf "!hlieffen(s term of offi!e ended. The fa!simile in W. 7roener(s

oo@ D&' Te'&-en de' Gr&7en S1+!e77en :19G<F p. 3 et sqq.# has een

made upfront three different items@ the heading from -# the te+t from the

!losing passages of )-# and the signature from fair !opy >*> 8hi!h 8e shall

dis!uss elo8.

:. The (inal ersion

Of the final ersion of the great memorandum "!hlieffen s papers !ontain

t8o identi!al type8ritten !opies and one fair !opy in a !opyist(s hand# signed

y "!hlieffen# of t8enty%four folio pages :not !olumnsXF. The latter :8hi!h

) 8ill !all >*>F lies in a spe!ial !ardoardfolder 8ith the follo8ing ins!ription

y on $ahne@ Fr&n1e "#<$. S1+!e77en8' or!,!n& dr&7. Co-

&red w!+ +e or!,!n& W.H. Oiously on $ahne regarded this

as the final and definitie >draft#> 8hile !alling another fair !opy# 8hi!h 8as

I. SCHLIEFFEN2S !REAT MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER IQO$ "''

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


handed to Molte :and 8hi!h s!ents no longer to e+istF# the >original.>

Manus!ript * shois@ :1F many small !orre!tions or insertions# 8hi!h on

$ahne seems to hae made on the asis of the >original>B (2 a !hange of

hand8riting in the main te+t# 8hi!h sho8s !learly that after page 1 three

pages# and after page GG four pages# hae een inserted 8ith a !hanged te+tZ

a final !hange 8hi!h is important in that it represents a ne8 eginning in the

middle of the te+t :see elo8# page 1F# taing up# in a different form# the

asi! idea e+pressed in the opening.

Of the t8o identi!al type8ritten !opies# the first :!alled >'> in the te+t

elo8F has a !oer 8ith the heading CooneGener& Gr&7 S1+!e77en.

Me-or&nd/- De1e-ber "#<$. $and8ritten note@ W. 6. H&+n?e

8ith ruer%stamped address@ Po'd&- Gr. We!n-e!'er'r. & .

The se!ond is a !aron !opy# ut typed on a different ma!hine from the

pre!eding !opy. The first !ontains in its left margin# in types!ript# all the

remars 8hi!h Molte felt it ne!essary to mae on the memorandum.

The se!ond sho8s only the first of Molte(s remars in this formB all the

others are in on $ahne(s hand. *oth of them thus sho8 that on $ahne

after8ards !opied out the memorandum handed to Molte# 8ith all the latter(s

marginal notes. "in!e they ar! therefore immediate !opies of the >original#> i.e.

the ery last ersion# ) ased the te+t elo8 on >'.> Te+t >*> has een

!onsulted all the 8ay through for !omparison. Passages 8hi!h hae een added as !orre!tions to the original ersion of te+t >*> ) hae set in square ra!ets

[ U B passages 8hi!h are stru! out o f > * > hae een added as footnotes#

e+!ept 8here they are merely stylisti! !hanges 8ithout material signifi!an!e.

The t8o type8ritten !opies mentioned oth !arry the memorandum of

1905 on t8enty pages# then on pages G1%5 "!hlieffen s additional memo%

randum of eruary 190& :printed elo8 as ))F and on pages G&%9 Molte(s

general !omments on "!hlieffen s memorandum :printed elo8 as )))F.

B. TET OF THE MEMORANDUM

6r . j Ber!n De1e-ber "#<$"

W&r &,&!n' Fr&n1e

In & w&r &,&!n' Ger-&ny Fr&n1e w! rob&by & 7!r' re'r!1 +er'e7

o de7en1e &r!1/&ry &' on, &' '+e 1&nno 1o/n on e77e1!6e R/''!&n

1 The follo8ing is to e found in >*> efore the te+t# in >'> in the margin@ !er"an: #9"

$attalion%, $<; %3ua#ron%, %<" $atterie% itout Lan#-er, Lan#%tur" an# fortre%%

garri%on% '&ro%%e# out: ne for"ation%)4 Fran&e: ##$ $attalion%, ;;; %3ua#ron%, 9<$

$atterie% itout territorial troop% an# fortre%% garri%on% '&ro%%e# out: Lan#er an#

fortre%% garri%on%). ote in $ahne(s 8riting@ 5in te fair &op $elo te te*t un#er f.5

" 67 SCHLIEFFEN S !REAT MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER lOOS

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


'/or. W!+ +!' !n 6!ew '+e +&' on, re&red & o'!!on w+!1+ !'

7or +e ,re&er &r er-&nen o7 w+!1+ +e ,re& 7orre''e' o7 Be7or

E!n& To/ &nd *erd/n &re +e -&!n 'ron,o!n'. T+!' o'!!on 1&n

be &de/&ey o11/!ed by +e &r,e Fren1+ &r-y &nd re'en' ,re&d!77!1/!e' o +e &&1?er.

T+e &&1? w& no be d!re1ed on +e ,re& 7orre''e' w+o'e 1on/e'

re/!re' & ,re& '!e,e &&r&/' -/1+ !-e &nd &r,e 7or1e' e'e1!&y

&' en1!r1e-en !' !-o''!be &nd +e '!e,e 1&n ony be 1ond/1ed 7ro-

one '!de. T+e &&1?er w! re7er o &d6&n1e on +e !ner6en!n, ,&'.

Two o7 +e- (Be7orE!n& &nd To/*erd/n) &re 7!ed w!+ b&rr!er

7or' b/ +e'e &re o7 no 1on'!der&be !-or&n1e. I -&er' -ore +&

+e ,&' &re &re&dy 'ron, n&/r& o'!!on' !n w+!1+ 'e1or !e' be+!nd

'e1or &nd w+!1+ by +e ,re& 7orre''e' on +e!r w!n,' !-ede +e!r

en6eo-en by +e ene-y w+!e +re&en!n, +!- w!+ +e '&-e 7&e

+!-'e7. T+e ,re&e' ro-!'e o7 '/11e'' !' o77ered by &n &&1? on +e

r!,+ w!n, o7 +e Mo'ee 7or' (For B&on d1 Ser6&n1e). B/ we &re

no '/77!1!eny re&red o o6er1o-e +e d!77!1/ err&!n +ere. E6en

w+en +& +&' been &ended o one w! +&rdy w!'+ o oen &

1&-&!,n w!+ & '!e,e o7 B&on d1 Ser6&n1e. In & &er er!od o7

+e w&r +owe6er +e red/1!on o7 +!' 7or -&y be o7 !-or&n1e.

Ano+er ro-!'e o7 '/11e'' !' o77ered by &n &&1? on N&n1y w+!1+!' roe1ed by 7!edwor?' &nd !' oen o e&'y en6eo-en &nd

bo-b&rd-en. B/ &7er +e own &nd +e +e!,+' beyond &re &?en

(ForX de H&y1) we &re 7&1ed w!+ +e 7or!7!1&!on' o7 To/. A-o' +e

ony &d6&n&,e o7 &n &&1? on N&n1y !' +& !n order o '&6e +e 1&!&

o7 Lorr&!ne +e Fren1+ -!,+ er+&' be !nd/1ed o 1o-e o/ o7 +e!r

7orre''e' &nd &11e oen b&e. B/ +ey wo/d +en +&6e +e!r

de7en1e !ne' 'o 1o'e !n +e!r re&r +& & de7e& wo/d no br!n, +e-

,re& d&-&,e nor +e 6!1or ,re& '/11e''. I wo/d be & re/'ed

? Marginal note y 7eneral on Molte@

Fran&e2% offen%i-e or #efen%i-e attitu#e ill e%%entiall #epen# on te !ams elli. If

!er"an &au%e% te ar, Fran&e ill pro$a$l $e on te #efen%i-e. If, oe-er, te ar

i% #e%ire# an# &au%e# $ Fran&e, %e i% "o%t liel to &on#u&t it offen%i-el. If Fran&e

ant% to re9&on3uer te lo%t pro-in&e%, %e a% to in-a#e te", i.e. tae te offen%i-e. I #o

not &on%i#er it altogeter &ertain tat Fran&e ill re"ain on te #efen%i-e un#er all

&ir&u"%tan&e%. Hoe-er, te frontier fortre%%e% $uilt %oon after te ar of 89<89" %tre%%

te #efen%i-e i#ea. 1ut ti% #oe% not a&&or# it te offen%i-e %pirit e-er inerent in te

nation, nor it te #o&trine% an# -ie% no pre-alent in te Fren& Ar".

?? Marginal note y 7eneral on Molte@

I tin it &ertain te Fren& oul# not a$an#on Nan& to a $o"$ar#"ent itout a

$attle. Te ar" &o""an# oul# ne-er #are to, in -ie of pu$li& opinion.

I. SCHLIEFFEN2S !REAT MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER "#<$ "3 $

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


'or!e 7ro- & 7orre'' !n6o6!n, be'!e,er &nd de7ender !n &bo/

+e '&-e n/-ber o7 1&'/&!e' &nd e&6!n, +e '!/&!on o7 bo+

/n1+&n,ed.

T+ere7ore & 7ron& &&1? on +e o'!!on Be7or*erd/n o77er' !ero-!'e o7 '/11e''. An en6eo-en 7ro- +e 'o/+ wo/d +&6e o be

re1eded by & 6!1or!o/' 1&-&!,n &,&!n' Sw!er&nd &nd by +e

1&/re o7 +e /r& 7or'!-e1on'/-!n, enerr!'e' d/r!n, w+!1+

+e Fren1+ wo/d no re-&!n !de.

A,&!n' & nor+ern en6eo-en +e Fren1+ !nend o o11/y +e

Me/'e beween *erd/n &nd Me!ere' b/ +e re& re'!'&n1e ! !' '&!d

!' no o be o77ered +ere b/ be+!nd +e A!'ne ro/,+y beween S.

Mene+o/d &nd Re+e. An !ner-ed!&e o'!!on beyond +e A!re

'ee-' &'o o be /nder 1on'!der&!on. I7 +e Ger-&n en6eo-en

re&1+e' e6en 7/r+er ! w! r/n !no & 'ron, -o/n&!n o'!!on w+o'e

'ron,o!n' &re +e 7orre''e' o7 R+1!-' L&on &nd L& Fere.

T+e Ger-&n': &re +ere7ore 1on7roned w!+ +e 7o!o w+!,4

:$T+e o'!!on Be7or E!n& To/ *erd/n w!+ & 1on!n/&!on

&on, +e Me/'e & Me!ere'. S1reen!n, roo' &re /'+ed o/ o

+e *o',e' +e Me/r+e N&n1y &nd +e Coe' Lorr&!ne' beween

To/ &nd *erd/n.

:0T+e !ner-ed!&e o'!!on on +e A!re.:9T+e o'!!on on +e A!'ne.

:%T+e o'!!on R+e!-'L& Fere.

One 1&nno +&6e ,re& 1on7!den1e !n &n &&1? on & +e'e 'ron,

o'!!on'. More ro-!'!n, +&n +e 7ron& &&1? w!+ &n en6eo-en

by +e e7 w!n, 'ee-' o be &n &&1? 7ro- +e nor+we' d!re1ed

on +e 7&n?' & Me!ere' Re+e L& Fere &nd &1ro'' +e O!'e on +e

re&r o7 +e o'!!on.

To -&?e +!' o''!be +e Fr&n1oBe,!&n 7ron!er e7 o7 +e Me/'e-/' be &?en o,e+er w!+ +e 7or!7!ed own' o7 Me!ere' H!r'on

&nd M&/be/,e +ree '-& b&rr!er 7or' L!e &nd D/n?!r? &nd o

re&1+ +/' 7&r +e ne/r&!y o7 L/5e-bo/r, Be,!/- &nd +e

Ne+er&nd' -/' be 6!o&ed.

T+e 6!o&!on o7 L/5e-bo/r, ne/r&!y w! +&6e no !-or&n

1on'e/en1e' o+er +&n roe''. T+e Ne+er&nd' re,&rd En,&nd


Te oul# onl $e fea%i$le, of &our%e, if tere ere a %i"ultaneou% atta& in front.

G )n the margin@ Map ": !er"an #eplo"ent an# Fren& po%ition%.

I30 I. SCHLIEFFEn8' GREAT MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER IQ<$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


&!ed o Fr&n1e no e'' &' &n ene-y +&n doe' Ger-&ny. I w! be

o''!be o 1o-e o &n &,ree-en w!+ +e-.

Be,!/- wd rob&by o77er re'!'&n1e.\ In 7&1e o7 +e Ger-&n

&d6&n1e nor+ o7 +e Me/'e +er &r-y &11ord!n, o &n w! rere&o Anwer &nd -/' be 1on&!ned +ere3 +!' -!,+ be e77e1ed !n +e

nor+ by -e&n' o7 & bo1?&de o7 +e S1+ed w+!1+ wo/d 1/ 1o-

-/n!1&!on' w!+ En,&nd &nd +e 'e&. For L!e,e &nd N&-/r; w+!1+

&re !nended o +&6e ony & we&? ,&rr!'on ob'er6&!on w! '/77!1e.

I w! be o''!be o &?e +e 1!&de o7 H/y or o ne/r&!'e !.

M&?!n, & 1o6ered &d6&n1e &,&!n' Anwer L!e,e &nd N&-/r

+e Ger-&n' w! 7!nd & 7or!7!ed 7ron!er b/ no & 7ron!er &'

+oro/,+y &nd e5en'!6ey 7or!7!ed &' +& oo'!e Ger-&ny. I7

+e Fren1+ w!'+ o de7end ! +ey w! be ob!,ed o -o6e 1or' &nd

&r-!e' 7ro- +e or!,!n& 7ron &nd re&1e +e- by re'er6e' 7ro- +e

re&r 7or !n'&n1e by +e 1or' on +e A!ne 7ron!er. B/ ! !' o be

+oed +& +ey w! no be 7/y '/11e''7/ !n +!'. T+ere7ore +ey -&y

er+&' ,!6e / +e &e- o -&n '/1+ &n o6ere5ended !ne &nd

!n'e&d &?e +e o77en'!6e &,&!n' +e +re&en!n, !n6&'!on w!+ & +e

roo' +ey 1&n '1r&e o,e+er. W+e+er +ey &&1? or de7end ! !'

no /n!?ey +& b&e w! be @o!ned ne&r +e 7ron!er Me!ere'

D/n?!r? &nd +e Ger-&n'8 &'? !' o -/'er +e ,re&e' o''!be'ren,+ 7or +!' b&e. E6en !7 ! '+o/d no &?e &1e &nd +e Fren1+

re-&!n be+!nd +e A!'ne & 'ron, Ger-&n r!,+ w!n, w! '! be o7

+e ,re&e' 6&/e 7or +e oer&!on' o 1o-e.

I7 one w!'+e' o -&?e &n &&1? 7ro- +e re&r on +e e7 7&n?' o7 +e

Fren1+ o'!!on' & Me!ere' Re+e L& Fere &nd beyond !

'ee-' e5ed!en o &d6&n1e e51/'!6ey on +e e7 o7 +e Me/'e +ro/,+

Be,!/- o w+ee e7 beyond N&-/r &nd +en o deoy 7or +e

&&1?. B/ one wo/d &1? ro&d' 7or & -&r1+ on '/1+ & n&rrow 7ron

? Marginal note y 7eneral on Molte@If our #iplo"a& "anage% ti%, it ill $e a great a#-antage. (e nee# te Dut&

raila%. Te -alue of Hollan# a% an all oul# $e in&al&ula$le.

H )n the margin@ tree #i-i%ion%.

?? Marginal note y 7eneral on Molte@

Te in-e%t"ent of Anterp ill a-e to $e folloe# $ a for"al %iege a% 3ui&l a%

po%%i$le.

)n the margin@ tree ar" &orp%.

??? Marginal note y 7eneral on Molte@

Liege an# Na"ur are of no i"portan&e in te"%el-e%. Te "a $e eal garri%one#,

$ut te are %trong pla&e%. Te $lo& te Meu%e raila, o%e u%e #uring te ar

&annot terefore $e &ounte# upon. It i% of te greate%t i"portan&e to tae at lea%t Liege

at an earl %tage, in or#er to a-e te raila in one2% an#%.

I. SCHLIEFFEN2S !REAT MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER I#<$ "39

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


&nd e6en -ore 'o r&!w&y' w!+ w+!1+ o br!n, / one8' 7or1e'. T+e

r&!w&y 'y'e- ob!,e' +e Ger-&n &r-y o deoy -&!ny on +e !ne

MeWe'e. Here weny+ree &r-y 1or' we6e &nd & +&7

Re'er6e 1or' &nd e!,+ 1&6&ry d!6!'!on' &re o be &''e-bed !n order'+ory &7erw&rd' o w+ee e7 &,&!n' +e !ne *erd/nD/n?!r?.

D/r!n, +!' +e Re'er6e 1or' o7 +e nor+ern w!n, w! 1o6er +e r!,+

7&n? &r!1/&ry &,&!n' Anwer &nd +e Re'er6e 1or' o7 +e

'o/+ern w!n, +e e7 7&n? &,&!n' &n ene-y &d6&n1e e7 o7 +e

Mo'ee 7ro- +e !ne To/*erd/n. A11ord!n,y +e &&1? w! no be

d!re1ed e51/'!6ey on +e 7&n?' b/ &'o on +e e7 &r o7 +e 7ron.\

T+ree &nd & +&7 &r-y 1or' one &nd & +&7 Re'er6e 1or' &nd +ree

1&6&ry d!6!'!on' re-&!n e7 o7 +e Mo'ee. To be,!n w!+ +ey w!

&&1? N&n1y !n order o &r&1 &' -&ny ene-y &' o''!be on +e-'e6e'

&nd &w&y 7ro- +e re!n7or1e-en o7 +e nor+ern 7ron &er +ey w!

1ooer&e !n 1o6er!n, +e e7 7&n? or !n re!n7or1!n, +e r!,+.

T+e 'ron,o!n 7or 1o6er!n, +e e7 7&n? w! be M1. No +e

Me o7 od&y nor +e en&r,ed Me en6!'&,ed !n +e &e' ro@e1'

b/ & Me 7or!7!ed &r,ey by 7!edwor?'. I' '!e w! be deer-!ned

!n ,ener& by +e 1o/r'e' o7 +e Mo'ee S&&r &nd N!ed ! w! be ,!6en

& 'ron, ,&rr!'on &nd$ L&ndwe+r roo' &' we &' n/-ero/' !e1e'

o7 +e&6y &r!ery &nd w! be en&bed o dr&w /on !'e7 & 1on'!der&be &r o7 +e ene-y8' 7or1e'.

I7 o''!be +e Ger-&n Ar-y w! w!n !' b&e by &n en6eo-en

w!+ +e r!,+ w!n,.0 T+!' w! +ere7ore be -&de &' 'ron, &' o''!be.

For +!' /ro'e e!,+ &r-y 1or' &nd 7!6e 1&6&ry d!6!'!on' w! 1ro''

+e Me/'e by 7!6e9 ro/e' beow L!e,e &nd &d6&n1e !n +e d!re1!on

o7 Br/''e'N&-/r & n!n+ &r-y 1or' (*III+) w! @o!n +e- &7er

1ro''!n, +e Me/'e &bo6e L!e,e. T+e &' -/' &'o ne/r&!'e +e 1!&de

o7 H/y w!+!n w+o'e r&n,e ! !' ob!,ed o 1ro'' +e Me/'e.

T+e n!ne &r-y 1or' w! be 7oowed by 'e6en Re'er6e 1or' w+o'e-&!n &r !' !nended 7or +e !n6e'-en o7 Anwer w+!e +e

re-&!nder !n!!&y ,!6e 7/r+er 1o6er o +e r!,+ 7&n?.

A&r 7ro- +!' +ere !' & 7/r+er o''!be re!n7or1e-en !n +e 7or-

o7 wo o7 +e &r-y 1or' re-&!n!n, on +e e7 b&n? o7 +e Mo'ee.

T+ey 1&n be bro/,+ / by r&!w&y (Ger-&n &nd Be,!&n) &' 'oon &'

+e !ne' &re 1e&red &nd / !no 'er6!1e. T+e'e 1o/d br!n, +e de1!'!on.

S!5 &r-y 1or' &nd one 1&6&ry d!6!'!on 7oowed by one Re'er6e

d!6!'!on w! be -&r1+ed &,&!n' +e Me/'e 'e1or Me!ere'N&-/r.

1: of ; )n the margin@ Map :. A#-an&e to te Fren& frontier. < 1: four

I3% I. SCHLIEFFEN2S !REAT MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER "#<$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


W+en +ey +&6e 1ro''ed +e r!6er beween 7!7een &nd 'e6eneen &r-y

1or' w! +&6e !n?ed / e7 o7 +e Me/'e.

E!,+ &r-y 1or' &nd wo 1&6&ry d!6!'!on' w! &d6&n1e on +e

Me/'e 7ron Me!ere'*erd/n. F!6e Re'er6e 1or' e&n!n, on Me\ w! /nder&?e +e 1o6er o7 +e e7 7&n?\.%

Ten L&ndwe+r br!,&de' w! 7oow +e- nor+ o7 +e Me/'e '!5

'o/+ '!5 w! be !n# +e w&r ,&rr!'on o7 "< Me +ree &nd & +&7 w!

be on +e Uer R+!ne &nd one !n Low8er A'&1e.

I 1&n be &''/-ed +& +e Ger-&n deoy-en &?e' &1e /nd!'

/rbed. A +e -o' ! -!,+ be1o-e ne1e''&ry o der&!n +e Re'er6e

1or' o7 +e 7&r e7 w!n, 7&r+er b&1? !n'e&d o7 &' +!+ero &nned

on or beyond +e S&&r &bo6e S&&rbr1?en. I w! &'o be o''!be o

'&r +e &d6&n1e o7 +e wd!oe &r-y e7 o7 +e Mo'ee &11ord!n, o

&n. B/ w+e+er +e Fren1+ &r-y e7 o7 +e Me/'e or r!,+ o7 !

or <"" bo+ b&n?'\ w! 1o-e o -ee /' or w+e+er ! w! &w&! o/r

&&1?&nd !7 'o w+ere!' /!e /n1er&!n. B/ !n &ny 1&'e ! !'

!-or&n +& nor+ o7 +e Me/'e +e de7!e beween Br/''e' &nd

N&-/r !' &''ed efore & 1&'+ w!+ +e ene-y 'o +& beyond ! +e

deoy-en o7 +e n!ne &r-y 1or' 1&n de6eo w!+o/ !nerr/!on.

I !' +ere7ore e''en!& o &11eer&e +e &d6&n1e o7 +e Ger-&n r!,+

w+!, &' -/1+ &' o''!be. S!n1e +ere -/' be & e7 w+ee +e &d6&n1eo7 +e re' o7 +e &r-y -/' 'ow down ro,re''!6ey ow&rd' +e e7.

T+e Ger-&n &r-!e' &d6&n1!n, r!,+ o7 +e Me/'e -/' d&!y be

re&red 7or & 1&'+ w!+ +e ene-y '! on +!' '!de o7 +e r!6er. A

& !-e' ! -/' be o''!be o 7or- & 7ron & e&' 'ron, eno/,+ o

7!,+ o77 +e ene-y e6en !7 +e !' '/er!or. T+!' w! be rendered -ore

d!77!1/ by +e 7orre''e' o7 Lon,wy &nd Mon-edy w+!1+ -/' be

&?en or & e&' ne/r&!'ed by +e wooded -o/n&!n' w+!1+ r/n

&1ro'' +e 1o/nry 'o/+ o7 +e Se-o!' &nd by +e e5en'!6e wood&nd'

nor+ o7 +!' r!6er. T+e &r-y 1o--&nder' -/' be 1on'&ny on +e&er &nd d!'r!b/e +e -&r1+!n, ro/e' &ror!&ey. T+!' w! be

-&de e&'!er by +e 7&1 +& +e d&!y -&r1+!n, d!'&n1e' need ony

be '+or. T+e 7or1e w! ony 7/7! !' &'? !7 ! !' r&!ned o -o6e &nd

7!,+ !n wood' &nd -o/n&!no/' 1o/nry.

H&6!n, bro?en +ro/,+ +e Fren1+ 7orre'' be e7 o7 +e Me/'e

W 8+e+er &7er & 6!1or!o/' b&e on Be,!&n err!ory or & '/11e''7/

&&1? on +e 7or!7!ed o'!!on or w!+o/ -ee!n, 'er!o/' re'!'&n1e

+e Ger-&n' w! /rn &11ord!n, o &n &,&!n' +e e7 7&n?' o7 +e

8 1: $eteen te Meu%e an# Mo%elle. = 1: in a##ition to >? 1: in

I. SCHLIEFFEN2S !REAT MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER "#<$ "3#

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


Fren1+ o'!!on' & Me!ere' Re+e &nd L& Fere. T+e 7orw&rd Me/'e

o'!!on Me!ere'*erd/n !' !?ey o be e6&1/&ed e&ry. S!-!&ry !n

+e o'!!on' on +e A!'ne &nd beween R+e!-' &nd L& Fere +e

Fren1+ w! no w&! &''!6ey 7or +e &&1? on +e!r e7 7&n?'.\""

E!+er +ey w! 'ee? & new o'!!on or +ey w! -&?e & 1o/ner

&&1?. T+e &er wo/d '/! /' beer. On1e +e wo 1or' +&6e been

bro/,+ / 7ro- r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee +e Ger-&n' w! +&6e /n!ed

+e!r 7or1e' &' 7&r &' +e re6&!!n, 1!r1/-'&n1e' &ow. T+ey w!

-&r1+ &' & 1o'ed 7or-&!on. T+e!r e7 w!n, !' 1o6ered &' 7&r &' o''!be

+e!r r!,+ w!n, !' 'ron,. T+e Fren1+ w+o w! +&6e +&d 7!r' o

&''e-be +e!r 1or'\ &re /n!?ey o +&6e +e!r w+oe &r-y !n '/1+ ,ood

order. T+e o'!!on !no w+!1+ +ey w! +&6e been 7or1ed by +e

ene-y8' en6eo-en +ro/,+ Be,!/- w! +&6e ro-ed +e-":

o -&?e re1!!&e -o6e' &nd -ore or e'' /n@/'!7!ed de&1+-en'.

W+en +e Be,!&n &nd Fren1+ 7orre''e' on +e nor+ern 7ron!er &nd

+e /n7&6o/r&be err&!n o7 +e Ardenne' +&6e been o6er1o-e +e

Ger-&n'8 '!/&!on -/' be re,&rded &' +e -ore 7&6o/r&be."3 T+e!r

'!/&!on be1o-e' e'' 7&6o/r&be !7 +e Fren1+ &w&! +e ene-y &&1?

!n & o'!!on or be+!nd & r!6er!ne.

I wo/d no be !-o''!be 7or &n &r-y be&en !n 'o/+ern Be,!/-

or nor+ern Fr&n1e o +& be+!nd +e So--e w+!1+ !' 1onne1ed w!+

+e O!'e by & 1&n& & L& Fere &nd +ere o77er renewed re'!'&n1e.

T+!' wo/d e&d o & -&r1+ o7 +e Ger-&n r!,+ w!n, on A-!en'

or e6en on\"; Abbe6!e.

B/ +!' !' no 6ery !?ey. Be1&/'e o7 +e Ger-&n &d6&n1e on +e

Me/'e'e1or *erd/nMe!er1' &nd 7/r+er we'\"$ beyond"0 H!r'on

+e Fren1+ w! be !nned o +e!r o'!!on' be+!nd +e A!'ne &nd

beween R+e!-' &nd L& Fere."9 T+e'e o'!!on' &re no en&be

+owe6er !7 7ro- +e d!re1!on L!eM&/be/,e +e Ger-&n' -&r1+

d!re1y on +e e7 7&n? &nd re&r. T+e Fren1+ -/' 1o6er +!' 7&n?or e'e rere& be+!nd +e M&rne or +e Se!ne. T+ey w! ony &?e +e

&er 1o/r'e w!+ -!',!6!n,'. T+ey w! +&rdy de1!de o ,!6e /

>> 1: In te e-ent, te Fren& ill not ait pa%%i-el in teir po%ition% for an atta& on

te%e flan%.

>@ 1: ill pro"pt te" > 1: fa-oura$le, if te Fren& &o"e out to "eet te".

>B 1: a% ell a% > 1: on te left of te ri-er >; 1: to

>< 1: 1ut at te %a"e ti"e te ill a-e to &o-er teir left flan again%t te !er"an%

a#-an&ing fro" Lille, Mau$euge. Te Ai%ne po%ition up to La Fere i% not tena$le, a% %oon

a% te ene" . . . )n >*> p. 1 ends aruptly at this point# the first insertion follo8s# 8ritten

in a different hand@ three unnumered pages in pla!e of t8o numered pages left out. The insertion

is printed et8een square ra!ets in the te+t# as follo8s.

";< I. SCHLIEFFEN8S GREAT MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER "#<$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


nor+ern Fr&n1e w!+o/ & '!77 7!,+. Une'' +ere7ore +ey '&6e +e!r

+ono/r by & 1o/nero77en'!6e +ey w! rob&by re7er o 7or- &

de7en'!6e 7&n? be+!nd +e O!'e beween L& Fere &nd P&r!' r&+er +&n

'/rrender & ,re& r!1+ err!ory +e!r 7!ne 7orre''e' &nd +e nor+ern7ron o7 P&r!'. I 1&n +&rdy be '&!d +& ! !' !-o''!be o &?e / &

o'!!on be+!nd +e O!'e. S!n1e +e -&!n o'!!on Be7or*erd/n need

ony re-&!n we&?y o11/!ed +e &6&!&be 7or1e' w! be eno/,+ o

de7end +e A!'ne &nd +e O!'e. T+e o'!!on be+!nd +e O!'e -&y no

be 6ery 'ron, !n 7ron b/ on +e e7 ! re'' on +e 1oo''& 7orre''

o7 P&r!'. E6en !7 ! !' -&'ered !n 7ron e6en !7 +e de7ender rere&'

be+!nd +e M&rne or Se!ne +e 6!1or -/' '! '/b-! o +e ne1e''!y

o7 !n6e'!n, P&r!' 7!r' on +e nor+ern 7ron &nd +en on o+er 7ron'

&nd !' ob!,ed w!+ 1on'!der&by we&?ened 7or1e' o 1on!n/e +e&&1? &,&!n' & -ore n/-ero/' ene-y. To d!'od,e +e &er 7ro-

+!' new o'!!on +e w! by&'' +e e7 7&n? re'!n, on P&r!' &nd w!

+/' &,&!n +&6e o /'e 'ron, 7or1e' 7or +e !n6e'-en o7 +e we'ern

&nd 'o/+ern 7ron o7 +e ,!,&n!1 7orre''.

One +!n, !' 1e&r. Une'' +e Fren1+ do /' +e 7&6o/r o7 &&1?!n,

we '+& be ob!,ed o &d6&n1e &,&!n' +e A!'ne +e R+e!-'L& Fere

o'!!on &nd +e O!'e &nd we '+& be 7or1ed no -&er w+e+er o/r

ene-!e' +od +e A!'neO!'e o'!!on or rere& be+!nd +e M&rne or

+e Se!ne e1. o 7oow +e- w!+ &r o7 o/r &r-y &nd w!+ &n

o+er &r o en6eo P&r!' on +e 'o/+ &nd !n6e' +e 7orre''. We

'+& +ere7ore be we &d6!'ed o re&re !n ,ood !-e 7or &

1ro''!n, o7 +e Se!ne beow !' @/n1!on w!+ +e O!'e &nd 7or +e

!n6e'-en o7 P&r!' !n!!&y on +e we'ern &nd 'o/+ern 7ron.

M&?e +e'e re&r&!on' +ow we -&y we '+& re&1+ +e 1on1/'!on

+& we &re oo we&? "% o 1on!n/e oer&!on' !n +!' d!re1!on.\ We

'+& 7!nd +e e5er!en1e o7 & e&r!er 1on/eror' 1on7!r-ed +& &

w&r o7 &,,re''!on 1&' 7or -/1+ 'ren,+ &nd &'o 1on'/-e' -/1++& +!' 'ren,+ dw!nde' 1on'&ny &' +e de7ender8' !n1re&'e' &nd

& +!' &r!1/&ry 'o !n & 1o/nry w+!1+ br!'e' w!+ 7orre''e'.

T+e A1!6e 1or' -/' be ?e !n&1 7or +e b&e &nd no /'ed 7or

d/!e' !n +e !ne' o7 1o--/n!1&!on &re& '!e,ewor? or +e !n6e'!n,

o7 7orre''e'.

W+en +e Ger-&n' re&1+ +e O!'e +e!r !ne' o7 1o--/n!1&!on

&re&"# w! e5end on +e r!,+ o +e 1o&' &nd o +e Se!ne beow

>8 1: te !er"an ar" i% too ea 'fter the ra!et the first !opyist(s hand re!ommen!es

on afresh page :numer 13F. > )n the margin@ Map ; 'line% of &o""uni&ation area).

"<TSP

I. SCHLIEFFEN8S GREAT MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER "#<$ ";"

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


P&r!'. In 7ron ! w! be bo/nded by +e O!'e &nd +e A!'ne &' 7&r

&' +e Me/'e beow *erd/n. T+e 1o/r'e o7 !' bo/nd&ry 7ro- +ere o

+e R+!ne deend' on w+& ro,re'' +e Fren1+ -&y +&6e -&de on

+e r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee. T+e !ne' o7 1o--/n!1&!on &re& w! 1o-r!'e L/5e-bo/r, Be,!/- &r o7 +e Ne+er&nd' &nd Nor+ern

Fr&n1e. In +!' w!de &re& n/-ero/' 7orre''e' -/' be be'!e,ed

!n6e'ed or ?e /nder ob'er6&!on. Le7 o7 +e Mo'ee +e &6&!&be

'e6en &nd & +&7 Re'er6e 1or' &nd '!5een L&ndwe+r br!,&de' w! be

/'ed 7or +!' /ro'e e51e 7or & +e -o'\ wo &nd & +&7 Re'er6e

1or' &nd wo L&ndwe+r br!,&de' w+!1+ &re /r,eny needed o re!n

7or1e +e 7ron &nd\:< 1o6er +e 7&n? &nd +e re&r o7 +e -&!n &r-y.

(Under no 1!r1/-'&n1e' !' ! o''!be o e&6e &n &r-y & D/n?!r?

C&&!' Bo/o,ne e1. &' 1o6er &,&!n' &n En,!'+ &nd!n,. S+o/d +eEn,!'+ &nd &nd &d6&n1e +e Ger-&n' w! +& de7end +e-'e6e' !7

ne1e''&ry de&1+ &n &de/&e n/-ber o7 1or' de7e& +e En,!'+ &nd

1on!n/e +e oer&!on &,&!n' +e Fren1+.):"

I !' 1&1/&ed4

For +e !n6e'-en o7 Anwer 7!6e Re'er6e 1or' (er+&' no

eno/,+)

For +e ob'er6&!on o7

L!,e 2 L&ndwe+r br!,&de'.N&-/r 2 L&ndwe+r br!,&de'.

M&/be/,e 2 L&ndwe+r br!,&de'.

L!e 3 L&ndwe+r br!,&de'.

D/n?!r? 3 L&ndwe+r br!,&de'.

MX!re'

G!6e *% " L&ndwe+r br!,&de.

H!r'on

Lon,wy

Mon-Xdy

B/ +e r&!w&y' ne1e''&ry o '/y +e &r-y -/' &'o be ,/&rded

+e ,re& 1!!e' &nd +e o/o/' !nd/'r!& ro6!n1e' o7 Be,!/- &nd

nor+we'ern Fr&n1e -/' be o11/!ed. T+e w+oe &re& -/' o77er

+e &r-y & 'e1/re b&'e. For +!' +e L&nd'/r- -/' be /'ed. S+o/d

+ere be e,& ob'&1e' +e &w -/' be 1+&n,ed !--ed!&ey on +e

1o--en1e-en o7 -ob!!'&!on.

S! ,re&er 7or1e' -/' be r&!'ed. We +&6e &' -&ny Re'er6e b&&!on'

@? 1: to @> The passage in ra!ets 8as added y "!hlieffen as a footnote.

! L&ndwe+r br!,&de.

";: I. SCHLIEFFEN8S GREAT MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER "#<$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


&' !n7&nry re,!-en'. Fro- +e'e &nd +e &6&!&be re'er6!'' &nd !7

need be 7ro- +e L&ndwe+r &' we 7o/r+ b&&!on' -/' be 7or-ed

&' !n "%00 &nd 7ro- +e'e &nd Er'& b&er!e' &,&!n &' !n "%00

d!6!'!on' &nd &r-y 1or' -/' be 7or-ed. E!,+ &r-y 1or' 1&n be

1re&ed !n +!' w&y. We '+& no w&! /n! +e need be1o-e' &!n7/y

ob6!o/' /n! oer&!on' &re 7or1ed o & '&nd'! be7ore /nder&?!n,

+e'e re7or-&!on' b/ do ! !--ed!&ey &7er +e -ob!!'&!on o7 +e

o+er roo'.

T+ere7ore we -/' -&?e +e L&nd'/r- -ob!e 'o +& ! -&y

o11/y +e w+oe !ne' o7 1o--/n!1&!on &re& 7ro- Be7or o M&&'

r!1+ e1. we -/' / o/ +e L&ndwe+r re-&!n!n, !n +e 7orre''e'\

&nd !n &dd!!on o +!' we -/' 7or- & e&' e!,+ &r-y 1or'. T+& !'+e 6ery e&' we &re bo/nd o do. We +&6e !n6ened 1on'1r!!on &nd

+e -ol in Waffen &nd ro6ed o o+er n&!on' +e ne1e''!y o7 !nro

d/1!n, +e'e !n'!/!on'. B/ +&6!n, bro/,+ o/r 'worn ene-!e' o

+e o!n o7 !n1re&'!n, +e!r &r-!e' o/ o7 & -e&'/re we +&6e re&5ed

o/r own e77or'. We 1on!n/e o bo&' o7 +e den'!y o7 o/r o/&!on

o7 +e ,re& -&nower & o/r d!'o'& b/ +e'e -&''e' &re no r&!ned

or rr-ed o +e 7/ n/-ber o7 &bebod!ed -en +ey 1o/d y!ed.

T+e 7&1 +& Fr&n1e w!+ & o/&!on o7 3#:: -!!on ro6!de' ##$

b&&!on' 7or +e 7!ed &r-y w+!e Ger-&ny w!+ $0 -!!on rod/1e'ony #9" 'e&?' 7or !'e7\

T+e e!,+ &r-y 1or' &re -o' needed on or be+!nd +e r!,+

w!n,. How -&ny 1&n be r&n'ored +ere deend' on +e 1&&1!y

o7 +e r&!w&y'. T+o'e w+!1+ 1&nno be bro/,+ / on +e e7 o7 +e

Me/'e &nd S&-bre +ro/,+ Be,!/- &nd Nor+ern Fr&n1e -/' be

bro/,+ 'o/+ o7 L!e,eN&-/r o +e Me/'e beween *erd/n

&nd Me!ere'. I7 +!' !' no en!rey o''!be e!+er +e re' 1&n be /'ed

&' re/!red & Me &nd r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee.

One -/' be &be o 1o/n on +ere be!n, &6&!&be 7or +e &d6&n1eon +e o'!!on A!'neO!'eP&r!':3 e1.

Ar-y 1or' . . . . . . :$

Re'er6e 1or' . . . . . . i\

Newy 7or-ed 1or' . . . . 0

''" 1or'

O7 +e'e -ore +&n one+!rd &re needed 7or +e en6eo-en o7 P&r!'4

@@ 1: 3; @ 1: For te atta& on te po%ition er#un9La Fere9/ari%

I. SCHLIEFFEN8S GREAT MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER "#<$ "4'

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


'e6en &r-y 1or' 7or +e en6eo-en roer &nd '!5 new 1or' 7or

+e !n6e'!n, o7 P&r!' on +e we'ern &nd\ 'o/+ern 7ron. How

+e &d6&n1e &nd +e &&1? on +e o'!!on &re &nned !' '+own on

Map H]?

I7 +e ene-y '&nd' +!' ,ro/nd +e &&1? w! &?e &1e\:$ on +e

w+oe !ne b/ &r!1/&ry on L& Fere w+!1+ !' !n6e'ed 7ro- wo

'!de' &7er & '/11e'' ! w! be 1on!n/ed &,&!n' L&on &nd R+e!-'

w+!1+ !' oen ow&rd' +e We'.:0 A &on, +e !ne +e 1or' w!\:9

ry &' !n '!e,ew&r7&re o 1o-e o ,r!' w!+ +e ene-y 7ro- o'!!on

o o'!!on d&y &nd n!,+ &d6&n1!n, d!,,!n, !n &d6&n1!n, &,&!n:%

d!,,!n, !n &,&!n e1. /'!n, e6ery -e&n' o7 -odern '1!en1e o d!'od,e

+e ene-y be+!nd +!' 1o6er. T+e &&1? -/' ne6er be &owed o 1o-e

o & '&nd'! &' +&ened !n +e w&r !n +e F&r E&'.

Fr&n1e -/' be re,&rded &' & ,re& 7orre''. O7 +e o/er en!einte +e

'e1or Be7or*erd/n !' &-o' !-re,n&be b/ +e 'e1or Me!ere'

M&/be/,eL!eD/n?!r? !' ony 7or!7!ed !n &r' &nd & +e -o-en

&-o' /no11/!ed. Here we -/' ry o bre&? !no +e 7orre''. W+en

we +&6e '/11eeded & 'e1ond en!einte# or & e&' &r o7 ! w! be1o-e

&&ren !.e. +& &d@o!n!n, *erd/n4 +e o'!!on be+!nd +e A!'ne oR+e!-' &nd L& Fere. T+!' 'e1!on o7 en!einte 1&n be o/7&n?ed 7ro- +e

'o/+ +owe6er. T+e &r1+!e1 o7 +e 7orre'' 1o/ned on & Ger-&n

G )n the margin@ Map 3. @ 1: It ill tae pla&e

@; 1: Rei"%, farter again%t te Ai%ne, te Oi%e, an# $ te rigt en-eloping . . .

Kmade illegileF.

@< 1: Te a#-an&e# &orp% ill

G3With the square ra!et a ne8 insertion egins in >*#> !onsisting of four unnumered pages

in the se!ond !opyist(s hand. ' page of the te+t originally follo8ing is !rossed out. )t follo8ed the

aoe te+t to the line diiding the se!tions :a final senten!e is rendered illegileF and then !ontinued

as follo8s@ Te operation% ill not ne&e%%aril tae te &our%e outline# ere. Te Fren&

are &apa$le of repeate# &ounter9offen%i-e%. 1 %o #oing te ill ea%e te !er"an%2

ta%. Te latter &an ten "ae u%e of te prin&iple 5%trategi& offen%i-eta&ti&al #efen%i-e,5

parti&ularl at to%e point% ere te ere o$lige# to gi-e teir front% great i#t in

or#er to &ontinue te offen%i-e te "ore -igorou%l el%eere, e%pe&ial l on teir rigt

ing.

It i% al%o po%%i$le tat in%tea# of &linging to teir po%ition%, te Fren& ill retreat to

te %out in goo# ti"e. 1ut it i% not unliel tat te po%ition% on te Fran&o91elgian

frontier, $efore te Ai%ne, on te Oi%e, perap% e-en on te So""e, ill pla a &ertain

part an# "ar te %u$%e3uent pa%e% of te &a"paign.


nort. :This mistae had already een !orre!ted y "!hlieffen in 5.1,5 ut the !orre!tion must hae een oerlooed y the !opyist.F

";; I SCHLEFFEN8S GREAT MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER I#<$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


&&1? 7ro- +e 'o/+ o7 +e Me/'eS&-bre b/ no 7ro- nor+ o7 +!'

r!6er !ne. Now ! w! rob&by be oo &e o -&?e ,ood +!' de7!1!en1y

by e5end!n, +e 7or!7!ed !ne R+e!-'L& Fere 6!& Peronne &on, +e

So--e. T+e de7ender 1&n 1o/ner +e +re&ened o/7&n?!n, by &n

o77en'!6e ro/nd +e e7 w!n, o7 +e o'!!on & L& Fere. I !' o be

+oed +& +!' 1o/ner&&1? w+!1+ -&y be &11o-&n!ed by &n

&d6&n1e 7ro- +e w+oe 7ron *erd/nL& Fere w! 7&!. T+e de7e&ed

de7ender 1&n +en ry o +od +e O!'e beween L& Fere &nd P&r!'. T+e

de7en'!b!!y o7 +!' r!6er !ne !' oen o do/b. I7 +e do/b !' we

7o/nded or +e Fren1+ re7r&!n 7ro- de7end!n, +e O!'e &nd &ow

+e Ger-&n' o 1ro'' +e r!6er !n 'ren,+ +e 'e1ond en!einte *erd/n

L& Fere 1&n no on,er be +ed. L& Fere L&on &nd R+e!-' w+!1+ !'

oen o +e we' +e w+oe +! o'!!on de'!,ned &,&!n' &n &&1? 7ro- +e nor+e&' w! be &?en &nd +e A!'ne o'!!on w! +&6e o

be e6&1/&ed. W!+ +!' +e Me/'e 7or' beween *erd/n &nd To/

w+!1+ 1&n o77er ony !n'!,n!7!1&n re'!'&n1e o &n &&1? 7ro- +e

we' w! be e5o'ed. *erd/n &nd To/ w! be1o-e !'o&ed 7orre''e'.

T+e w+oe Fren1+ 7orre'' 'y'e- d!re1ed &,&!n' Ger-&ny w!

+re&en o 1o&'e. I !' +ere7ore no !-o''!be +& !n '!e o7 & +e

'+or1o-!n,' o7 +e o'!!on +e Fren1+ -&y ry o +od +e O!'e &nd

+& +ey -&y be &be o o77er '/11e''7/ re'!'&n1e. In +!' e6en we -/'

-&r1+ ro/nd +e 'o/+ o7 P&r!'. T+e '&-e !' r/e !7 +e Fren1+ ,!6e/ +e O!'e &nd A!'ne &nd rere& be+!nd +e M&rne Se!ne e1. I7 +ey

&re &owed o ,o on !n +& d!re1!on +e w&r w! be ende''. By

&&1?' on +e!r e7 7&n? we -/' ry & & 1o'' o dr!6e +e Fren1+

e&'w&rd &,&!n' +e!r Mo'ee 7orre''e' &,&!n' +e /r& &nd Sw!er

&nd. T+e Fren1+ &r-y -/' be &nn!+!&ed.\:#

I !' e''en!& o +e ro,re'' o7 +e w+oe o7 +e oer&!on'\ o 7or-

& 'ron, r!,+ w!n, o w!n +e b&e'3< w!+ !' +e o /r'/e +e

ene-y reene''y w!+ +!' 'ron, w!n, 7or1!n, +!- o rere& &,&!n

&nd &,&!n.3"

I7 +e r!,+ w!n, !' o be -&de 6ery 'ron, +!' 1&n ony be & +e

e5en'e o7 +e e7 on w+!1+ +ere7ore ! w! rob&by 7& o 7!,+

&,&!n' '/er!or 7or1e'.

I7 '/11e'' !' o be &1+!e6ed +e r!,+ w!n, -/' -&?e 6ery ,re&

G9 /e!ommen!ement of the original te+t :first !opyist(s handF in >*.> ? 1: a $attle

> 1: to for&e i" again%t i% on fortre%%e% or again%t te +ura an# to en&ir&le i". Te

ene" "u%t not $e alloe# to %lip aa to te %out to &on#u&t an en#le%% ar tere.

He "u%t $e anniilate#.

I. SCHLIEFFEN8S GREAT MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER "#<$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


e5er!on'. B/ +e ro&d' o be /'ed &re on +e w+oe 6ery ,ood.

Q/&rer!n, oo '+o/d be '&!'7&1ory !n -&ny o1&!!e' /ne'' +e

r!,+ w!n, 1or' &re 7or1ed o -&r1+ !n '/1+ 1o'e order +& e6en +e

den'e' o/&!on !' no eno/,+ o ro6!de /&rer!n,\.

On +e o+er +&nd +ere 1&n +&rdy be & '+or&,e o7 ro6!'!on'. T+e

r!1+ &nd' o7 Be,!/- &nd nor+ern Fr&n1e 1&n 7/rn!'+ -/1+ &nd !7

+ey &1? &ny+!n, +ey w! rod/1e !/nder '/!&be re''/re

7ro- o/'!de.

T+e !n1re&'ed 'r&!n on Be,!/-8' re'o/r1e' w! er+&' de1!de +er

o re7r&!n 7ro- & +o'!!!e' +&nd o6er +er 7orre''e' &nd 'e1/re !n

e51+&n,e & +e &d6&n&,e' o7 & d!'!nere'ed +!rd &ry !n & 7!,+

beween wo &d6er'&r!e'.

On +e o/bre&? o7 w&r +ree &r-y 1or' one Re'er6e 1or'&nd +ree 1&6&ry d!6!'!on' r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee w! &&1? N&n1y.

W+e+er +!' &&1? '/11eed' deend' e''en!&y on (w+e+er) +e

Fren1+ 1on7!ne +e-'e6e' o de7en1e +ere or w+e+er r/e o +e!r

r!n1!e +ey &d6&n1e 7or & 1o/ner&&1?. I7 +ey &?e +e &er

1o/r'e +e -&!n ob@e1 o7 +e &&1? on N&n1y n&-ey o !e down

&' ,re& & 7or1e &' o''!be on +e Fren1+ e&'ern 7ron w! be &1+!e6ed.

T+e -ore roo' +e Fren1+ e-oy 7or +e 1o/ner&&1? +e beer

7or +e Ger-&n'. B/ +e &er -/' no &ow +e-'e6e' o be en,&,ed

!n roon,ed &1!on' b/ -/' re&!'e +& +e!r &'? !' o dr&w &' -&ny ene-y roo' &' o''!be &7er +e- &nd o +od +e- down w!+ +e

+e o7 +e en&r,ed Me. T+e &r-y 1/ o77 on +e r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee

1&n +&rdy be !n &ny d&n,er on +e o+er +&nd ! wo/d be d&-&,!n,

o +e Ger-&n\ -&!n &r-y !7 +e &r-y r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee o''e''ed

n/-er!1& '/er!or!y. T+e enden1y -/' be o !e down +e -&5!-/-

n/-ber o7 Fren1+ w!+ & -!n!-/- o7 Ger-&n 7or1e'.

I7 +e Fren1+ do no 1o/ner&&1? wo &r-y 1or' -/' be

de'&1+ed o Be,!/- &' 'oon &' o''!be 7or +e o/er-o' w!n, o7

+e Ger-&n &r-y. E6ery+!n, deend' on be!n, 'ron, on +!' w!n,.

Ony w+en weny7!6e &r-y 1or' +&6e been -&de &6&!&be e7 o7

+e Mo'ee 7or +!' b&e 7or w+!1+ one 1&nno be oo 'ron, 1&n one

&w&! +e re'/ w!+ & 1&- 1on'1!en1e.

T+e '-& 7or1e' w+!1+ re-&!n r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee !.e.

" &r-y 1or'

" Re'er6e 1or'

3<+ Re'er6e d!6!'!on (Sr&'bo/r,)

o''!by : new 1or'

I;0 I. SCHLIEFFEN2S !REAT MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER I#<$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


L&ndwe+r br!,&de' on +e Uer R+!ne &nd 7ro- Me !7 +!' !'

no &&1?ed

$#+ L&ndwe+r br!,&de (Lower A'&1e)

0 _,er b&&!on' !n +e *o',e'

-/' &' 7&r &' o''!be be re!n7or1ed. T+e 7orre'' ,&rr!'on' '! o77er

-&er!& 7or new 7or-&!on'. A'o +e So/+ Ger-&n L&nd'/r- 1&n

be /'ed o 1o6er +e 1o/nry e7 o7 +e R+!ne o -&'? Be7or

e1. A new &r-y -/' be 7or-ed w!+ +e &'? o7 &d6&n1!n, on +e

Mo'ee beween Be7or &nd N&n1y w+!e +e 7!6e Re'er6e 1or' o7

+e e7 w!n, &nd wo L&ndwe+r br!,&de' !n6e' *erd/n &nd &&1?

+e Coe' Lorr&!ne'.

W+en !n +e 1o/r'e o7 deoy-en +e Fren1+ e&rn +& +e Ger-&n'&re &''e-b!n, on +e Lower R+!ne &nd on +e D/1+ &nd Be,!&n

7ron!er' +ey w! +&6e no do/b &' o +e ene-y8' !nen!on o7

-&r1+!n, on P&r!' +ey w! be w&ry o7 &d6&n1!n, w!+ e!+er +e!r

en!re 7or1e' or +e!r -&!n 7or1e' beween Sr&'bo/r, &nd Me &nd

&r!1/&ry o7 !n6&d!n, Ger-&ny &1ro'' +e Uer R+!ne. T+& wo/d

be & 1&'e o7 +e ,&rr!'on e&6!n, +e 7orre'' @/' w+en +e '!e,e w&'

&bo/ o be,!n. S+o/d +ey do one or +e o+er ne6er+ee'' ! 1&n

ony be we1o-e o +e Ger-&n'. T+e!r &'? w! be -&de e&'!er. T+e

be' +!n, wo/d be 7or +e Fren1+ o 1+oo'e +e ro/e +ro/,+

Sw!er&nd o !n6&de 'o/+ern Ger-&ny. T+!' wo/d be & -e&n' o7

&1/!r!n, & -/1+needed &y w+o wo/d dr&w &r o7 +e ene-y

7or1e /on +!-'e7\

I3: w! be &d6!'&be 7or +e Ger-&n' !n & +e'e 1&'e'\ o 1+&n,e

+e!r oer&!on& &n' &' !e &' o''!be. B/ +e Lower Mo'ee

beween Tr!er &nd Coben -/' be 1o6ered &nd +e 'e1or beween

+e Mo'ee &nd +e Me/'e -/' be bo1?ed e6e w!+ D!eden+o7en.

T+e Ger-&n &r-y w! ry o re&1+ +e ,ener& !ne CobenL& Fere w!+ re'er6e' on +e r!,+ w!n,. T+e r!,+ b&n? o7 +e R+!ne 7ro-

Coben /w&rd' w! be o11/!ed 7ro- +e re&r. T+e &&1? w! be

-&de w!+ +e r!,+ w!n,.33

I7 +e Fren1+ 1ro'' +e Uer R+!ne re'!'&n1e w! be o77ered !n

+e B&1? Fore'. T+e roo' w! be bro/,+ / 7ro- +e re&r &nd

&''e-bed on +e M&!n &nd Ier.\

I7 +e Ger-&n' er'e6ere !n +e!r oer&!on' +ey 1&n be '/re +&

+e Fren1+ w! +&'!y /rn b&1? &nd +!' no nor+ b/ 'o/+ o7

@ 1: it )n the margin@ Map% $ an# $&

I. SCHLIEFFEN8S GREAT MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER "#<$ I; 9

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


Me !n +e d!re1!on w+en1e +e ,re&e' d&n,er +re&en'. T+e

Ger-&n' -/' +ere7ore be &' 'ron, &' o''!be on +e!r r!,+ w!n,

be1&/'e +ere +e de1!'!6e b&e !' o be e5e1ed.3;

Gr&7 S1+!e77en

APPENDI

ETRACTS FROM THE PRELIMINARJ DRAFTS OF THE DECEMBER

MEMORANDUM OF "#<$

". +raft ". Apparently the earliest draft)

C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 o7 +e Ar-y Ber!n

De1e-ber 3"' "#<$.

In & w&r &,&!n' Ger-&ny Fr&n1e w! rob&by & 7!r' re'r!1+er'e7 o de7en1e. W!+ +!' !n 6!ew '+e +&' re&red & o'!!on w+!1+

!' 7or +e -o' &r er-&nen o7 w+!1+ +e 7orre''e' Be 7or E!n&

To/ &nd *erd/n 7or- +e -&!n !&r'. Nor+w&rd' beyond *erd/n

+e +e!,+' o7 +e e7 b&n? o7 +e Lo!'on 7or- +e n&/r& e5en'!on &'

7&r &' Mon-edy.

T+e 7&n?' o7 +!' e5ended o'!!on re' on +e ne/r& err!or!e'

o7 Sw!er&nd &nd Be,!/-. I 1&n be &de/&ey -&nned by +e &r,e

Fren1+ &r-y &nd re'en' ,re& d!77!1/!e' o &n &&1? !n 7ron.

S+o/d +e Ger-&n' ne6er+ee'' &&1? &on, +!' w+oe !ne +ey r/n +e d&n,er o7 be!n, en6eoed on +e!r r!,+ 7&n? +ro/,+ 'o/+ern

Be,!/- &nd L/5e-bo/r,. Under +e'e 1!r1/-'&n1e' ! -&y &e&r

-ore e5ed!en 7or +e Ger-&n' o 6!o&e L/5e-bo/r, &nd Be,!&n

ne/r&!y +e-'e6e' &nd ry o en6eo +e de7ender8' e7 7&n?.

B/ +e Fren1+ +&6e 1er&!ny re&red 7or +!' e6en/&!y. I 1&n

+&rdy be do/bed +& +ey w! e5end +e!r 7ron !ne e7w&rd' o

Me!ere'. S!n1e +e Me/'e beow Me!ere' !' 6ery d!77!1/ o 1ro''

+e '/11e'' o7 +e en6eo-en be1o-e' 6ery do/b7/.

I7 & +e d!77!1/!e' '+o/d ne6er+ee'' be o6er1o-e +e Ger-&n

en6eo!n,w!n, wo/d '! ,e !no & 'er!o/' o'!!on. I wo/d

be1o-e &&ren +& !n '!e o7 +e en6eo-en +e de7ender +&d no

need o ,!6e / +e 7ron Be7or*erd/n '!n1e +e wo/d be 1o6ered

+ere by +!' 7or!7!1&!on'. T+/' +e Ger-&n en6eo!n, &r-y wo/d

be &o,e+er 'e&r&ed 7ro- +e -&!n &r-y &nd !n !' !'o&!on 1o/d

be de7e&ed by '/er!or ene-y 7or1e'. A 7ron& &&1? 1o-b!ned w!+

H )n the margin@ Map 0. O-erall "ap of te operation%.

"4- I. SCHLIEFFEN8S MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER "#<$. APPENDI

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


&n en6eo-en !' +ere7ore &' !e o be re1o--ended &' & '!-e

7ron& &&1?.

Ony one 1o/r'e re-&!n'4 o o/7&n? +e o'!!on 1o-eey. I7

+!' o/7&n?!n, !' re'r!1ed o +e &re& 'o/+ o7 +e !ne L!e,eN&-/rM&/be/,e ! w! rob&by be 7o/nd +& +e !ne' *erd/n

Me!ere' &nd N&-/rL!e,e &re bo+ o11/!ed by +e Fren1+ &nd

Be,!&n'. I !' /!e o''!be +& +e !ne Me!ere'N&-/r 1o/d be

bo1?ed &' we 1on'!der!n, +e d!77!1/ err&!n o7 +e Me/'e 6&ey

beween Me!ere' &nd G!6e.

One wo/d +/' be ob!,ed o &d6&n1e 1on1enr&ed !no & o1?e

&nd &y one'e7 oen o & -o' e77e1!6e en6eo-en by +e ene-y.

One -/' ry o 7!nd -ore roo- 7or +e o/7&n?!n, !.e. one -/' no

&&1? +e 7ron Be 7or*erd/n b/ +e 7ron *erd/nL!eD/n?!r?.T+!' 7ron oo !' 1o6ered by 7or!7!1&!on' b/ no +ro/,+o/ !'

en,+ &' !' +e !ne 7&1!n, Ger-&ny.

In +!' -ore e5en'!6e o/7&n?!n, +e r!,+ 7&n? !' &,&!n +re&ened

by Anwer &nd +e &d6&n1e !' 1on7!ned by L!e,eN&-/r. F/r+er

-ore ! !' ne1e''&ry o 6!o&e +e ne/r&!y no ony o7 Be,!/- b/

&'o o7 +e Ne+er&nd'. B/ &' on, &' no o+er e5ed!en 1&n be

7o/nd one +&' o -&?e +e be' o7 +e'e d!77!1/!e'.

Abo6e & +!' re/!re' +e !n6e'-en o7 Anwer o w+!1+ +e

Be,!&n &r-y w! !n & rob&b!!y rere& 7ro- +e nor+ ! '+o/d be 1o-eed !7 o''!be by bo1?!n, +e S1+ed. For L!e,e &nd

N&-/r w+!1+ &re !nended o +&6e ony & we&? ,&rr!'on ob'er6&!on

w! '/77!1e. I w! rob&by be o''!be o &?e +e 1!&de o7 H/y.

On +e'e &''/-!on' +e deoy-en o7 +e -&!n Ger-&n 7or1e'

+&' been en6!'&,ed on +e !ne MeGedre'.

Here weny+ree &nd & +&7 &r-y 1or' &nd we6e &nd & +&7

Re'er6e 1or' w! be &''e-bed w!+ +e !nen!on o7 w+ee!n, e7 &nd

&d6&n1!n, &,&!n' +e !ne *erd/nL!e.

D/r!n, +!' oer&!on +e Re'er6e 1or' o7 +e nor+ern w!n, w!

1o6er +e r!,+ 7&n? &r!1/&ry &,&!n' Anwer &nd +e Re'er6e

1or' o7 +e 'o/+ern w!n, +e e7 7&n? &,&!n' &n ene-y &d6&n1e

e7 o7 +e Mo'ee 7ro- +e !ne To/*erd/n.

T+e ene-y 1&n & 7!r' /rn &,&!n' +e 7ron o7 +!' &&1?. In +!'

e6en one -&y +oe +& +e w! no '/11eed !n 'o 7&r e5end!n, &nd

'ren,+en!n, +!' e7 w!n, +& !n +e 7&1e o7 & +e 7orre''e' !'

= Original pra%ing: 5Te ene" &an turnoffen%i-el or #efen%i-eleiter again%t

te front or again%t te left flan of te outflaning "o-e"ent.5

I. SCHLIEFFEN2S MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER "#<$. A//ENDI I;#

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


en6eo-en be1o-e' !-o''!be. T+!' !' on +e &''/-!on +& +e

Ger-&n' -&?e +e!r r!,+ w!n, '/77!1!eny 'ron,.

To +!' end e!,+ &r-y 1or' on +e r!,+ w!n, &re o 1ro'' +e

Me/'e beow L!,e by 7o/r ro/e' &nd &d6&n1e !n +e d!re1!on o7

Br/''e'N&-/r. A n!n+ &r-y 1or' (*III+) w! @o!n +e- &7er

1ro''!n, +e Me/'e &bo6e L!,e. I -/' &'o ne/r&!'e +e 1!&de o7

H/y w!+!n w+o'e r&n,e ! !' ob!,ed o 1ro'' +e Me/'e. T+e n!ne

&r-y 1or' w! be 7oowed by Re'er6e 1or' w+o'e -&!n &r !'

!nended 7or +e !n6e'-en o7 Anwer &nd +e re' 7or ro6!d!n,

7/r+er 1o6er 7or +e r!,+ 7&n?. T+ere re-&!n' !n re'er6e & 7/r+er

re!n7or1e-en !n +e 7or- o7 +e +ree &r-y 1or' (*+ *+

I') w+!1+ +&6e '&yed on +e r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee &nd w+!1+ 1&n

be bro/,+ / by r&!w&y (!n1/d!n, Be,!&n r&!w&y'). S!5 1or'(G/&rd' G/&rd' Re'er6e *II+ *HI+ *+) w! be 'en &,&!n' +e

Me/'e 'e1or N&-/rMX!re'. W+en +ey +&6e 1ro''ed +e r!6er

beween 7!7een &nd e!,+een &r-y 1or' w! +&6e @o!ned 7or1e' nor+

or we' o7 Me!ere'. E!,+ &r-y 1or' w! &&1? +e Me/'e !ne

*erd/nMX!re' :!rossed out@ &nd w! be 1o6ered on +e e7 7&n?

by 7!6e Re'er6e 1or' &nd one !n7&nry d!6!'!on).

T+e !nen!on !' !7 o''!be o 7or1e +e ene-y8' e7 w!n, 'o/+

w&rd &nd +/' &w&y 7ro- P&r!' b/ & +e '&-e !-e &'o o o/7&n?

+e re&r o'!!on R+e!-'L& Fre w!+ +e r!,+ w!n,.O7 1o/r'e +e ene-y !' no ob!,ed o de7end +e Me/'e 'e1or

MX!re'*erd/n. He 1&n &'o &d6&n1e o &&1? +e Ger-&n' or -o6e

+e de7en1e 7&r+er o +e re&r 7or !n'&n1e be+!nd +e A!'ne o +e

,ener& !ne *erd/nL& Fre. In &ny 1&'e +e !nen!on -/' be o

en6eo +!' e7 7&n? w!+ & 'ron, r!,+ w!n,. S+o/d +e ene-y ry o

re6en +!' by e5end!n, +!' e7 w!n, +e w! 'o we&?en +!' 7ron

!ne +& & bre&?+ro/,+ & 'o-e o!n -&y we be1o-e o''!be.

In order o +od down &' -&ny ene-y &' o''!be on +e or!,!n&

7ron +e 7!6e Re'er6e 1or' !nended o 1o6er +e e7 7&n? -/'&d6&n1e &' 7&r &' +ey 1&n on +e e7 o7 +e Mo'ee &,&!n' *erd/n

N&n1y. T+ree &r-y 1or' (*+ *+ I') &nd +ree Re'er6e

d!6!'!on' (:0+ :%+ &nd 3<+) +&6e been e7 on +e r!,+ o7 +e

Mo'ee &nd !n!!&y +ey 1&n '! be re!n7or1ed by +e e7 w!n,

1or' o7 +e -&!n &r-y (*I+) &nd +e ;3 rd !n7&nry d!6!'!on.

A' 'oon &' o''!be +ey w! &d6&n1e &,&!n' +e !ne Pon [ Mo/''on

L/nX6!e &nd &,&!n' +e Me/r+e / o +e &re& beyond S. D!e &nd

+e Co de Se. M&r!e &nd +e Co d/ Bon+o--e.

"$< I. SCHLIEFFEN8S MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER I#<$.

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


T+e!r !--ed!&e 7/n1!on !' 7!r'y o +od +e ene-y &' 7&r &'

o''!be be+!nd +e Mo'ee 'o +& +e 1&nno -o6e oo -&ny 7or1e'

o +!' e7 w!n, :!rossed out@ &nd 'e1ondy o +od / &n o77en'!6e

&1ro'' +e Mo'ee).Bew5en +e *o',e' &nd Ne/bre!'&1+ +e &r-y 1or' w! be

1o6ered by L&ndwe+r br!,&de'. In 1&'e +e ene-y doe' no &d6&n1e

&1ro'' +e Mo'ee 7reedo- !' re'er6ed o -o6e +e'e roo' '!

7&r+er or o -&r1+ +e *I+ &r-y 1or' o +e e7 w!n, o7 +e

&r-y &nd r&n'7er +e +ree o+er &r-y 1or' o +e 7&r r!,+ w!n,.

An ene-y &d6&n1e &1ro'' +e Mo'ee beween N&n1y &nd E!n&

or 7ro- Be77or w! /!1?y be dee1ed by +e &r-!e' r!,+ o7 +e

Mo'ee b/ !n'e&d o7 e!n, ! 1o-e o & de1!'!6e b&e +ere +ey

w! 'owy rere& be7ore +e &&1?er. To o6er1o-e +e !n6&der' &ro7 +e -&!n &r-y w! +&6e o /rn &bo/ &nd 1ro'' o +e r!,+ o7 +e

Mo'ee. How &r,e & &r w! deend on +e !-!n, &nd 'ren,+ o7

+e &&1?. I7 &7er 1o-e!n, deoy-en +e ene-y '+o/d &d6&n1e

!n 'ren,+ on +e r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee '+ow!n, '!,n' o7 & &nned

o77en'!6e -/1+ +e ,re&er &r o7 +e &r-y er+&' '! !n +e

ro1e'' o7 deoy-en w! /rn o -ee +!-. I7 +e ene-y doe'

no &d6&n1e /n! +e 'e&r+e&d' o7 +e Ger-&n r!,+ w!n, +&6e

re&1+ed +e Fren1+ 7ron!er +ro/,+ Be,!/- we '+& 1on!n/e +e

-o6e-en &re&dy 'e !n -o!on d!'re,&rd!n, +e de&1+-en by

w+!1+ +e ene-y +&' we&?ened +!-'e7 on o/r 7ron. T+e re&-en o7

o''!b!!!e' beween +e'e wo e5re-e' need' re7e1!on.

W+&e6er +&en' we need & 7orre'' o7 Me no & Me !n !'

re'en '&e nor o7 +e '!e now &nned b/ & ,re& -odern 7orre''

w+o'e ,ener& bo/nd&r!e' &re deer-!ned by +e 1o/r'e' o7 +e Mo'ee

+e S&&r &nd +e N!ed. No en,!neer 1&n be &'?ed o roe1 +!'

enor-o/' er!-eer w!+ &r-o/red 7or'. Wor?' !?e +o'e on +e

S+&+o &nd on +e ne,e1ed 7ron o7 Por Ar+/r d/r!n, +e w&r w! be '/77!1!en. To 1&rry o/ +e'e wor?' we need4 & &n roo' (ee6en

L&ndwe+r br!,&de' &re &6&!&be !n &dd!!on o +e ,&rr!'on) &nd

-ob!e +e&6y &r!ery. T+!' en&r,ed Me w! ro6!de 1o6er 7or +e

e7 7&n? d/r!n, +e &d6&n1e we'w&rd.

Aon, +e w+oe 7ron +e &r-y w! be 7oowed by L&ndwe+r

br!,&de' !nended o +e w!+ +e !n6e'!n, o7 7orre''e' or 1o6er!n,

o7 !ne' o7 1o--/n!1&!on. T+e &er &re o be re,&rded &' &r!1/&ry

!n1/d!n, +e r&!w&y' +ro/,+ Be,!/-.

F/r+er-ore ! !' &b'o/ey ne1e''&ry o 1re&e & re'er6e 7ro- newy

I. SCHLIEFFEN8S MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER I#<$. APPENDI "$"

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


7or-ed /n!' 7or w+!1+ !n +e 7!r' !n'&n1e +e r&!ned &r' o7 +e

Er'& b&&!on' &nd +e re-&!n!n, 1&''e' o7 re'er6!'' &re o be /'ed.

:$ere follo8s an apparent gap. The te+t re!ommen!es 8ith an insertion in

"!hlieffens hand8ritingF@

. . . o7 +e Ger-&n &r-y deoyed on +e D/1+ Be,!&n &nd

B/r,/nd!&n 7ron!er' &nd &er &d6&n1!n, on +e !ne Br/''e'*erd/n.

On one +&nd +e ene-y &d6&n1!n, r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee w! be dr&wn

!n & nor+ern or nor+e&'ern d!re1!on by +e 1or' &nd d!6!'!on' +rown

o/ &,&!n' N&n1y &nd +e Me/r+e on +e o+er +e w! &'o be 7or1ed

o w+ee e7 &,&!n' Me. A '/b'!d!&ry oer&!on or & de-on'r&!on

w! +ere7ore 1o&'e o7 !' own &11ord &nd '1&r1ey e&6e 7or1e' o

'&re 7or +e d!77!1/ 1ro''!n, o7 +e Mo'ee & &nd beow Tr!er.

A,&!n' &ny &r,er Fren1+ oer&!on r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee Me ro6!de'+e Ger-&n &r-y w!+ !-e o /rn e7 w!+ one or -ore &r-!e'

ow&rd' +e Mo'ee &nd 1o/ner&&1? 'o/+ o7 +e 7orre'' or

+ro/,+ ! or by ,o!n, ro/nd ! !n +e nor+. F!n&y !7 +e Ger-&n'

1on7!ne +e!r oer&!on' o one b&n? o7 +e Mo'ee ! ro6!de' e77e1

!6e re&r 1o6er &,&!n' &n ene-y 7oow!n, / on +e e7 b&n?. In

o+er word' ! -&?e' o''!be or 7&1!!&e' &n oer&!on on !ner!or

!ne' &,&!n' wo bod!e' o7 ene-y &d6&n1!n, on bo+ b&n?' o7 +e

Mo'ee.

:This is the end of the insertion. On the ne+t page the te+t !ontinues in

"!hlieffens hand8riting 8ithout material !onne!tionF@

On +er w+oe e&'ern 7ron Fr&n1e +&' 7or!7!ed +er'e7 7ro- 'e& o

'e&. In w&r!-e !n &dd!!on o +e 7or!7!1&!on' -en!oned +ere w!

be +e r!6er!ne' 7or!7!ed w!+ 7!ed wor?'. An &,,re''!6e w&r &,&!n'

+!' 1o/nry -e&n' !7 no & '!e,e & e&' & 7or1ed enry beween

7or!7!1&!on'.

D!'re,&rd!n, +e Fren1+ A!ne 7ron!er w+!1+ I&y 1on'!der'

!-re,n&be &nd +e Fren1+ 7or!7!1&!on' oo'!e Sw!er&nd

w+!1+ &re d!77!1/ 7or /' o re&1+ Ger-&ny -/' 1on'!der +e !ne

Be7or E!n& To/ N&n1y *erd/n +e Me/'e Me!ere' H!r'on

M&/be/,e L!e D/n?!r? 7&r+er b&1? +e !ne' Be'&n1on D!@on

L&n,re' Ne/71+&e&/ To/ &nd *erd/n +e A!'ne R+e!-' L&on

L& Fere &nd 7!n&y P&r!'. A 7!r' +e Fren1+ &r-y w! 7ron ,ener&y

ow&rd' Ger-&ny. Pre6!o/'y !' deoy-en be+!nd +e !ne Be7or

*erd/nMon-edy w&' 1on1e!6&be. Now one -/' 6!'/&!'e &n

e5en'!on o7 +e e7 w!n, o Me!ere'. An &&1? -/' +ere7ore be

d!re1ed 7!r' &,&!n' +e 7ron Be7orMe!ere'. I7 we re'e1 +e

"$: I. SCHLIEFFEN8' MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER "#<$. A//ENDI

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


ne/r&!y o7 L/5e-bo/r, &nd Be,!/- !n -&?!n, +!' &&1? Fr&n1e

w! no '+ow +e '&-e 1on'!der&!on b/ w! !--ed!&ey &&1?

o/r r!,+ 7&n?. T+ere7ore & Ger-&n &&1? on Fr&n1e doe' no er-!

one o re'e1 +e ne/r&!y o7 L/5e-bo/r, &nd Be,!/-.

:. The beinnin of +raft ", in Schlief(en/s hand0ritin

T+e Fren1+ +&6e /rned +e!r 1o/nry !no & 7orre''. On +e on,

7ron!er 7ro- D/n?!r? &nd C&&!' on +e C+&nne o N!1e on +e

Med!err&ne&n & -ore or e'' den'e !ne o7 7or!7!1&!on' +&' been

ere1ed. E6en +e &''e' o6er +e Pyrenee' &re bo1?ed. T+e re-&!n!n,

7ron!er' &re 'e1/red by +e 'e&. Anyone w+o +&' b/! +!-'e7 '/1+ &

7orre'' w! !nend o +od !. T+ere7ore !n & w&r &,&!n' Ger-&nyFr&n1e w! & 7!r' 1on7!ne +er'e7 o de7en1e &r!1/&ry 'o on, &'

'+e 1&nno 1o/n on e77e1!6e '/or 7ro- R/''!&. S+e w! /!een

+er 1on'1!en1e w+!1+ de-&nd' & bod o77en'!6e by +e +o/,+ o7

&n'wer!n, &n /n'/11e''7/ Ger-&n &&1? w!+ & 1o/ner&&1?.

O7 +e on, er!-eer o7 +e 7orre'' Ger-&ny 1&n d!'re,&rd +e

1o&'' +e Pyrene&n 7ron!er +e A!ne 7ron!er (w+!1+ +e I&!&n'

w+o &re !--ed!&ey 1on1erned rono/n1e !-re,n&be) &nd +e

Fr&n1oSw!'' 7ron!er w+!1+ 1o/d ony be re&1+ed &7er & 6!1or!o/'

1&-&!,n &,&!n' Sw!er&nd. A +e -o-en we &re 1on1erned

'oey w!+ +e Fr&n1oGer-&n 7ron!er +e !ne Be7orMon-edy.

T+e 6&' ,re&y re!n7or1ed 7orre''e' o7 Be7or E!n& To/ &nd

*erd/n &re +e -&!n'&y o7 +e de7en1e o7 +!' 7ron!er. T+e ,&

beween +e 7!r' wo !' 7!ed by +e Mo'ee 7or' +& beween +e

&' wo by +e Me/'e 7or'. T+e Mo'ee 'e1or beween E!n& &nd

To/ &nd +e e7 b&n? o7 +e Lo!'on beween *erd/n &nd Mon-edy

&re ,!6en o6er o 7!edwor?'. A '&!en 7ro- +!' !ne !' 7or-ed by

+e 7or!7!1&!on' o7 N&n1y &ry 7!edwor?' &ry er-&nen.T+e 7&n?' o7 +!' e5ended o'!!on re' on +e ne/r& err!or!e'

o7 Sw!er&nd &nd Be,!/-. I 1&n be &de/&ey o11/!ed by +e

&r,e Fren1+ &r-y &nd re'en' ,re& d!77!1/!e' o &n &&1?er.

3. (rom +raft ""

B/ ! !' &'o o''!be +& +ere w! be &n &e-ed Fren1+ o77en'!6e

d!re1ed on Me &nd S&&rb/r, !. L. &,&!n' +e e7 7&n? o7 +e

Ger-&n &r-y. Je no & +e Fren1+ &r-!e' 1&n be dr&wn &w&y 7or

I. SCHLIEFFEN2S MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER "#<$. A//ENDI "$3

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


+!' /ro'e 7ro- +e +re&ened 7ron To/Me!ere'. S/1+ &n

o77en'!6e w! be re'r!1ed o +e Fren1+ r!,+ w!n,. To be,!n w!+ !

!' 1on7roned by +e +ree &r-y 1or' (*+ *+ I') &nd +ree

Re'er6e d!6!'!on' &nd er+&' &'o by +e *I+ &r-y 1or' &nd +e

;3 rd !n7&nry d!6!'!on w+!1+ w! & 'owy w!+dr&w be7ore

+e ,re&er 7or1e !n & nor+ern or nor+e&'ern d!re1!on. A &r o7

+e ene-y w! 7oow +e-. Ano+er &r -/' /rn ow&rd' Me

w+o'e ,&rr!'on w! be re!n7or1ed by +e ,re&e' o''!be n/-ber o7

L&ndwe+r br!,&de' &nd w+o'e e&'ern 7ron w! be e5ended by 7!ed

wor?' &on, +e N!ed. T+e ene-y -/' +ere7ore &?e on wo 7ron'4

one &,&!n' +e en&r,ed Me +e o+er &,&!n' +e rere&!n, 1or'

&nd Re'er6e d!6!'!on'.He w! be 7or1ed o &?e on & +!rd 7ron !7 Er'& br!,&de' &d6&n1e

7ro- +e R+!ne beow Sr&'bo/r, &on, +e !ne S&6erneB!'1+ &nd

o''!by e6en 7&r+er nor+ :!rossed out@ &nd & e&' '+ow &1!on).

I7 !n '!e o7 & +e'e d!77!1/!e' +e ene-y '/11eed' !n ,&!n!n, +e

r!,+ b&n? o7 +e Mo'ee +e e!,+ Ger-&n &r-y 1or' o7 +e e7

w!n, w! no be oo 7&r &w&y o en,&,e +!- !n b&e /nder 1!r1/-

'&n1e' /n7&6o/r&be o +!-.

T+e o77en'!6e o7 +e -&!n &r-y +owe6er -/' be 1&rr!ed o/

&on, +e ,ener& !ne' on w+!1+ ! +&' '&red &r!1/&ry !7 +eene-y we&?en' +!' 7ron by '/b'!d!&ry oer&!on'.

I7 +e Fren1+ do no re'r!1 +e-'e6e' o de7en1e &' we '&!d !n +e

be,!nn!n, b/ !n'e&d &?e +e o77en'!6e 7ro- +e '&r &d6&n1!n,

&ry beween Me &nd S&&rb/r, !. L. &nd &ry beween +e

Mo'ee &nd +e Me/'e +e Ger-&n' w! 7!r' /rn &,&!n' +e Fren1+

e7 w!n, w!+ +e 'ron,e' o''!be 7or1e' -erey ?ee!n, +e r!,+

w!n, o11/!ed 'o +& w+en +e e7 +&' been de7e&ed +ey 1&n 1ro''

+e Mo'ee &&1? +e Fren1+ r!,+ w!n, &nd +row ! &,&!n' +e

R+!ne. S/1+ & Fren1+ o77en'!6e wo/d be -o' we1o-e o +eGer-&n'.

A''/-!n, !' deoy-en &' & re'en &n o77en'!6e w!+ +e w+oe

Fren1+ &r-y &d6&n1!n, beween Me &nd Sr&'bo/r, or &n o77en'!6e

&1ro'' +e Uer R+!ne !' +&rdy o''!be. B/ '+o/d +ey be -&de

ne6er+ee'' +e Ger-&n' wo/d w+ee e7 -&?!n, /'e o7 +e r&!w&y'

&nd re'/-&by ,&!n b&e /nder 6ery 7&6o/r&be 1!r1/-'&n1e'.

How Ger-&n oer&!on' '+o/d be 1ond/1ed !n de&! &,&!n'

+e'e Fren1+ o77en'!6e' +&' been '+own !n oer&!on& '/d!e' w&r

,&-e' &nd '&77r!de'.

"$; I. SCHLIEFFEN2S MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER IQ<$. A//ENDI

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


4. (rom +raft """

An en6eo-en -/' be e5ended beyond Me!ere' o 'o/+ o7 L!e,e

N&-/r. B/ +e deey 1e7 Me/'e 6&ey beween N&-/r &nd G!6e1&n ony be 1ro''ed & & 7ew e&'!y bo1?ed o!n'. We -/' e5e1 o

7!nd +e Be,!&n &r-y !n & 'ron, o'!!on beween N&-/r &nd L!e,e.

A7er +e Ger-&n 6!o&!on o7 +er ne/r&!y Be,!/- w! be on +e

'!de o7 o/r ene-!e'. I w! no be beyond +e ower o7 +e Fren1+ o

-&n +e '+or Me/'e 'e1or G!6eN&-/r &nd o e5end +e!r !ne

beyond Me!ere' o N&-/r. Tr/e +e :0< ?!o-ere' o7 +e or!,!n&

o'!!on Be7orMon-edy w! be !n1re&'ed o &bo/ 30< ?!o-ere'

b/ &r!7!1e +&' &re&dy done -/1+ &nd wo/d do '! -ore o !-ro6e

+e n&/r& 'ren,+ o7 +e o'!!on. T+e e5en'!on !' +/' w!+o/

+&&rd &nd +e Ger-&n' de'!e & +e!r &e-' & en6eo-en 7&1e

+e ro'e1 o7 -&r1+!n, !no +e 1/de'&1 Me!ere'N&-/rL!e,e or

o7 be!n, en6eoed 7ro- G!6eN&-/rL!e,e o''!by w!+ En,!'+

&''!'&n1e. B/ !7 +e Fren1+ w&n o e5end !n +!' 7&'+!on beyond

Me!ere' +ey w! no w&! 7or +e e77e1 o7 +e Ger-&n en6eo-en

beyond +e Me/'e b/ &n ! 'ee-' o &?e / o'!!on be+!nd +e

A!'ne &nd / o L& Fere. A7er 1o-e!n, +e en6eo-en 'o/+ o7

+e Me/'e &nd S&-bre +e Ger-&n' w! 7!nd +e-'e6e' 7&1!n, +e 7ronBe7or*erd/nL& Fere. W!+ +!' +ey w! rob&by +&6e re&1+ed +e

end o7 +e!r 'ren,+. No+!n, -ore 1&n be &1+!e6ed by &n en6eo-en.

T+e Fren1+ o'!!on -/' be o/7&n?ed 1o-eey !.e. we -/' &d

6&n1e no &,&!n' Be7or*erd/n b/ &,&!n' *erd/nL!eD/n?!r?.

T+!' &r o7 +e 7ron &'o !' 7or!7!ed b/ no &' +oro/,+y &nd

e5en'!6ey &' +e &r oo'!e Ger-&ny &nd 7ro- Me!ere' onw&rd'

! !' no o11/!ed & & & re'en or & e&' ony we&?y. O7 1o/r'e

+e Fren1+ 1&n -o6e 1or' &nd &r-!e' 7ro- +e -&!n 7ron o +e

end&n,ered '/b'!d!&ry 7ron &nd re&1e +e- by re'er6e' 7or e5&-e+e 1or' on +e A!ne 7ron!er. B/ ! !' o be +oed +& +ey w! no

7/y '/11eed !n +!' &nd +& & ,ood &r o7 +e 7or1e' or!,!n&y

deoyed !n +e !ne Be7or*erd/n 1&n be +ed +ere &nd +& +e

roo' newy -o6ed / w! no be n/-ero/' eno/,+ o o11/y +e

new 7ron. T+e 'e1or Me!ere'M&/be/,e !' !'/!ed o de7en1e b/

+e ,& M&/be/,eL!e !' 1o6ered by w&er!ne' or we&? 7or!7!1&!on'.

Nor+ o7 L!e & n&rrow b/ /nroe1ed 're1+ o7 1o/nry !n6!e'

!n6&'!on. Here one -&y +oe +& +e bre&?+ro/,+ w! '/11eed

ro6!ded ! !' -&de !n 'ren,+.

I. SCHLIEFFEN8S MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER "1#$. APPENDI "$$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


$. (rom +raft "

Con'!der!n, +e 'ren,+ o7 +e Fren1+ o'!!on &nd +e '!e o7 +e

Fren1+ &r-y ! wo/d no be oo ,re& & &'? 7or +e- nor ooe5&,,er&ed & de-&nd on +e!r 7or1e' !7 +ey were e5e1ed o -&n +e

w+oe o'!!on Be7or*erd/nMe!ere' o,e+er w!+ +e 7ew Me/'e

1ro''!n,' beween Me!ere' &nd G!6e &nd '! +&6e 7or1e' e7 o6er

o &d6&n1e w!+ Be,!&n &nd er+&' En,!'+ '/or 7ro- G!6e

N&-/rL!e,e o &&1? +e Ger-&n' on +e -&r1+. In &ny 1&'e w!+

+e +e o7 +e Be,!&n' &nd +e!r 7orre''e' &one +ey 1&n &de/&ey

bo1? +e w+oe Me/'e 'e1or Me!ere' G!6e N&-/r L!e,e &nd

7or1e +e Ger-&n' o -&r1+ !no & 1/de'&1.

2. (rom +raft "

T+e n!ne &r-y 1or' &re o be 7oowed by 'e6en Re'er6e 1or' w+o'e

-&!n &r !' !nended 7or +e !n6e'-en o7 Anwer &nd +e re' o

,!6e 7/r+er 1o6er o +e r!,+ 7&n?.

A&r 7ro- +e'e +ere re-&!n' &n &6&!&be re!n7or1e-en o7 wo

:!rossed out@ :3 then ") o7 +e new &r-y 1or' '! on +e r!,+ b&n?

o7 +e Mo'ee (*+ *+ I') w+!1+ 1&n be bro/,+ / by

r&!w&y (!n1/d!n, +e Be,!&n r&!w&y').On +e w+oe 7ron +e &r-y w! be 7oowed / by L&ndwe+r

br!,&de' !nended o 1ooer&e !n !n6e'!n, 7orre''e' or 1o6er!n, +e

!ne' o7 1o--/n!1&!on. A-on, +e &er &r!1/&r &en!on -/'

be &!d o +e r&!w&y' +ro/,+ Be,!/-.

T+e Be,!&n r&!w&y' w re' o7 +e Me/'e w! +&6e o be +e r!n1!&

!ne' o7 1o--/n!1&!on 7or +e Ger-&n &r-y. Re!&n1e '+o/d no

be &1ed on +e r&!w&y !n +e Me/'e 6&ey w+!1+ !' bo1?ed by +e

wo 7orre''e' o7 G!6e &nd Me!ere' &nd 1&n be ob'r/1ed by +e

de-o!!on o7 !' -&ny /nne'. E&' o7 +e Me/'e & n/-ber o7 r&+er

!ne77!1!en b/ &de/&e Be,!&n r&!w&y' r/n ne&r +e r!6er b/ no

&1ro'' !. T+e -&!n !ne 6!& Mon-edy w! rob&by be rendered

/'ee'' by +e de-o!!on o7 +e /nne +ere. I !' e'!-&ed +& +e

1on'r/1!on o7 & by&'' r&!w&y w! &?e '!5 w ree?'. Un! ! !' re&dy

+e ony 1onne1!on beween +e Be,!&n &nd Fren1+ 'y'e-' !n +!'

&re& !' by +e !ne77!1!en n&rrow,&/,e r&!w&y beween Bo/!on &nd

Sed&n. A r&!w&y 7ro- T+!&/1o/r o S. M!+!e o be 1on'r/1ed

? ote y "!hlieffen@ Te raila% &annot &arr "ore tan to ar" &orp%.

) ̂ & I. SCHLIEFFEN8S MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER "#<$. APPENDI

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


&7er +e red/1!on o7 +e Me/'e 7or' wo/d oen / & 1onne1!on

beween Me &nd P&r!'. Beween S&&e' &nd S. D!e & -o/n&!n

r&!w&y 1o/d be b/! w!+ 'o-e d!77!1/y. B/ ! wo/d ony 1onne1

Ger-&ny w!+ Fr&n1e r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee. T+ere Fro/&rd Pon S.

*!n1en &nd E!n& 7or- & b&rr!er w+!1+ 1&nno !--ed!&ey beo6er1o-e. L!ne' o7 1o--/n!1&!on -/' +ere7ore be 'o/,+ -&!ny

+ro/,+ Be,!/- nor+ o7 +e Me/'e.

A7er bre&?!n, +ro/,+ +e !ne Me!ere'M&/be/,eD/n?!r? +e

&!- -/' be o /'+ +e ene-y8' e7 w!n, 'o/+w&rd' &nd +/' &w&y

7ro- P&r!' & +e '&-e !-e /'!n, +e r!,+ w!n, o en6eo +e re&r

o'!!on R+e!-'L& Fere &nd 1&/'!n, +e 7& o7 +e 7orre''e' o7 L&

Fere L&on &nd R+e!-' w+!1+ &re no 6ery 'ron, on +e!r we'ern

7ron'.

In +e 7/r+er 1o/r'e o7 oer&!on' +e ene-y !' o be dr!6en b&1? &,&!n' +!' own 7orre''e' on +!' e&'ern 7ron!er &,&!n' Sw!er&nd

&nd +e R+!ne. To do +!' +e Ger-&n' -/' &w&y' 7or- & 'ron,

re'er6e on +e!r r!,+ w!n,. For w+!e re-&!n!n, on +e de7en'!6e +e

ene-y w! no re'r!1 +!-'e7 o one o'!!on b/ w+en 7or1ed o re

re& w! 1on'&ny &?e / new one'. I 'ee-' 1er&!n +& +e w! o77er

re'!'&n1e be+!nd +e A!'ne &on, +e ,ener& !ne *erd/nL& Fere.

T+e &!- -/' &w&y' be o en6eo +e ene-y8' e7 7&n? w!+ & 'ron,

r!,+ w!n, &nd o 1o6er one8' own r!,+ 7&n? w+!1+ be1o-e' -ore

&nd -ore 6/ner&be +e 7&r+er +e &d6&n1e ro1eed'. S+o/d +e

ene-y ry o re6en +e en6eo-en by e5end!n, +!' e7 w!n,

+e w! 'o we&?en +!' 7ron !ne +& & bre&?+ro/,+ & 'o-e o!n

-&y we be1o-e o''!be.

9. (rom +raft "

:Marginal insertion in "!hlieffens handF

T+e +ree o'!!on' *erd/nD/n?!r? *erd/nL& FereAbbe6!e &nd

*erd/nL& FereP&r!' +&6e &ro5!-&ey +e '&-e en,+. W!+ +e

&dd!!on o7 +e !ne Be7or*erd/n e&1+ !' &bo/ $<< ?!o-ere' on,.

T+!' ,!6e' &n &6er&,e o7 wo 7!ed &r-y !n7&nry-en er -ere.

Ded/1!n, +e &bo6e -en!oned 7or!7!1&!on' w!+ +e!r 'e1!&

,&rr!'on' &nd !n1/d!n, Terr!or!& roo' &n &6er&,e o7 7o/r -en er

-ere -&y be re1?oned /on. I7 +e Ger-&n r!,+ w!n, +&' been -&de

'ron, it -&y be +oed +& +e o'!!on *erd/nD/n?!r? 1&n be

ener&ed. I -&y 7/r+er be +oed +& +e Fren1+ w! no '/11eed

!n o11/y!n, +e 7/ en,+ o7 +e !ne L& FereAbbe6!e &nd +&

11> TSP

I. SCHLIEFFEN8S MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER IO O$ . APPENDI "$9

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


+e Ger-&n' w! ,&!n +e e7 b&n? o7 +e So--e. B/ &7er +& one

-/' '! 1o/n on & b&e 7or +e !ne *erd/nL& FereP&r!'. T+e

o'!!on be+!nd +e O!'e beow L& Fere !' no 6ery 'ron, b/ ne6er

+ee'' +e /e'!on !' w+e+er ! 1&n be &?en !n 7ron or w+e+er !-/' be by&''ed by -&r1+!n, 'o/+ ro/nd P&r!'.

W+en we re&1+ +!' /e'!on +e +o/,+ w! !--ed!&ey re'en

!'e7 !7 ! +&' no done 'o &re&dy +& we &re oo we&? 7or +e ener

r!'e we +&6e /nder&?en.

:The main te+t is !rossed out from this insertion on8ards. )t !an e found in

,raft - and readsF @

B/ 7or +!' en6eo-en (!.e. o7 P&r!') &nd +e '!-/&neo/' &&1?

on +e O!'e &nd A!'ne o'!!on / o *erd/n +e Ger-&n &r-y !' no

'ron, eno/,+. I -/' 'e1/re & n&rrower 7ron &nd 7or +!' /ro'e-/' -o6e 'o 7&r r!,+ d/r!n, +e &d6&n1e +& ! re&1+e' &ro5!-&ey

+e !ne Me!ere'L& FereP&r!' w!+ &n &r-y o '&re 7or +e en6eo

-en. T+en +e 7orre'' !ne' L& Fere R+e!-' &nd +e r!6er!ne o7 +e

A!'ne 7ro- A-&,ne /w&rd' w! be &&1?ed !n 7&n?. Ony &7er

1ro''!n, +e O!'e &nd +/' bre&?!n, +ro/,+ +e 'e1ond 7or!7!ed !ne

doe' +e &&1?er ener +e ,re& 7orre'' w+!1+ !' Fr&n1e. I +en

re-&!n' o 7!,+ +e ,&rr!'on w!+!n +e 7orre''. T+e &'? !' o 7or1e !

&,&!n' !' own 7or!7!1&!on' !n +e e&' &,&!n' Sw!er&nd &nd &,&!n'

+e R+!ne. T+!' wo/d be 1o-!1&ed !7 +e ene-y '/11eeded !n

e'1&!n, 'o/+w&rd &1ro'' +e A!'ne. T+en +e w&r 1o/d we dr&, on

ende''y. For/n&ey 7or!7!1&!on' w! ?ee +e Fren1+ !n +e nor+.

Be7ore +e Ger-&n' re&1+ +e So--e or +e O!'e +ey w! +&6e

re&!'ed +& +ey &re oo we&? 7or +e enerr!'e +ey +&6e /nder&?en.

:The follo8ing is not !rossed out.F

We '+& 7!nd +e e5er!en1e o7 & e&r!er 1on/eror' 1on7!r-ed +&

& w&r o7 &,,re''!on 1&' 7or -/1+ 'ren,+ &nd &'o 1on'/-e' -/1+.

:The follo8ing added in "!hlieffens o8n hand8ritingF +& +!' 'ren,+dw!nde' 1on'&ny w+!e +e de7ender8' !n1re&'e'.

-. (rom (rament ""

W+en +e Ger-&n r!,+ w!n, +&' '/11eeded !n bre&?!n, +ro/,+ +e

!ne Me!ere'D/n?!r? &nd +&' +ereby 1&/'ed +e ene-y o e6&1/&e

+e !ne *erd/nMe!ere' +e Fren1+ -/' be &''/-ed o be we&? !n

+e !ne Be7or*erd/n &nd 'ron, be+!nd +e A!'ne beween *erd/n

&nd L& Fere. I w! be +e Ger-&n &!- o o/7&n? or en6eo +e-

"$- I. SCHLIEFFEN2S MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER "#<$. A//ENDI

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


on +e r!,+. To e6&de +!' oer&!on +e Fren1+ 1&n ry o e5end

+e!r e7 w!n, e!+er beyond Peronne &on, +e So--e o Abbe6!e

or &on, +e O!'e o P&r!'. T+e 7ron !ne' +/' 1re&ed oo? 6ery on,

b/ &&r 7ro- +e 7ron Be7or*erd/n w+!1+ w! 1on!n/e o be we&?y o11/!ed +ey &re no on,er +&n +e or!,!n& 7ron Be7or

Mon-edy &nd 1&n be o11/!ed !n ro/,+y +e '&-e 'ren,+ &' +e

&er !7 &' -&y be &''/-ed 'e1ond!ne roo' &re bro/,+ !n 7ro-

e6ery '!de o 7! +e ,&' &nd o '&!'7y +e !n1re&'ed de-&nd. B/ +e

o'!!on' o be o11/!ed by +e Fren1+ &r-y w! be -/1+ we&?er +&n

+e!r re6!o/' o'!!on' w+!1+ were re&red !n e&1e!-e. Ne6er+e

e'' +e &&1? w! no be w!+o/ d!77!1/!e' &nd +e &&1?er' 1&nno

e5e1 o &1+!e6e +e '&-e en,+ o7 !ne &' +e de7ender' &r!1/&ry

!7 +ey w!'+ o re&!n +e 'ron, re'er6e needed on +e r!,+ w!n,. T+e

weny+ree o weny7!6e &r-y 1or' -/' e&6e ! o o+er roo'

o o11/y +e Me/'e beween *erd/n &nd Me!ere' &nd &er +e

A!'ne / o Re+e +ey -/' / +e!r e7 w!n, !no +e &re& o7

Me!ere' &nd 7/r+er n&rrow +e 7ron &' +ey &d6&n1e.

Be7ore +e Ger-&n' re&1+ +e So--e or +e O!'e +ey w! +&6e

re&!'ed !?e o+er 1on/eror' be7ore +e- +& +ey &re oo we&?

7or +e w+oe enerr!'e. . . .

. . . Fo/r o!n' !n &r!1/&r re/!re o be re!n7or1ed by +e('e) new 7or-&!on'4 +e -o' nor+ern &r o7 Fr&n1e w+ere 'e1!& -e&'/re'

-&y be needed &,&!n' &n En,!'+ &nd!n, +e Me/'e beow *erd/n

7or 1ooer&!on !n +e &&1? on +e A!'ne o'!!on beween Me

&nd *erd/n 7or +e &&1? on +e Me/'e 7or' &nd on +e Me/r+e &nd

!n Uer A'&1e 7or +e &&1? on +e Mo'ee 7orre''e' &nd on +e

7or B&on de Ser6&n1e. T+e &&1?' on +e Me/'e 7or' &nd +e

Mo'ee o'!!on '&nd & beer 1+&n1e o7 '/11e'' & & &er er!od +&n

+ey do & +e be,!nn!n, o7 +e w&r be1&/'e +e ,re&er &r o7 +e

ene-y8' 7or1e' w! +en +&6e been dr&wn o +e o+er 7ron. I7 +e Me/'e&nd +e Mo'ee 1&n be 1ro''ed '/11e''7/y ! w! be o''!be o &&1?

+e ene-y 7ro- & 'e-!1!r1/&r o'!!on. T+e r!,+ w!n, o7 +e Ger-&n

-&!n &r-y -/' &e- o en6eo P&r!' on +e 'o/+ !7 ne1e''&ry.

1. (rom +raft "

T+e &nn!n, o7 +e &d6&n1e &nd +e &&1? on +e o'!!on !' '+own

on +e &&1+ed -&. I w! &?e &1e on +e w+oe !ne &r!1/&ry

on L& Fre w+!1+ !' !n6e'ed on wo '!de' &7er -ee!n, w!+

I. SCHLIEFFEN8S MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER "#<$. APPENDI "$1

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


'/11e'' +ere ! w! be 1on!n/ed &,&!n' L&on &ndby -e&n' o7 &

bo-b&rd-en&,&!n' R+e!-' w+!1+ !' oen ow&rd' +e we'

+en &,&!n' +e O!'e &nd w!+ +e r!,+ en6eo!n, &r-y 7ro- +e

'o/+ &,&!n' +e M&rne.

T+!' &&1? !' o be '/ored by +e roo' re-&!n!n, r!,+ o7 +e

Mo'ee n&-ey4 one &r-y 1or' (*+ or *+ or I') & new

1or' 1on'!'!n, o7 +e ;3rd In7&nry D!6!'!on &nd one A1!6e br!,&de

e&1+ 7ro- +e *+ &nd *+ Re'er6e Cor' (o be re&1ed by new

7or-&!on') +e *+ Re'er6e Cor' +e 3<+ Re'er6e D!6!'!on wo

new 1or' L&ndwe+r br!,&de' 7ro- +e Uer R+!ne &nd 7ro- Me

!7 +e &er !' no &&1?ed +e 3#+ L&ndwe+r Br!,&de L&nd'/r-

7ro- So/+ern Ger-&ny +e 0+ _,er B&&!on'o 7&r &' & +e

&bo6e &re no 1o-eey o11/!ed by de7en1e &,&!n' Fren1+ 7or1e'.I7 +!' !' no +e 1&'e +e &r-y r!,+ o7 +e Mo'ee !' e5e1ed o &?e

N&n1y &d6&n1e &,&!n' +e Mo'ee o'!!on w+!1+ w! no be

'ron,y o11/!ed &nd !7 o''!be w!+ 1o6er &,&!n' To/ E!n&

+e Mo'ee 7or' &nd Be7or &&1? B&on de Ser6&n1e 1on!n/!n,

!n 1&'e o7 & '/11e'' !n +e d!re1!on o7 C+_on' '. M.

T+e oer&!on' w! no ne1e''&r!y &?e +e 1o/r'e o/!ned +ere.

T+e Fren1+ -&y -&?e ree&ed 1o/nero77en'!6e'. By 'o do!n, +ey

w! e&'e +e Ger-&n'8 &'?. T+e &er 1&n +en e-oy +e r!n1!e

'r&e,!1 o77en'!6e&1!1& de7en'!6e &r!1/&ry !n +o'e &1e' w+ere +ey +&6e been ob!,ed o ,!6e +e!r 7ron' ,re& w!d+ !n order

o 1on!n/e +e o77en'!6e & +e -ore 6!,oro/'y e'ew+ere e'e1!&y

on +e!r 'ron, r!,+ w!n,. I !' &'o o''!be +& !n'e&d o7 1!n,!n, o

+e!r o'!!on' +ey w! rere& !n ,ood !-e o +e 'o/+. T+!' wo/d

no be e&'y +owe6er. To &b&ndon +e!r 7orre''e' +e!r o'!!on' +e!r

1&!& w!+o/ +&6!n, 7o/,+ o +e /-o' wo/d be &-o' /n+!n?

&be 7or '/1+ & ro/d n&!on. In & rob&b!!y +e Fr&n1oBe,!&n

7ron!er o'!!on' +e A!'ne o'!!on / o L& Fere +e O!'e er+&'

e6en +e So--e w! &y &n !-or&n roe &nd de'!,n&e +e '/11e''!6e +&'e' o7 +e 1&-&!,n.

IVO I. SCHLIEFFEN8S MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER "1#$.

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


II. SCHLIEFFEN8S ADDITIONAL MEMORANDUM

OF FEBRUARJ 31#2

'" a supplement to his deployment plan of ,e!emer 1905# "!hlieffen

;Y !omposed a further memorandum in eruary 190&# i.e. after his

retirement# in 8hi!h he dis!ussed the measures to e taen if the

English interened in a ran!o%7erman 8ar 8ith 100#000 men or more. )t

is to e assumed that this memorandum# too# 8as handed on to his su!!essor

Molthe. The numering of the atta!hed maps sho8s that the author regarded

it as an immediate !ontinuation of the ,e!emer memorandum.

The te+t efore me is in the form of :1F a draft E) in "!hlieffen s o8n

hand8riting Keight !olumnsF# and (2 the type8ritten fair !opy :fie !olumnsF

mentioned aoe :p. 1HF. The latter differs repeatedly from >E.> ) reprodu!e

the te+t of the fair !opy and add the deiations from in footnotes.

Corre!tions of style 8ithout any material signifi!an!e are ignored. Words orsenten!es missing in >E> are en!losed in square ra!ets [ U .

I7 !n & Fr&n1oGer-&n w&r +e En,!'+ &n o &nd & 7or1e o7

"<<<<< -en or -ore !n Anwer +ey 1&n +&rdy do 'o !n +e 7!r'

d&y' o7 -ob!!'&!on. No -&er +ow we +ey re&re +e &''e-by

o7 +e!r +ree &r-y 1or' +e!r &r-y or,&n!'&!on &nd de7en1e 'y'e-

re'en 'o -&ny d!77!1/!e' +& +e!r '/dden &e&r&n1e w!+!n +e

,re& Be,!&n 7orre'' !' &-o' !n1on1e!6&be. B/ e6en !7 +ey '+o/d&nd & & re&!6ey e&ry '&,e &nd !''/e 7ro- +e 7orre'' &,&!n' +e

Ger-&n' +ey wo/d 7!nd +e ene-y !n o11/&!on o7 +e 7ew ro&d'

w+!1+ e&d 7ro- Anwer &1ro'' +e e& bo,' o7 nor+ern Be,!/-

&nd +e 'o/+ern Ne+er&nd' o +e nor+ern &nd e&'ern 7ron. I7

+ey 1+oo'e +e 'o/+ern 7ron beween +e Ne+e &nd Dye &' +e

'&r!n,o!n o7 +e!r &&1?' +ey w T! 1o-e / &,&!n' +e e!,+

Ger-&n &r-y 1or' w+!1+ +&6e 1ro''ed +e Me/'e beow L!e,e.

A' +e Ger-&n &d6&n1e ro1eed' one 7orre'' 7ron &7er &no+er

w! be 'e&ed o77." Any &e- by +e An,oBe,!&n' o ree +e1 )n the margin@ Map 9.

"0"

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


!n6e'!n, 1or' w! be 7r/'r&ed by +e '/or +e &er re1e!6e

7ro- +e &d6&n1!n, Ger-&n &r-y. Un! +e e7 w!n,1or' +&'

1o-eed +e !n6e'-en e7 o7 +e S1+ed & n/-ber o7 Ger-&n

&r-y 1or' w! re-&!n &6&!&be o !ner6ene !n &ny b&e.:

Mo' o7 +e 1o/nry 7&1!n, +e An,oBe,!&n 7or1e' !' no '/!&be

7or '&!e'. T+ey -/' wor? +e!r w&y o/ o7 de7!e' !n order o de

oy. T+e 'e1or' o7 +e 7orre'' one w+!1+ 7&6o/r & '&y w! be

red/1ed !n n/-ber !7 +e Be,!&n' 1&rry o/ +e!r !n/nd&!on '1+e-e'.

I7 +e En,!'+ &n o &d6&n1e o +e &&1? 7ro- Anwer +ey w!

be ob!,ed o en,&,e !n b&e' &' +oee'' &' +e -&ny '&!e' -&de by

+e Fren1+ be7ore Me &nd P&r!'.3 I !' ne1e''&ry +owe6er; +&

d/r!n, +e &d6&n1e on +e 7orre''\ +e 1or' !nended 7or +e !n6e'-en '+o/d re!n7or1e +e!r o'!!on d&!y &nd &w&y' be re&red 7or

&n &&1?\ ,e!n, &' 1o'e &' o''!be o +e ene-y8' 7!edwor?' &nd

!-ro6!n, +e 'ren,+ o7 +e!r o'!!on' /n! +ey be1o-e !-re,

n&be.$ T+e r!,+ &nd e7 w!n,' w! &e- o ,e &' 1o'e &' o''!be

o +e S1+ed &nd 'e& o77 +e &'\ 'e&w&rd e'1&e ro/e o7 +e 7orre''

w!+ b&er!e' &nd 'e&-!ne'.

T+ere !' & no /n7o/nded ro'e1 +& !7 +e En,!'+ ,o o Anwer

+ey w! be '+/ / +ere o,e+er w!+ +e Be,!&n'. T+ey w! be

'e1/rey b!eed !n +e 7orre'' -/1+ beer0 +&n on +e!r !'&nd w+ere +ey &re & 'er!o/'9 +re& &nd & '&nd!n, -en&1e o +e Ger-&n'.

T+e !n6e'-en o7 Anwer w! be -ore +&n & !e !-eded by

+e '-& 7orre'' o7 Ter-onde. Howe6er +!' !' ne!+er 'ron, nor !n

,ood re&!r &nd 1&n be ne/r&!'ed & e&' 'o 7&r &' &r!ery !' 1on

1erned w!+ +e +e o7 +e +e&6y &r!ery o7 +e ne5 1or'. A7er

+& ! w! be o''!be o 1o-ee +e !n6e'-en o7 Anwer beween

Ter-onde &nd R/e-onde.

T+e b&e 7or Anwer w! be rendered -ore d!77!1/ +owe6er

!7 +e Fren1+ '/11eed !n re&1+!n, +e !ne N&-/rAnwer be7ore/' &nd w!+ +e En,!'+ &nd Be,!&n' re6en /' 7ro- &d6&n1!n,

7&r+er &on, +e e7 b&n? o7 +e Me/'e.% An en6eo-en w!+ +e

G )n the margin@ &f. Map 9.

H The passage from >)t is . . .> to the end of the paragraph appears in only after the ne+t

paragraph :>. . . to the 7ermans.>F.

B E: It i% %elf9e-i#ent

E: fiel#or% an# ten i"pro-ing teir po%ition% till te $e&o"e i"pregna$le.

; E: Te ill $e "u& $etter a&&o""o#ate# tere < E: &on%tant

8 E: an#, togeter it te Engli% an# 1elgian% pre-ent u% fro" e"erging fro" ti%#efile.

"0: II. SCHLIEFFEN8S ADDITIONAL MEMORANDUM OF FEBRUARJ I#<0

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


r!,+ w!n, w! +en be1o-e !-o''!be. T+e &n -/' be 1+&n,ed.

E6en 1o-b!ned o/r ene-!e' 1&n be re6ened 7ro- &d6&n1!n, nor+

o7 N&-/rL!e,e. I7 +ey w&n o +row /' b&1? +ey -/' &'o&d6&n1e r!,+ o7 +e Me/'e &nd !n 'o do!n, +ey 1&nno +e

e5o'!n, +e!r r!,+ 7&n? o & Ger-&n &&1?.\#

I7 +e Fren1+ 1o-e / & & &er '&,e +e Ger-&n' w! be 7&1ed

w!+ +e ro'e1 o7 & b&e !n wo d!re1!on' !.e. w!+ one 7ron

7&1!n, Anwer &nd +e o+er 7&1!n, H!r'onM&/be/,eL!e."<

A11ord!n, o +e!r re!er&ed !nen!on' +e Fren1+ &re ,o!n, o

&d6&n1e en masse &nd !n de+ T+e d!1/- o7 +e &e F!ed M&r'+&

w! +en be borne o/ +& +e n&rrow 7ron !' !n d&n,er o7 be!n,

en6eoed w+!e +e bro&d 7ron ro6!ded re1&/!on' &re &?en&,&!n' &n ene-y bre&?+ro/,+\"" o77er' ,re& ro-!'e o7 '/11e''.

T+e En,!'+ &r1 &'o 1red!ed w!+ +e !nen!on o7 &nd!n, & E'b@er,

&nd no & Anwer. So-e!-e' +e '/o'ed &n !' o &e&r & &

6ery e&ry '&,e on +e /&nd 1o&' 'o-e!-e' ! !' o de&y w!+ +e

enerr!'e /n! +e Ger-&n &nd Fren1+ 7or1e' &re &re&dy en,&,ed !n

b&e. Ad6&n&,e !' o be &?en o7 Ger-&ny8' 1o-eey den/ded

'&e 7or & -&r1+ on Ber!n o''!by w!+ +e &''!'&n1e o7 'o-e

Fren1+ 1or'.

In +e 7!r' 1&'e +e Ger-&n' wo/d no be &be o 1o-ee +e!rdeoy-en !7 &n En,!'+ &r-y were o &e&r !n +e nor+ w+!e !

w&' '! !n ro,re''. T+e 1or' '! !n +e re&r wo/d +&6e o be +&ed

&nd 'en o &nn!+!&e +e new ene-y by +e!r ,re& '/er!or!y. T+e

Fren1+ wo/d +&6e no 1+o!1e b/ o 1o-e o +e!r &y8' &!d !.e. ,!6e

/ +e!r 7orre''e' &nd o'!!on' &nd &?e +e o77en'!6e. W!+ +!' we

'+o/d be 7&1ed w!+ & +e &d6&n&,e' o7 w+!1+ we +&6e 1on6!n1ed

o/r'e6e' on 6&r!o/' o11&'!on' !n +e e6en o7 & w&r e7 o7 +e R+!ne.\":

B/ '+o/d +e En,!'+ w&! w!+ +e !nended &nd!n,\ /n! &

7&6o/r&be -o-en +ey w! +&rdy 7!nd one be7ore +e 7!r' b&e\."3

I7 +e b&e ,oe' !n 7&6o/r o7 +e Ger-&n' +e En,!'+ &re !?ey o

&b&ndon +e!r enerr!'e &' +oee''. T+e b&e !' +ere7ore o7 +e

An atte"pt "u%t ten $e "a#e it a %trongl e&elone# left ing to en-elop te

ene" on te left an# for&e i" again%t te %ea. A#"itte#l tere i% ten a -er %eriou%

treat to te !er"an left ing. 1ut a $rea9troug $eteen Mau$euge an# Na"ur

"a ell $e&o"e po%%i$le.

10 )n the margin@ Map %. >> E: toug -ulnera$le to a $rea9troug, al%o

>@E : Fro" ti% te %a"e in# of ar oul# #e-elop in te (e%t i& G% $een

#i%&u%%e# repeate#l in ar ga"e% an# on %taff ri#e%a ar in i& te !er"an% a-e

te a#-antage of te %ituation.

> E: &ertainl ait to no te out&o"e of te fir%t $attle.

II. SCHLIEFFEN2S ADDITIONAL MEMORAND0M OF FE1R0AR "1#2 "03

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


/-o' !-or&n1e &nd ! wo/d be & 'er!o/' -!'&?e !7 !n e5e1&!on

o7 +e En,!'+ we were o e&6e be+!nd !n 'o-e d!'&n +e&re o7 +e

7//re &n &r-y & 1or' or e6en & d!6!'!on w+!1+ -!,+ br!n, +e

de1!'!on &,&!n' +e Fren1+.

I7 +e En,!'+ ne6er+ee'' &nd &7er we +&6e 1o-eed o/r de

oy-en be ! be7ore or &7er & b&e we -/'\"; 1oe1 & +e 7or1e'

'! !n +e 1o/nry&nd +ey w! '! be 7&r 7ro- ne,!,!be&nd

1r/'+ +e En,!'+ !n6&der'.

T+e 7or1e' re-&!n!n, be+!nd -/' be or,&n!'ed +owe6er.\

Gr&7 S1+!e77en

>B E: potential teatre anting i& "igt $ring te #e&i%ion in a $attle again%t te

Fren&. If te $attle in te (e%t goe% &,&!n' u%, te Engli% ill pro$a$l &arr out teinten#e# lan#ing, an# e "u%t ten

"0; II. SCHLIEFFEN8S ADDITIONAL MEMORANDUM OF FEBRUARJ "#<0

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


III. GENERAL OBSER*ATIONS ON THE SCHLIEFFEN

PLAN BJ H. *ON MOLTKE

:apparently dated i g i i F

<1$E "!hlieffen papers !ontain a type8ritten !opy of the follo8ing

minute# 8hi!h supplements Moltes marginal notes to the "!hlieffen

Plan of 1905 gien under I. The only !lue to the date is the note

at the end# 8hi!h points to a !onspi!uously late one. Could it he the date of

the !opy

Co--en' on +e -e-or&nd/- by Gener& 6on Mo?e4

I -&y be '&7ey &''/-ed +& +e ne5 w&r w! be & w&r on wo

7ron'. O7 o/r ene-!e' Fr&n1e !' +e -o' d&n,ero/' &nd 1&n re&re

+e -o' /!1?y. A11o/n' -/' be 'eed w!+ +er 6ery 'oon &7erdeoy-en. S+o/d +e de7e& o7 +e Fren1+ be &1+!e6ed /!1?y

&nd de1!'!6ey ! w! &'o be o''!be o -&?e 7or1e' &6&!&be &,&!n'

R/''!&. I &,ree w!+ +e b&'!1 !de& o7 oen!n, +e w&r w!+ & 'ron,

o77en'!6e &,&!n' Fr&n1e w+!e !n!!&y re-&!n!n, on +e de7en'!6e

w!+ we&? 7or1e' &,&!n' R/''!&. I7 & /!1? de1!'!on !' 'o/,+ &,&!n'

Fr&n1e +e &&1? '+o/d no be d!re1ed e51/'!6ey &,&!n' +e

'ron,y 7or!7!ed e&'ern 7ron o7 +& 1o/nry. I7 &' -&y be e5e1ed

+e Fren1+ &r-y re-&!n' on +e de7en'!6e be+!nd +& 7ron +ere !'

no 1+&n1e o7 /!1?y bre&?!n, +ro/,+ &nd e6en & bre&?+ro/,+

wo/d e5o'e +e Ger-&n &r-y or +o'e 'e1!on' w+!1+ +&6e -&de

! o 7&n? &&1? 7ro- wo '!de'. I7 one w&n' o -ee +e ene-y !n

+e oen +e 7or!7!ed 7ron!er!ne -/' be o/7&n?ed. T+!' !' ony

o''!be by -e&n' o7 &n &d6&n1e +ro/,+ Sw!er&nd or Be,!/-.

T+e 7!r' wo/d en1o/ner ,re& d!77!1/!e' &nd be1&/'e o7 +e de7en1e

o7 +e -o/n&!n ro&d' wo/d &?e & on, !-e. On +e o+er +&nd &

'/11e''7/ o/7&n?!n, o7 +e Fren1+ 7or!7!1&!on' wo/d +&6e +e &d

6&n&,e o7 7or1!n, +e Fren1+ &r-y ow&rd' +e nor+. An &d6&n1e+ro/,+ Be,!/- wo/d 7or1e +e Fren1+ b&1? !no +e!r !ner!or.

"0$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


/-o' !-or&n1e &nd ! wo/d be & 'er!o/' -!'&?e !7 !n e5e1&!on

o7 +e En,!'+ we were o e&6e be+!nd !n 'o-e d!'&n +e&re o7 +e

7//re &n &r-y & 1or' or e6en & d!6!'!on w+!1+ -!,+ br!n, +e

de1!'!on &,&!n' +e Fren1+.

I7 +e En,!'+ ne6er+ee'' &nd &7er we +&6e 1o-eed o/r de

oy-en be ! be7ore or &7er & b&e we -/'\"; 1oe1 & +e 7or1e'

'! !n +e 1o/nry&nd +ey w! '! be 7&r 7ro- ne,!,!be&nd

1r/'+ +e En,!'+ !n6&der'.

T+e 7or1e' re-&!n!n, be+!nd -/' be or,&n!'ed +owe6er.\

Gr&7 S1+!e77en

>B E: potential teatre anting i& "igt $ring te #e&i%ion in a $attle again%t te

Fren&. If te $attle in te (e%t goe% again%t u%, te Engli% ill pro$a$l &arr out te

inten#e# lan#ing, an# e "u%t ten

"03 II. SCHLIEFFEN2S ADDITIONAL MEMORAND0M OF FE1R0AR

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


III. GENERAL OBSER*ATIONS ON THE SCHLIEFFEN

PLAN BJ H. *ON MOLTKE

:apparently dated 1911F

<1$E "!hlieffen papers !ontain a type8ritten !opy of the follo8ing

minute# 8hi!h supplements Moltes marginal notes to the "!hlieffen

Plan of 1905 gien under >).> The only !lue to the date is the note

at the end# 8hi!h points to a !onspi!uously late one. Could it e the date of

the !opy

Co--en' on +e -e-or&nd/- by Gener& 6on Mo?e4

I -&y be '&7ey &''/-ed +& +e ne5 w&r w! be & w&r on wo

7ron'. O7 o/r ene-!e' Fr&n1e !' +e -o' d&n,ero/' &nd 1&n re&re

+e -o' /!1?y. A11o/n' -/' be 'eed w!+ +er 6ery 'oon &7erdeoy-en. S+o/d +e de7e& o7 +e Fren1+ be &1+!e6ed /!1?y

&nd de1!'!6ey ! w! &'o be o''!be o -&?e 7or1e' &6&!&be &,&!n'

R/''!&. I &,ree w!+ +e b&'!1 !de& o7 oen!n, +e w&r w!+ & 'ron,

o77en'!6e &,&!n' Fr&n1e w+!e !n!!&y re-&!n!n, on +e de7en'!6e

w!+ we&? 7or1e' &,&!n' R/''!&. I7 & /!1? de1!'!on !' 'o/,+ &,&!n'

Fr&n1e +e &&1? '+o/d no be d!re1ed e51/'!6ey &,&!n' +e

'ron,y 7or!7!ed e&'ern 7ron o7 +& 1o/nry. I7 &' -&y be e5e1ed

+e Fren1+ &r-y re-&!n' on +e de7en'!6e be+!nd +& 7ron +ere !'

no 1+&n1e o7 /!1?y bre&?!n, +ro/,+ &nd e6en & bre&?+ro/,+ wo/d e5o'e +e Ger-&n &r-y or +o'e 'e1!on' w+!1+ +&6e -&de

! o 7&n? &&1? 7ro- wo '!de'. I7 one w&n' o -ee +e ene-y !n

+e oen +e 7or!7!ed 7ron!er!ne -/' be o/7&n?ed. T+!' !' ony

o''!be by -e&n' o7 &n &d6&n1e +ro/,+ Sw!er&nd or Be,!/-.

T+e 7!r' wo/d en1o/ner ,re& d!77!1/!e' &nd be1&/'e o7 +e de7en1e

o7 +e -o/n&!n ro&d' wo/d &?e & on, !-e. On +e o+er +&nd &

'/11e''7/ o/7&n?!n, o7 +e Fren1+ 7or!7!1&!on' wo/d +&6e +e &d

6&n&,e o7 7or1!n, +e Fren1+ &r-y ow&rd' +e nor+. An &d6&n1e

+ro/,+ Be,!/- wo/d 7or1e +e Fren1+ b&1? !no +e!r !ner!or.

"0$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


Ne6er+ee'' ! '+o/d be re7erred be1&/'e +ere one 1&n 1o/n

on /!1?er ro,re''. We 1&n 1o/n on +e 'o-ew+& !ne77!1!en Be,!&n

7or1e' be!n, /!1?y '1&ered /ne'' +e Be,!&n &r-y '+o/d w!+

dr&w w!+o/ & b&e o Anwer w+!1+ wo/d +en +&6e o be'e&ed o77.

I !' !-or&n o7 1o/r'e +& 7or &n &d6&n1e +ro/,+ Be,!/- +e

r!,+ w!n, '+o/d be -&de &' 'ron, &' o''!be. B/ I 1&nno &,ree

+& +e en6eo-en de-&nd' +e 6!o&!on o7 D/1+ ne/r&!y !n

8 &dd!!on o Be,!&n. A +o'!e Ho&nd & o/r b&1? 1o/d +&6e d!'&'

ro/' 1on'e/en1e' 7or +e &d6&n1e o7 +e Ger-&n &r-y o +e we'

&r!1/&ry !7 En,&nd '+o/d /'e +e 6!o&!on o7 Be,!&n ne/r&!y

&' & ree5 7or ener!n, +e w&r &,&!n' /'. A ne/r& Ho&nd 'e1/re'

o/r re&r be1&/'e !7 En,&nd de1&re' w&r on /' 7or 6!o&!n, Be,!&nne/r&!y '+e 1&nno +er'e7 6!o&e D/1+ ne/r&!y. S+e 1&nno

bre&? +e 6ery &w 7or w+o'e '&?e '+e ,oe' o w&r.

F/r+er-ore ! w! be 6ery !-or&n o +&6e !n Ho&nd & 1o/nry

w+o'e ne/r&!y &ow' /' o +&6e !-or' &nd '/!e'. S+e -/'

be +e w!nd!e +& en&be' /' o bre&+e.

Howe6er &w?w&rd ! -&y be +e &d6&n1e +ro/,+ Be,!/- -/'

+ere7ore &?e &1e w!+o/ +e 6!o&!on o7 D/1+ err!ory. T+!' w!

+&rdy be o''!be /ne'' L!e,e !' !n o/r +&nd'. T+e 7orre'' -/'

+ere7ore be &?en & on1e. I +!n? ! o''!be o &?e ! by & !oup de

main. I' '&!en 7or' &re 'o /n7&6o/r&by '!ed +& +ey do no o6er

oo? +e !ner6en!n, 1o/nry &nd 1&nno do-!n&e !. I +&6e +&d &

re1onn&!''&n1e -&de o7 & ro&d' r/r!n!n, +ro/,+ +e- !no +e 1enre

o7 +e own 8hi!h has no ramparts. An &d6&n1e w!+ 'e6er& 1o/-n'

!' o''!be w!+o/ +e!r be!n, ob'er6ed 7ro- +e 7or'. On1e o/r

roo' +&6e enered +e own I be!e6e +& +e 7or' w! no bo-b&rd

! b/ w! rob&by 1&!/&e. E6ery+!n, deend' on -e!1/o/'

re&r&!on &nd '/rr!'e. T+e enerr!'e !' ony o''!be !7 +e &&1?

!' -&de & on1e be7ore +e &re&' beween +e 7or' &re 7or!7!ed. I -/'

+ere7ore be /nder&?en by '&nd!n, roo' !--ed!&ey w&r !' de1&red.

T+e 1&/re o7 & -odern 7orre'' by & !oup de main wo/d be 'o-e

+!n, /nre1edened !n -!!&ry +!'ory. B/ ! 1&n '/11eed &nd

-/' be &e-ed 7or +e o''e''!on o7 L!e,e !' +e sine qua non o7 o/r

&d6&n1e. I !' & bod 6en/re w+o'e &11o-!'+-en ro-!'e' & ,re&

'/11e''. In &ny 1&'e +e +e&6!e' &r!ery -/' be & +&nd 'o +& !n

1&'e o7 7&!/re we 1&n &?e +e 7orre'' by 'or-. I be!e6e +e &b'en1e

o7 &n !nner r&-&r w! de!6er +e 7orre'' !no o/r +&nd'.

"0$ III. !ENERAL O1SERATIONS ON THE

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


On +e '/11e'' o7 +e !oup de main deend' o/r 1+&n1e o7 -&?!n, +e

&d6&n1e +ro/,+ Be,!/- w!+o/ !n7r!n,!n, D/1+ err!ory. T+e

deoy-en &nd d!'o'!!on o7 +e &r-y -/' be -&de &11ord!n,y.

(Troo' 7or +e !oup de main# +e&6y &r!ery re&r&!on' 7or

-ob!!'&!on.)B [*erlinU "#"" ('!,ned) 6. M.

III. !ENERAL O1SERATIONS ON THE SCHLIEFFEN /LAN

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


I*. SCHLIEFFEN8S MEMORANDUM OF

DECEMBER :%+ "#": ON A WAR WITH FRANCE

AND RUSSIA

f \ this memorandum the "!hlieffen papers !ontain@

" 5 :1F ' type8ritten !opy of t8ele pages# ea!h of thirty%si+ lines.

This has a title page 8ith the follo8ing@

:% Se1re. Me-or&nd/- o7 +e &e F!ed M&r'+& Gr&7 S1+!e77en.

F!n& dr&7 o7 De1e-ber :%+ "#":.

)n the top right%hand !orner# an attestation@ W. 6. H&+n?e Po'd&-

Gr. We!n-e!'er'r. :. :The signature in $ahnes o8n 8ritingF This

!opy must hae een made# lie that of the memorandum of 1 go$, from the

fair !opy handed to Molte# sin!e a marginal remar of Molte(s has een

!opied as 8ell.

:# ' !opy identi!al 8ith :1F# produ!ed on a different type8riter. $ere# too#

Molte?s marginal note has een !opied.3< ' draft in "!hlieffen s o8n hand :>_>F# a little oer seenteen !olumns

8ritten on the right half of the pageB many !orre!tions# additions and re!%

tifi!ations# often entered on the left sideB some of the !olumns !rossed out. 't

the top a note in $ahne(s hand@ Gr&7 S1+!e77en8' -e-or&nd/- o7

De1e-ber "#":. T+e 7oow!n, '+ee' 1on&!n 6&r!o/' re&-en'.

Fro- +e'e dr&7' +e F!ed M&r'+& d!1&ed o -e &,e' " o 3" o7

+e 7&!r 1oy (. " o :$ !n +e dr&7).88

This pagination does not !orrespond 8ith any of the manus!ripts ) hae

seen. On the 8hereaouts of the (fair !opy( the follo8ing note in $ahne shand# found on another sheet# gies this information@ Me-or&nd/- by

F!ed M&r'+& Gr&7 S1+!e77en. F!n& dr&7 o7 De1e-ber :%+ "#":.

T+e 7&!r 1oy w!+ +e or!,!n& -&' w&' +&nded by -e er'on&y

o H!' E51een1y +e C+!e7 o7 +e Gener& S&77 o7 +e Ar-y on

Febr/&ry %+ "#"3. W. 6. H&+n?e.

:F ' fragmentary draft in "!hlieffen s hand# nine half%page !olumns 8idely

spa!ed# identi!al 8ith the last nine paragraphs of the final ersion ::1F# aoeF.

' note in on $ahne9s hand@ T+e'e +ree '+ee' &re +e &' +!n,

+e F!ed M&r'+& wroe 7oow!n, +e 6!'! o7 Gener& o7 +e

"0

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


C&6&ry 6on H&/'-&nn on S&/rd&y n!,+ De1e-ber :%+ "#3&. )t

must e e+plained that the >treatments> :>E>Ffrom 8hi!h "!hlieffen di!tated

the memorandum to his son%in%la8 go only as far as the passage on p. 1<#

elo8# 8here the organisation offifty%one diisions of a ne8 ind is dis!ussed.

Proaly the di!tation 8hi!h $ahne mentions ') aoeF roe off shortly

after this point :p. i2^#par. 1# elo8F and 8as !ompleted y him in the >fair

!opy> 8ith this fragment as endpie!e.

) reprodu!e the te+t a!!ording to the !opy (!) ut sho8 material deiations

from >E> :see under :HF # aoeF y pla!ing passages missing in E in

square ra!ets [ U B different formulations or passages later stru! out of

>E> are sho8n in footnotes or in the appendi+.

T+e Tr!e A!&n1e de6eoed o/ o7 &n &!&n1e beween Ger-&ny

&nd A/'r!&H/n,&ry. Bo+ Power' 7e +re&ened by R/''!&4 A/'r!&

d/e o 'er!o/' o!!1& d!77eren1e' w+!1+ 1o/d e&'!y +&6e ed o & w&r

Ger-&ny be1&/'e o7 er'on& !rr!&!on' w+!1+ -!,+ ne6er+ee'' 'oon

+&6e ,!6en w&y o r&d!!on& 7r!end'+! &,&!n +&d +ey no been

&,,r&6&ed by +e '!,n!n, o7 & re&y w!+ R/''!&8' ene-y.\" T+e

&!&n1e w&' 1on1e!6ed de7en'!6ey b/ !n 1&'e o7 w&r w&' o be 1&rr!ed

!no e77e1 o77en'!6ey.:

A +& !-e +e R/''!&n &r-y w&' d!'r!b/ed +ro/,+o/ +e 6&'e5&n'e o7 +e e-!re &nd +e R/''!&n r&!w&y 'y'e- w&' &o,e+er

!n&de/&e. T+ere7ore !n +e 7!r' '&,e' o7 & w&r ! wo/d ony

+&6e been o''!be o &''e-be & &r o7 +e &r-y !n Po&nd r!,+

o7 +e *!'/&. A,&!n' +!' &r +e &!e' !nended o &d6&n1e 7ro-

nor+ &nd 'o/+ !n order o 1r/'+ +e ene-y !n +e -!dde o7 +e

1o/nry.

W+!e +e wo &!e' were '! en@oy!n, +!' e&'&n ro'e1

1 )nstead of the passage in ra!ets# in read@ to "eet te #anger, one /oer %e&ure# te

oter2% elp.

@ E: In fa&t, $eteen ti% /oer an# Au%tria tere e*i%te# poli ti&al #ifferen&e% i&

&oul# lea# to a ar. On te oter an#, tere ere $eteen Ru%%ia an# !er"an no

point% of &ontro-er%, $ut onl per%onal irritation% i& oul# %oon a-e gi-en a to

tra#itional frien#%ip, a# te not $een inten%ifie# $ te %igning of a treat it

Ru%%ia2% ene". Sin&e a&&or#ing to all a-aila$le infor"ation an# rea%ona$le a%%u"ption%,

te #i%tri$ution of troop% trougout te -a%t Ru%%ian e"pire an# te %till -er in&o"plete

raila %%te" of tat ti"e #i&tate# te a%%e"$l of te Ru%%ian ar" on te rigt of te

i%tula, te allie% #e&i#e# tat te . . . at lea%t in te initial perio# of a ar onl part of

te Ru%%ian ar" a% to $e e*pe&te# rigt of te i%tula in /olan#. Again%t ti%, te

. . . ante# . . .

I*. SCHLIEFFEN8S MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER &-T, "#":

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


r/-o/r' ,o &bo/ +& R/''!& w&' /!n, +er 1or' '&!oned !n +e

E&' we'w&rd' &nd re&r!n, o &''e-be &n &r-y on +e N!e-en on

+e Ger-&n'8 e7 7&n? &nd on +e e&'ern 7ron!er o7 G&!1!& +e

A/'r!&nk r!,+ 7&n?.3

A/'r!& !nended o 1e&r +er 7&n? 7!r' &nd o'one +e o77en'!6e !no Po&nd /n! +!' w&' done. Une'' Ger-&ny

were re&red o !n6&de Po&nd &one '+e +&d no 1+o!1e b/ o 7oow

+er &y8' e5&-e. T+/' wo /!e 'e&r&e ro'e1!6e +e&re' o7

w&r were 1re&ed4 one !n E&'ern G&!1!& +e o+er !n E&' Pr/''!&

e&1+ w!+ !' &d@o!n!n, R/''!&n ro6!n1e'.

A/'r!& w!+ ony +e '-&er &r o7 +e R/''!&n &r-y &,&!n' +er

+&d & re&!6ey e&'y &'?. S+e wo/d &w&y' +&6e 7or1e' o '&re 7or +e

/r'/! o7 +er &!-' !n +e B&?&n en!n'/&. Ger-&ny 7&1ed no ony

+e ,re&er &r o7 +e R/''!&n &r-y b/ &'o &' be1&-e 'oon &&ren+e Fren1+ &r-y.

T+!' d!'roor!on -!,+ +&6e been re1!7!ed by I&y w+!1+ +&d

@o!ned +e A!&n1e. Indeed !n +e +oe o7 re,&!n!n, N!1e &nd S&6oy

+e &er w&' !nend!n, o 1ro'' +e A' &nd o !n6&de 1enr& &nd

'o/+ern Fr&n1e +ereby re!e6!n, Ger-&ny o7 & ,re& &r o7 +e

Fren1+ &r-y. T+e &n +&d o be &b&ndoned w+en Fr&n1e 7or!7!ed &

+e A!ne &''e'. B/ !n order o &?e &r !n +e e5e1ed Fr&n1o

Ger-&n w&r I&y w&' o br!n, 'o-e 1or' o6er +e A/'r!&n &nd

'o/+ Ger-&n r&!w&y' o +e Uer R+!ne w+ere '+e wo/d /n!e

w!+ Ger-&ny !n & 1o--on 1&-&!,n. T+!' &n &'o w&' e6en/&y

&b&ndoned be1&/'e ! w&' +o/,+ d&n,ero/' o 'end & &r,e &r o7

+e &r-y &bro&d w+en +e Fren1+ 1o/d 1ro'' +e A' &nd !n6&de +e

Po 6&ey.

So I&y e7 +e Tr!e A!&n1e & e&' &' & wor?!n, -e-ber.

A/'r!& ?e 7&r &w&y !n & 'e&r&e +e&re. Ger-&ny -e&nw+!e

7&1ed +e ,re&er &r o7 +e R/''!&n &nd +e w+oe o7 +e Fren1+

&r-y w!+o/ &ny '/or.\;

I7 bo+ +er ene-!e' were o &d6&n1e 7ro- e&' &nd we' Ger-&ny

wo/d 1er&!ny 7!nd +er'e7 !n & 'er!o/' '!/&!on.$ B/ ne!+er d&red

&?e +e de1!'!6e 'e. E&1+ 7e&red +e o+er wo/d e +er down or

1o-e oo &e &nd +& '+e &one wo/d be '&dded w!+ +e w+oe

Ger-&n &r-y. Se1/re be+!nd 7orre''e' r!6er' -o/n&!n' &nd 'w&-'

bo+ were y!n, !n w&! 7or +e!r /nroe1ed we&?er &d6er'&ry w+o

w&' en!rey on +!' own.

H $ere follo8 seeral drafts in >E> 8hose essen!e ) reprodu!e in 'ppendi+# 1# elo8.

Parallel phrasing see 'ppendi+# G# elo8. 5 "ee 'ppendi+# 3 elo8 :amplifi!ationF.

"0# I*. SCHLIEFFEN8S MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER :%TH

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


So ! w&' no +e Tr!e A!&n1e b/ 'oey +e Ger-&n &r-y w+!1+

+ed R/''!& &nd Fr&n1e !n 1+e1? re6en!n, +e 7or-er 7ro- ,!6!n,

A/'r!& &nd +e &er I&y & &'e o7 +er '/er!or!y. Pe&1e w&' ?e

!n E/roe. I -&ered !e +& I&y re6ened by +e Fren1+ A!ne

7or!7!1&!on' 7ro- &&1?!n, Fr&n1e r!ed o 6en +er e5&n'!on!'

de'!re' on A/'r!&. W+en +e A/'r!&n' oo 7or!7!ed +e!r A!ne

&''e' +e I&!&n' were 7or1ed o ,!6e / +e!r /' 7or 1on/e' +ere

&' we.

T+e ower &nd re'!,e o7 +e Ger-&n &r-y ro6ed +e!r wor+

!n "#<$ &nd "#<#. Ne!+er Fr&n1e nor R/''!& w&' w!!n, o &?e /

&r-' on1e Ger-&ny e7 no do/b &bo/ +er deer-!n&!on o 7!,+ b&1?.

T+!' 7&6o/r&be '&e o7 &77&!r' /nderwen & 1+&n,e !n "#"". Ger-&n

re'o/!on w&' &r&y'ed by En,&nd8' +re& o 1o-e o +e &''!'&n1eo7 Fr&n1e w!+ "<<<<< -en.0 In "#"" En,&nd wo/d +&6e y!eded

be7ore Ger-&ny8' -&n!7e' !nen!on o7 /'!n, +e &r-y !7 ne1e''&ry

&' Fr&n1e +&d done !n "#<$ &nd R/''!& !n "#<#. B/ on +!' o11&'!on !

w&' Ger-&ny w+o y!eded &nd 'o +e 'e w&' bro?en w+!1+ +&d 'o

7&r -&de +er &r-y 'ee- !n6!n1!be. Nor 1o/d +e o' re'!,e be re

'ored by +e &r-y re7or- o7 "#": w+!1+ bro/,+ !e -ore +&n

1+&n,e' !n or,&n!'&!onnone !n ower. T+!' !-e ! w&' no

Ger-&ny8' ro-!'e o '&nd by +er A/'r!&n &!e' w+!1+ 'e1/red

e&1e b/ ony En,&nd8' w!'+ 7or e!onomi! re&'on' o &6o!d & word w&r.

I !' o be +oed +& En,&nd8' w! -&y no 7or e6er be de1!'!6e &nd

+& Ger-&ny w! one d&y re,&!n +e o'!!on o7 ower ne1e''&ry o

+er e1ono-!1 ro'er!y. W!+o/ & w&r +!' w! '1&r1ey be o''!be.

How ! w! 1o-e &bo/ re-&!n' o be 'een. How ! !' o be 1ond/1ed

-/' be e7 o Ger-&ny. S+e +&' done +er d/y &' & -e-ber o7 +e

Tr!e A!&n1e by -&?!n, &n ene-y o7 R/''!& 7ro- w+o- '+e w&'

no d!6!ded by &ny 1on7!1!n, !nere''&nd o77 w+o- '+e 1o/d

+&6e won no+!n, wor+ w+!e&nd by dr&w!n, /on +er'e7 +e

,re&er &r o7 +e R/''!&n &r-y. A' & re'/ '+e '&nd' beween

wo ower7/ ene-!e'.

In & '!-!&r '!/&!on !n "%00 Mo?e d!d no e&6e &n &r-y on +e

R+!ne &,&!n' Fr&n1e 'end & 'e1ond &,&!n' So/+ Ger-&ny &nd &ow

& !ontinues :partly !rossed outF@ It a% not et a 3ue%tion of pea&e or ar, $ut it -. a%

ne&e%%ar to %o one2% re%ol-e to %tan# fa%t in fa&e of a treat i& later pro-e# e"pt.

1ut %in&e !er"an %oe# tat un#er te &ange# &ir&u"%tan&e% %e er%elf a# no

&o"plete &onfi#en&e in an ar" toJ i& Europe, a$o-e al l, a# up to no oe# it%

%e&urit . . .

I. SCHLIEFFEN2S MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER &-T, IQI:

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


& +!rd we&? &r-y o be be&en by A/'r!&. And !n "%9< +e d!d no

e&6e be+!nd &n ob'er6&!on &r-y &,&!n' A/'r!& b/ 'e1/red

'/er!or!y o6er Fr&n1e w!+ & +e 7or1e' +e 1o/d -/'er.

I7 &ny+!n, 1o/d +&6e !nd/1ed Fr&n1e o -&?e w&r !n "%%0 &nd

A/'r!& !n "%9< ! wo/d +&6e been & '-& &r-y on +e R+!ne or !nUer S!e'!& &nd +e ro'e1 o7 & 1+e& 6!1ory.

E5er!en1e '+ow' +& +e &b'en1e o7 &ny ene-y e&d' o ro1r&'

!n&!on & de&y o 'ee +ow one8' &!e' &re 7&r!n, &nd +en & de1&r&!on

o7 e&1e &' 'oon &' +ey -ee w!+ &n &11!den. B/ '+o/d +e ene-y

w+o- one +&' d!'re,&rded !n6&de one8' n&?ed 1o/nry Freder!1? +e

Gre& w&' /!-&ey o7 +e o!n!on +& ! w&' beer o '&1r!7!1e &

ro6!n1e +&n '! / +e &r-y w!+ w+!1+ one 'ee?' &nd -/'

&1+!e6e 6!1ory

T+e 8hole o7 Ger-&ny -/' +row !'e7 on one ene-y+e

'ron,e' -o' ower7/ -o' d&n,ero/' ene-y4 &nd +& 1&n ony

be +e An,oFren1+

A/'r!& need no worry4 +e R/''!&n &r-y !nended &,&!n' Ger-&ny

w! no !n6&de G&!1!& be7ore +e d!e !' 1&' !n +e We'. And A/'r!&8'

7&e w! be de1!ded no on +e B/, b/ on +e Se!ne

A,&!n' Ger-&ny +e Fren1+ !nend o +od & o'!!on e5end!n,

7ro- +e 7ron!er & Be7or &on, +e Uer Mo'ee &' 7&r &' To/

7ro- +ere 7oow!n, +e 1o/r'e o7 +e Me/'e o *erd/n &nde&n!n, on ne/r& Be,!&n err!ory &' 7&r &' +e ne!,+bo/r+ood o7

Mon-edy. In 7ron o7 +!' o'!!on +ey w! 7/r+er o11/y +e

&''e' &1ro'' +e *o',e' +e 7or!7!ed 1!y o7 N&n1y M&non6!er' +e

+e!,+' r!,+ o7 +e Me/'e beween To/ &nd *erd/n &nd &'o Lon,wy.

S+o/d +e Ger-&n' '/11eed !n bre&?!n, +ro/,+ +e e7 w!n, o7 +!'

o'!!on +ey w! '! 7!nd +e ene-y be+!nd +e Me/'e beween


Ti% oul# $e true in te e-ent of Fran&e an# !er"an &o"ing into "ilitar &onfli&t,

$ut not if te Triple Allian&e ere in-ol-e# in a ar troug a &onfli&t $eteen Au%tria

an# Ru%%ia. In tat &a%e Ru%%ia oul# a-e to "o$ili%e er ole ar" an# at on&e fa&e

!er"an a% an ene" al%o. A #ifferent %ituation fro" "%9< en Au%tria te"pori%e#

an# a% pre-ente# fro" inter-ening $ te !er"an -i&torie%, an# fro" "%00 en te

%a"e applie# to Fran&e. A% ting% are no, te %ituation &annot ari%e in i& Fran&e or

Ru%%ia loo% on a% an un&on&erne# %pe&tator to $egin it4 $ut $ot ill "o$ili%e

%i"ultaneou%l an# open o%tilitie% again%t !er"an. Tere &an $e no 3ue%tion un#er

pre%ent9#a politi&al &ir&u"%tan&e% an# treatie% of Ru%%ia2% e%itating to in-a#e /ru%%ia

if no #efen&e for&e% are left tere.

'%igne#) -. M.

This marginal note is !opied on a separate type8ritten sheet# the signature eing added in

Moltey

s o8n hand.

"9" I. SCHLIEFFEN2S MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER :%TH

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


*erd/n &nd MX!re'. Beow +e &er +e r!6er !' no e&'!y &11e''!be.

T+e 7!r' !-or&n 1ro''!n, 7&r+er nor+ !' bo1?ed by +e 7orre''

o7 G!6e. T+e Ger-&n' 1&nno +ere7ore 1o/n on 1ro''!n, +e Me/'e

w!+o/ 'er!o/' 7!,+!n, 'o on, &' ! r/n' +ro/,+ Fren1+ err!ory.Beyond G!6e +e r!6er' ener' Be,!/-. T+!' 1o/nry !' re,&rded &'

ne/r& b/ !n 7&1 ! !' no. More +&n +!ry ye&r' &,o ! -&de L!,e

&nd N&-/r !no 'ron, 7orre''e' o re6en Ger-&ny 7ro- !n6&d!n,

!' err!ory b/ ow&rd' Fr&n1e ! +&' e7 !' 7ron!er' oen. T+e

Fren1+ w! +ere7ore be 7ree o 'end &' -&ny re!n7or1e-en' &' +ey

w!'+ !no +e o'!!on w+!1+ +e Be,!&n' &&reny !nend o o11/y

beween +e'e wo 7orre''e'. T+e En,!'+ -&y &'o be re'en. In "#""

+ey +re&ened o &nd w!+ "%<<<< -en !n Anwer. On !' &nd

w&rd '!de +e &er !' +e&6!y 7or!7!ed. I !' /n!?ey +& +e D/1+

w! br!n, +e!r S1+ed b&er!e' !no &1!on &,&!n' +e En,!'+ /on

w+o'e ,oodw! +ey deend 7or +e!r 1oon!e'. T+ere7ore 6!& Anwer

or !7 need be D/n?!r? +e En,!'+ 1&n @o!n / w!+ +e Be,!&n' &nd

Fren1+ !n +e o'!!on L!,eN&-/r. Fro- +ere +e +ree or wo o7

+e- w! be &be no ony o re6en +e Ger-&n' 1ro''!n, +e Me/'e

beween G!6e &nd L!,e b/ &'o -o' e77e1!6ey o 7&n? & Ger-&n

&&1? on +e Fren1+ o'!!on Be7orMX!re'.

Une'' +ere7ore +e Ger-&n' &re re&red o '/77er & 'er!o/'de7e& +ey &re ob!,ed o &&1? +e o77en'!6e 7&n? w+!1+ +e Be,!&n'

+&6e &dded o +e Fren1+ o'!!on. T+!' 1&n be done !7 & &n e&ry '&,e

& Ger-&n &r-y 1ro''e' +e Me/'e beow L!,e w+ee' e7 &nd !n6&de'

Be,!/- &nd Fr&n1e e7 o7 +e Me/'e &nd S&-bre9 w+!e & 'e1ond

&r-y '/or' +e &&1? beween G!6e &nd N&-/r on\% +e r!,+

o7 +o'e r!6er' & +!rd &d6&n1e' on +e 'e1or MX!re'*erd/n &nd

& 7o/r+ &d6&n1e' on +e 7ron *erd/nBe7or.

An &&1? on 'o &r,e & '1&e re/!re' & &r,e &r-y. T+e Ger-&n

1or' w!+ & 1o/-no7-&r1+ en,+ o7 wenyn!ne ?!o-ere'e51/d!n, r&!n +&6e be1o-e 6ery 1/-bro/'. I7 ony +e!r !n7&nry

'ren,+ were no !n /n7&6o/r&be roor!on o +e &r!ery +ey

1o/d be d!6!ded &nd e&1+ +&7 be re&ed &' & new 1or'. B/ &' +e

Re'er6e d!6!'!on' &re &oed oo !e &r!ery !n roor!on o

!n7&nry & -ore 7&6o/r&be &rr&n,e-en o7 +e &r-y -!,+ be

&1+!e6ed by & 1o-b!n&!on o7 &r-y 1or' &nd Re'er6e d!6!'!on'. T+e

weny7o/r b&&!on' &nd ";; ,/n' (e51/d!n, +e&6y &r!ery) o7 &

< Parallel phrasing in see 'ppendi+# # elo8.

8 Na"ur on is a!!identally left out in the fair !opy.

I*. SCHLIEFFEN8S MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER &-T, IQI:

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


1or' &nd +e we6e b&&!on' &nd +!ry'!5 ,/n' o7 & Re'er6ed!6!'!on y!ed 6

3 '2 b&&!on'

"%< ,/n'

o7 w+!1+ +e 7!r' 1o/d !7 ne1e''&ry be !n1re&'ed o 7ory by _,er

b&&!on' '/r/' !n7&nry br!,&de' &nd re,!-en' &nd Re'er6e

b&&!on'. H&7 o7 +& wo/d br!n, e&1+ d!6!'!on / o

:< b&&!on'

(7o/r br!,&de' o7 7!6e b&&!on' e&1+) &nd

#< ,/n'

!.e. o & 'ren,+ &-o' e/& o +& o7 +e 1or' !n "%9< b/ 7&r

'/r&''!n, +e- !n 7!reow Ter no 1o/n!n, -&1+!ne,/n' &nd +e&6y

&r!ery.

T+!' -!5/re o7 A1!6e &nd Re'er6e roo' -!,+ be 6!ewed w!+

do/b. B/ ! &re&dy e5!''4 "" Re'er6e 1or' &re o be e-oyed w!+

weny7!6e &r-y 1or' !n +e 7!r' !ne ,ener&y w!+ +e '&-e

&'?' b/ /ne/& -e&n'. In 7//re !n'e&d o7 +e'e +!ry'!5 1or'

one 1o/d / !no +e 7!ed 7!7yone d!6!'!on' o7 e/& 1o-o'!!on

&nd 'ren,+ (+e G/&rd' 1o/n!n, &' +ree).In e&1+ d!6!'!on we6e A1!6e b&&!on' wo/d be /'ed 7or &1/&

1o-b& '/or be!n, ro6!ded by & 'e1ond !ne o7 e!,+ Re'er6e

b&&!on'.

W!+ +e 7!7yone d!6!'!on' 1orre'ond!n, o +e or!,!n& 1or' +e

w+oe !ne Be7orN!@-e,en 1&n be &&1?ed.

For-ery w+en +e Fren1+ were !n1!ned /rey ow&rd' +e de7en

'!6e ! w&' o''!be o re'r!1 +e &&1? o & &r o7 +e w+oe !ne.

B/ now +& +ey &re !-b/ed w!+ +e o77en'!6e '!r! we -/'

&''/-e +& +e &r no &&1?ed w! &d6&n1e o77en'!6ey. To 1o/ner+!' ! wo/d be ne1e''&ry o +od 'ron, re'er6e'. B/ ! !' '!-er

o ,&!n +e !n!!&!6e by /'!n, +e- !n +e &&1? 7ro- +e 6ery

be,!nn!n,.

T+e Ne+er&nd' &re re&red 7or &n o/7&n?!n, o7 +e o'!!on

N&-/rL!e,e. T+ey !nend o de7end +e Me/'e !ne & e&' &

M&&'r!1+. Aon, +e w+oe 'e1!on 7ro- L!e,e o +e W&&# +ere &re

ony +ree ro&d &nd +ree r&!w&y br!d,e' +ere &re +owe6er

n/-ero/' 1ro''!n,o!n' 7or w+o'e de7en1e +e D/1+ &r-y w!

3 "!hlieen 8rites repeatedly te (aag, ut oiously means the Waal.

"93 !6. SCHLIEFFEN8S MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER :%TH "#":

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


+&rdy +&6e eno/,+ roo'. G!6en 1&re7/ re&r&!on (be7ore+&nd

!n e&1e!-e) ! w! be o''!be o 'e1/re & 7!r' 1ro''!n, o!n &nd

+/' +e w+oe n/-ber &nd 'o o 1ro'' +e Me/'e w!+ &' -&ny

1o/-n'. W!+ +e 7/r+er &d6&n1e ! w! & 7!r' be ne1e''&ry o +&6e 1o6er

&,&!n' +e Ne+er&nd' &nd & &nd!n, on D/1+ err!ory. T+e '!-e'

-e+od !' 7or & d!6!'!on o /'+ nor+ o7 +e W&& o +e 7or!7!ed w&er

!ne N&&rdenUre1+Gor!n1+e- w+!e & 'e1ond d!6!'!on &d6&n1e'

'o/+ o7 +e W&& o +e Me/'e &nd S1+ed 7&' & Geerr/!denber, &'

7&r &' +e 1ro''!n, !no Be!er&nd. For +e !n6e'!n, o7 Anwer wo

d!6!'!on' w! be ne1e''&ry 7or L!e,e &nd N&-/r on +e e7 b&n? o7

+e Me/'e one. Beyond +e 'r&e,!1 de7!e AnwerN&-/r +e e7

w!n, o7 +e &r-y w! 7oow +e e7 b&n? o7 +e S&-bre ow&rd' S.

Q/en!n w+!e +e r!,+ o -&?e roo- 7or +e deoy-en 7oow'

+e d!re1!on G+enS. O-er o Abbe6!e. A 1or' 7oow!n, +e

r!,+ w!n, w! ro6!de 1o6er &,&!n' D/n?!r? Gr&6e!ne' C&&!' &nd

Bo/o,ne &nd & o''!be &nd!n, +ere. S!n1e L!e &nd M&/be/,e -/'

&'o be !n6e'ed e!,+ o n!ne d!6!'!on' on +e r!,+ w!n, o7 +e &r-y

w! +&6e o be /'ed be7ore 7orre''e' e1.

To -!n!-!'e +!' o'' ! w! be &d6!'&be o 1on7ron +e Be,!&n

Go6ern-en w!+ +e 1+o!1e o7 & bo-b&rd-en o7 !' 7or!7!ed own'&r!1/&ry L!e,e &' we &' & 1on'!der&be e6yor o7 +&nd!n, o6er

& 7orre''e' r&!w&y' &nd roo'. B/ o /rn +e +re&ened bo-

b&rd-en !no re&!y !7 ne1e''&ry +e +e&6y &r!ery -/' be '/!

&by e/!ed. T+e &er w! &'o ro6e ne1e''&ry !n +e 7/r+er 1o/r'e

o7 +e 1&-&!,n. To be,!n w!+ +e ,re& !nd/'r!& ow rn o7 L!e

o77er' &n e51een &r,e 7or bo-b&rd-en.

For +e !n6e'!n, o7 7orre''e' w+!1+ +&6e no 1&!/&ed 7or

+e o11/&!on o7 1on/ered err!ory &nd 7or 'e1/r!n, !ne' o7 1o-

-/n!1&!on +e &r-y w! be 7oowed &' 'oon &' o''!be by +eL&ndwe+r +e Er'& roo' &nd '!n1e +e'e &one w! no be '/77!1!en

+e -ob!!'ed L&nd'/r-.

Le6e w!+ +e 7!r' &r-y & 'e1ond &r-y o7 e!,+ d!6!'!on' w!

&d6&n1e 'o/+ o7 +e Me/'e /'!n, one d!6!'!on o !n6e' L!e,e

&nd N&-/r on +e 'o/+. I w! 1ro'' +e Me/'e beween N&-/r &nd

Me!ere' +e r!,+ w!n, 7oow!n, +e r!,+ b&n? o7 +e S&-bre

e&6!n, & d!6!'!on be7ore M&/be/,e &nd &?!n, +e d!re1!on o7 S.

Q/en!n w+!e +e e7 w!n, &?e' +e d!re1!on o7 Re+e.

T+e +!rd &r-y w! &d6&n1e w!+ 7!6e 1or' +ro/,+ 'o/+ern

I * . SCHLIEFFEN8S MEMORANDUM OF DECEMBER &-T, "13& I 7$

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


Be,!/- &nd L/5e-bo/r, &,&!n' +e Me/'e beween Me!ere' &nd

*erd/n.

T+e 7o/r+ &r-y w!+ '!5 1or' w! &&1? +e 7ron *erd/n

Be7or re'!n, !' e7 w!n, &,&!n' +e &re& o7 Porrenr/y !n ne/r&

Sw!er&nd. So 7&r &' Be7or &nd E!n& &re 1on1erned +!' &&1?

1&nno do -ore +&n 'e& +e- on +e e&' '!de. A,&!n' +e 7or' o7

+e Uer Mo'ee +e ,& beween E!n& &nd To/ &nd +e +!

o'!!on beween +e &er 7orre'' &nd *erd/n '!e,e &1!1' w! +&6e

o be /'ed. T+e 7or!7!1&!on' ro/nd N&n1y 1&n be red/1ed by +e

bo-b&rd-en+re&ened or &1/&o7 +e own. I7 +!' '/11eed'

+e Ger-&n' w! 1o-e !no o''e''!on o7 +e +!,+ &e&/ oo'!e

To/ w+!1+ !' w&'+ed by +e Me/r+e &nd +e Mo'ee. A bre&?

+ro/,+ !n +e 'ron,y +ed o'!!on Be7or*erd/n +owe6er1&n ony be +oed 7or w+en +e +!rd &r-y +&' 1ro''ed +e Me/'e

&nd +!' !n /rn 1&n ony '/11eed w+en +e 'e1ond &nd 7!r' &r-!e'

+&6e 1ro''ed +e Fren1+ 7ron!er.

A '/11e''7/ -&r1+ +ro/,+ Be,!/- on bo+ '!de' o7 +e Me/'e !'

+ere7ore +e rere/!'!e o7 & 6!1ory. I w! '/11eed beyond do/b !7

! !' ony +e Be,!&n &r-y w+!1+ r!e' o ob'r/1 !. B/ ! w! be

6ery d!77!1/ !7 +e En,!'+ &r-y &nd er+&' e6en &r o7 +e Fren1+

!' re'en. T+e &re& beween N&-/r &nd Anwer !' 'o 1on7!ned

+& ! 1&n e&'!y be bo1?ed by +e En,!'+ &nd Be,!&n 1or' '/ored !7 ne1e''&ry by & 7ew Fren1+ 1or'. In +!' 1&'e +e &d6&n1e o7

+e 'e1ond &r-y on +e r!,+ o7 +e S&-bre -/' 1re&e & bre&+!n,

'&1e. I7 +ey oo 7!nd +e Me/'e bo1?ed beween N&-/r &nd

Me!ere' +e 1&n 1o-e ony 7ro- &n &&1? on +e w+oe 7ron w!+ &

bre&?+ro/,+ & 'o-e o!n &7er &r,e'1&e +e&6y &r!ery re&r&!on.

B/ !n ,ener& we -/' / o/r r/' !n &n o6erw+e-!n, r!,+

w!n, w+!1+ w! ro,re''!6ey br!n, +e w+oe !ne 7orw&rd. W+en

+e &er re&1+e' +e &ro5!-&e e6e Abbe6!e S. Q/en!n Re+e

*erd/n +e Fren1+ w! 'owy e6&1/&e +e o'!!on *erd/nTo/

To/E!n& e1. T+e!r ,ener& rere& w! 7!r' be ow&rd' +e

o'!!on R+e!-'L& Fere +en ow&rd' P&r!'. T+e 7!r' 'e1ond &nd +!rd

Ger-&n &r-!e' @o!ned by +e ree&'ed 1or' w!+ 'ron, 1&6&ry on

+e!r w!n,' w! 7oow !n & w!de &r1 w!+ +e !nen!on o7 1o-eey

en1!r1!n, +e ,re&e' o''!be &r o7 +e ene-y &r-y.

For +e o11/&!on o7 +e 1on/ered err!ory &nd +e 1o6er!n, o7

+e !ne' o7 1o--/n!1&!on +e L&ndwe+r &nd Er'& roo' w! no

be '/77!1!en. T+e L&nd'/r- -/' be -ob!!'ed.

"9$ I. SCHLIEFFEN2S MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER :%TH

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


APPENDI TO THE MEMORANDUM OF "#":

E+tra!ts from the parallel ersion of ,raft >E>

". :"ee footnote H# aoe.F

3"Be7ore +e &!e' be,&n +e &&1? on +e Poe' +ey +&d o

d!'o'e o7 +e new &r-y &e&r!n, on +e!r r!,+ 7&n?. I7 +ey

/rned &,&!n' +& &r-y +ey +&d o be re&red 7or &n &&1?

7ro- Po&nd !n +e 7&n? &nd +e re&r. T+e d!77!1/ &'? o7

-&?!n, &n o77en'!6e !n wo d!re1!on' 1o/d ony be &1+!e6ed

w!+ 1on'!der&be 7or1e'. A/'r!& 1o/d r&!'e +e'e '!n1e '+e +&d

+er w+oe &r-y be+!nd +er &nd ony +e '-&er &r o7 +eR/''!&n &r-y !n 7ron b/ no 'o Ger-&ny . . .

3:S!-/&neo/'y w!+ +e -&?!n, o7 +e o77en'!6e !no Po&nd

+e &!e' +&d o /rn e&'w&rd &,&!n' +e ene-y +re&en!n,

+e!r 7&n?. T+!' do/be &'? 1o/d ony be &1+!e6ed w!+

1on'!der&be 7or1e'. . .

:. :"ee footnote C# aoe.F

A/'r!& 'ood &'!de. S+e w&' 'ron, eno/,+ o de7end +er'e7 &,&!n'

+e '-&er &r o7 +e R/''!&n &r-y w+!1+ w&' 7&r 7ro- +e e&'ern7ron!er o7 G&!1!& &nd & +e '&-e !-e o 1on/er Serb!& &nd /r'/e

o+er &!-' !n +e B&?&n en!n'/&. Ger-&ny -e&nw+!e 7&1ed -/1+

+e ,re&er &r o7 +e &r-y -ob!!'ed by R/''!& &nd +e w+oe Fren1+

&r-y w!+o/ &ny '/or. T+e &er (Fr&n1e) w&' +er 'worn ene-y.

B/ w!+ +e 7or-er '+e w&' 1onne1ed by r&d!!on& 7r!end'+! &nd

+&d no o!n' o7 d!77eren1e o 1&/'e & 'e&r&!on '+e +&d ony /rned

+er !no &n ene-y 7or +e '&?e o7 A/'r!&. I7 +e'e . . .

'. :"ee footnote 5 # aoe.F

:The follo8ing is partly !rossed out in >_>.F

T+e Ger-&n &r-y w&' ro/,+y e/& o +e &er (+e Fren1+ &r-y)

+e R/''!&n &r-y 7&1!n, Ger-&ny rere'ened & '/r/' w+!1+ +e

wo Enene Power' +o/,+ wo/d ,/&r&nee +e- 6!1ory. Howe6er

+ey -&de no /'e o7 +!' &d6&n&,e e&1+ 7ee!n, +& by +er' e4 '+e

w&' /ne/& o +e Ger-&n &r-y !n bo+ n/-ber' &nd /&!y &nd

&1?!n, 7&!+ !n +e o+er8' w+oe+e&red 1ooer&!on. E&1+ 7e&red

be!n, e7 !n +e /r1+ &nd de!6ered !no +e ,r&' o7 +e -ore ower7/

I. MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER :%TH "#":. A//ENDI

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


ene-y. I w&' no ony +e Tr!e A!&n1e w+!1+ re'er6ed E/roe&n

e&1e +ro/,+ +e'e +ree de1&de' b/ +e Ger-&n &r-y &nd +e 7e&r

&nd re-b!n, ! !n'!ed !no Ger-&ny8' ene-!e'.

4. :"ee footnote < # aoe.F. . . w+!e &no+er &r-y 7!r' -&r1+e' / +e r!,+ b&n? o +e Me/'e

1ro''e' +e r!6er beween G!6e &nd N&-/r &nd +en -&r1+!n, on +e

r!,+ b&n? o7 +e S&-bre &11o-&n!e' +e 7!r' &r-y on +e e7. T+e

r!6er !' 'o-ew+& w!de &nd +e w+oe 'e1or 7ro- L!e,e o R&6en

'e!n () 1on&!n' ony +ree ro&d br!d,e' &nd wo r&!w&y br!d,e'.

So-e o7 +e'e -&y be de'royed or o11/!ed. B/ o re6en e6ery

1ro''!n, !n '/1+ & on, 'e1or !' 'o-e+!n, 7or w+!1+ +e D/1+ &r-y

1&n +&rdy be re&red one -/' be re&dy o b/!d /!e & n/-ber o7

br!d,e' +owe6er. For +e &d6&n1e -/' be -&de w!+ &' -&ny 1o/-n'

&' o''!be !n order o be 1o6ered on +e nor+ &nd on bo+ 7&n?' &nd

ye be &be o !n6&de Fr&n1e w!+ & 1on'!der&be &r-y. T+/' +e

Ger-&n' w! be ob!,ed o &&1? +e w+oe on, !ne 7ro- Be7or o

+e Me/'e bend 'o/+ o7 N!@-e,en. Pre6!o/'y &' on, &' we ?new

+e Fren1+ were 'r!1 &d+eren' o +e de7en'!6e !de& we 1o/d

e51/de +e 'o/+ern &r o7 +!' on, !ne 7ro- +e *erd/n &re&

onw&rd'. Now +& +e ene-y !' /'!n, 7or +e o77en'!6e we -/' e5

e1 &n &&1? by +e 7or1e' !n +o'e 'e1or' o7 +e o'!!on no &&1?ed.

To -ee '/1+ &n &&1? ! w! be ne1e''&ry o ?ee 'ron, re'er6e'

re&dy 7or &1!on er+&' !n Me. B/ +e n/-ber o7 roo' re/!red

7or +!' wo/d no be &ny '-&er +&n +& re/!red 7or &n &&1? & +e

o/'e. E6en !7 we 7oow +e r!n1!e o7 /'!n, 7ew roo' w+ere &

'/11e'' 1&n +&rdy be e5e1ed on '/1+ &n e5ended !ne we '+& '!

need ,re&er 7or1e' +&n we +&6e 'o 7&r e'!-&ed. T+ey 1&n er+&'

be 7o/nd by & '!,+y 1+&n,ed or,&n!'&!on. :The !ontinuation sho8s

no material differen!es from the final ersion.F

"7- I. MEMORAND0M OF DECEM1ER :%TH "#":. A//ENDI

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


* NOTES BJ MAOR W. *ON HAHNKE ON GRAF

SCHLIEFFEN8S MEMORANDUM OF

DECEMBER :%+ "#":

I1$E follo8ing >notes> in thirteen pages of $ahnes hand8riting are

found inserted after the title page of the types!ript !opy :1F of "!hlie2fens

memorandum of 191G. The maps referred to at the end are among

"!hlie2fens papers.

Noe' on +e &&1+ed -e-or&nd/-4

33H!' E51een1y F!ed M&r'+& Gr&7 S1+!e77en !nended +e &&1+ed

-e-or&nd/- &' & '/e-en o +e -e-or&nd/- 1o-o'ed on

+!' re!re-en !n &n/&ry "#<0. Fro- +en on +e '/,,e'ed

oer&!on o11/!ed +e F!ed M&r'+& 1on!n/o/'y. H!' -!!&ry

'1!en!7!1 '/d!e' !n +e oer&!on& 7!ed &nd +!' 1on'&n '/dy o7

E/roe&n o!!1' &' 7&r &' +!' w&' o''!be 7ro- +e Pre''

1on7!r-ed +e F!ed M&r'+& !n +e 6!ew' +ere e5re''ed.

3; A7er 1o-e!n, +e 7!n& e''&y on C&nn&e !n O1ober "#": +e

F!ed M&r'+& ree&edy wor?ed on dr&7!n, +e 1onen' o7

&,e' " o 3" o7 +e -e-or&nd/-. T+!' 7!n& 6er'!on +e F!ed

M&r'+& d!1&ed o -e on De1e-ber :0+ &nd :9+ "#": +&6!n,

ree&edy &nd 7or +e &' !-e on De1e-ber :;+ &nd :$+

e5&!ned o -e +!' &n' &nd 6!ew'.

3$T+e F!ed M&r'+& &'o d!'1/''ed +e o!n' +e r&!'e' o6er &

-& w!+ H!' E51een1y Gener& o7 +e C&6&ry 6on H&/'-&nn

!n wo 1on6er'&!on' o7 'e6er& +o/r' +e &' be!n, on De1e-ber

:%+ "#":. A&r 7ro- Gener& 6on H&/'-&nn &nd -y'e7 ony

F/,e&d@/&n L!e/en&nCoone 6on Do--e' +&' ?nowed,e o7

+e 6!ew' 'e 7or+.

;. A7er +e &' 1on6er'&!on w!+ Gener& 6on H&/'-&nn +e F!ed

M&r'+& wroe on +e '&-e e6en!n, De1e-ber :%+ &,e' 3" o"

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


8/17/2019 Ritter 1


&nd ";; 7!ed ,/n' e6en &ow!n, 7or '/!&be d!'o'!!on !n

de+.

3#T+e F!ed M&r'+& w&' &w&y' '&y!n, +& w+en !n oer&!on&

'/d!e' &nd w&r ,&-e' d/r!n, +!' er- o7 o77!1e Re'er6e d!6!'!on'

&nd e6en/&y Re'er6e 1or' &nd Er'& roo' were /'ed &-o'

!n +e roe o7 A1!6e 7or-&!on' +!' w&' & -&?e'+!7 be1&/'e

7/r+er A1!6e &r-y 1or' +&d no been '&n1!oned. By /'!n, +e

Re'er6e 1or' w!+ +e!r /n7&6o/r&be &r!ery 'ren,+ +e 'o/,+

o !nd/1e +!' 1oe&,/e' o -&?e e5r&ord!n&ry e5er!on' w+en

'o-e!!n, e5r&ord!n&ry w&' o be &1+!e6ed &nd o !nd/1e +e-

o 7!nd w&y' &nd -e&n' o7 re'or!n, +e Re'er6e' o +e!r or!,!n&

roe4 no !n +e 7!r' !ne &on,'!de A1!6e roo' b/ !n +e 'e1ond!ne &' '/or &nd 7oow/ 7or1e'. T+e F!ed M&r'+& 7e +&

+!' '/,,e'ed d!6!'!on or 1or' +owe6er one 1+oo'e' o 1& ! o7

we6e A1!6e &nd e!,+ Re'er6e b&&!on' wo/d '!-!7y -ob!!'&

!on. T+e F!ed M&r'+& +o/,+ e&1+ '/1+ d!6!'!on '+o/d !n

,ener& be 7oowed by Er'& roo' L&ndwe+r we r&!ned

&nd or,&n!'ed Er'& Re'er6e' &nd L&nd'/r- o7 +e '&-e

err!or!& d!'r!1 be1&/'e !n +!' o!n!on +e w+oe o7 +e ene-y8'

1o/nry be+!nd +e 7!,+!n, 7or1e' wo/d re-&!n !n rebe!on &nd

& '&e o7 w&r.;<On 6&r!o/' o11&'!on' +e F!ed M&r'+& '&!d +& 7or +e !ne6!&be

Peoe8' W&r be'!de' +e 7/ /'e o7 ,ener& 1on'1r!!on &nd +e

r&!n!n, o7 +e Er'& Re'er6e -!!&ry 'er6!1e '+o/d &'o be

roon,ed &' w&' +e 1&'e !n "% 9<".

;"I +&6e '/--&r!'ed +e e-oy-en o7 +e 7!7yone d!6!'!on' &'

!nended by +e F!ed M&r'+& !n en1o'/re (").

;:T+e b/e -&r1+!n, ro/e' on +e en1o'ed ro&d -& were dr&wn

!n by +e F!ed M&r'+& +!-'e7 & +e be,!nn!n, o7 De1e-ber"1":. Be1&/'e o7 +e ,ood ro&d newor? +e F!ed M&r'+& +&'

bro?en / &r o7 +e nor+ern ,ro/ !no br!,&de 1o/-n'. T+e

7orre'' -& We' (" 4 "<<<<<<) I -&r?ed / -y'e7 &11ord!n,

o +e F!ed M&r'+&8' !n'r/1!on' &7er +!' de&+. T+e F!ed

M&r'+& !nended o &&1+ '/1+ & ,ener& -& o +!' 7!n!'+ed

-e-or&nd/-.

W!+e- 6on H&+n?e

M&@or &nd B&&!on Co--&nder

"' Foo G/&rd'

. NOTES 1 MA+OR (. ON HAHNKE ON TET I

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


S/--&ry o7 +e e-oy-en o7 $" d!6!'!on'.

: d!6!'!on' &,&!n' Ho&nd.

: d!6!'!on' &,&!n' Anwer.

;3d!6!'!on &,&!n' L!e,eN&-/r e7 o7 +e Me/'e.;;d!6!'!on' &,&!n' D/n?!r?Gr&6e!ne' C&&!' Bo/o,ne &nd 7or

ob'er6&!on o7 +e 1o&'.

: d!6!'!on' &,&!n' L!e &nd M&/be/,e.

1

": d!6!'!on' &' irst 'rmy 7or +e o77en'!6e e7 o7 +e Me/'e &nd

S&-bre d!re1!on Abbe6!eS. Q/en!n.

- d!6!'!on' &' "e!ond 'rmy 'o/+ o7 +e Me/'e o7 w+!1+" d!6!'!on &,&!n' L!e,eN&-/r

n &,&!n' M&/be/,e.

"< d!6!'!on' &' Third 'rmy &,&!n' Me!ere'*erd/n.

": d!6!'!on' &' ourth 'rmy &,&!n' *erd/nBe7or.

$"

"%" . NOTES 1 MA+OR (. ON HAHNKE ON TET I

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


*I. SCHLIEFFEN8S OPERATIONAL PLAN FOR RED

(FRANCE) OF "#"""

ools!ap enelope ins!ried@

Gr&7 S1+!e77en8' oer&!on& &n 7or Fr&n1e &,&!n' Ger-&ny

:on $ahnes hand8ritingF

En!losed# a slip of paper in on $ahnes 8riting@

B&1?,ro/nd4 T+e ,re& r!de o7 "#"" w&' &bo/ o be +ed. Gener&

W!nd+e!- w&' o 1o--&nd Red. He ,&6e -e +!' deoy-en &nd

oer&!on' '1+e-e &'?!n, -e o '+ow ! o Gr&7 S1+!e77en be1&/'e +e

w&ned o +e&r H.E.8' o!n!on. W!nd+e!- w&' +e ony -&n o7 'en'e

&nd +& !n1/de' Mo?e @/n. L/dendor77 Se!n &nd Co-&nyw+o

/rned o +e -&'er. T+e re' !n1/d!n, Mo?e &nd L/dendor77

were 7oo!'+ eno/,+ ne6er o &'? S1+!e77en8' o!n!on &ny on,er.

F!n& re'/4 +e o' w&r. )tem# S1+!e77en d!d no &ro6e o7 W!nd

+e!-8' &n b/ / +!' +o/,+' o &er '/e-en!n, +e-

6erb&y o -e &' I +&6e !nd!1&ed !n +e o''1r!.

6. H&. "";.:3

"!hlieffen s o8n 8riting# si+ half%page !olumns 8ith an insertion in the

left%hand !olumn. Posts!ript in $ahnes 8riting# four pages.

T+e 'ren,+ o7 +e Ger-&n &r-y e&d' one o &''/-e +& !n +e

&&1? ! w! o11/y +e w+oe en,+ o7 +e 7ron!er 7ro- Be7or oL/5e-bo/r,. Here ! en1o/ner' 7or!7!ed !ne' or o'!!on' w+!1+ by

+e!r n&/r& 'ren,+ wo/d +od ! / 7or 'o-e !-e. I !' no /n!?ey

+ere7ore +& ! w! e5end 7&r+er o +e r!,+ &nd 1ro'' L/5e-bo/r,

&nd Be,!&n err!ory. Fr&n1e +&' '/77!1!en 7or1e' no ony o '&7e,/&rd

+er'e7 &,&!n' '/1+ &n o/7&n?!n, or en6eo-en b/ o 1o/ner !

w!+ &n e6en -ore e5ended o/7&n?!n,. T+e 7ron o7 +er w+oe

border o'!!on !' 'o 'ron, +& ! 1&n be 'e1/red w!+ 7ew roo'.

By 7&r +e &r,e' &r o7 +e &r-y !' &6&!&be 7or 7&n?!n, -o6e-en'.

T+ere7ore +ere 1&n be no do/b +& Fr&n1e w! -&?e '/re o7 Be,!/-

> Cf. a&&ount in: Foer%ter, 7raf "!hlieffen und der Weltrieg (!#:$)Y pp. 99#

"%3

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


!n ,ood !-e. S+e w! &nno/n1e o +e Be,!&n Go6ern-en +& '+e

!nend' o -&?e & penetration pa!ifique ,/&r&nee!n, +e !ndeenden1e

o7 +e 1o/nry b/ de-&nd!n, !n re/rn +& +e Be,!&n &r-y +e

Be,!&n 7orre''e' &nd +e Be,!&n r&!w&y' be / & +er d!'o'&.

Be,!/- +&' 'e1/red +er'e7 by 7orre''e' &,&!n' Ger-&ny b/ !n no w&y &,&!n' Fr&n1e. To +e ne!,+bo/r w+o w&n' o ener&e !

e&1e&by +e 1o/nry !e' oen. Con7roned w!+ +e 1+o!1e o7

@o!n!n, Fr&n1e o +e +er o 6!1ory &nd +/' ,e!n, o77 !,+y or &

de'er&e 'r/,,e end!n, !n '/b@/,&!on by one or o+er o7 +e

be!,eren' '+e w! no +e'!&e 7or on,. I7 Be,!/- 1+oo'e' o

-&!n&!n +er ne/r&!y +e Fren1+ &r-y w! !n6&de +er &nd !-o'e

7or & '&r & w&r e6y o7 'o-e +o/'&nd -!!on'. Be,!&n ne/r&!y

+&' been ,/&r&need by +e Gre& Power'. B/ w! R/''!& +e &y

o7 Fr&n1e or En,&nd +e &er8' &rner !n +e Enene or re-oer

'! A/'r!& !ner6ene T+e deoy-en o7 +e Fren1+ &r-y wo/d

+en &?e &1e &on, +e !ne Be7orL!,e. T+e '!/&!on 1o/d be

7/r+er !-ro6ed !7 be7ore +e de1&r&!on o7 w&r on +e 7!r' word o7

-ob!!'&!on & de&1+-en 7ro- Be7or were o o11/y H/n!n,en

&nd 'e!e +e br!d,e o6er +e R+!ne +ere. O+er 'ron,er de&1+

-en' 7ro- Be7or &nd +e *o',e' wo/d -e&nw+!e &?e by '/rr!'e

:si! ) +e ,&rr!'on o7 M/+o/'e ,&!n o''e''!on o7 +e br!d,e oo'!e

M/+e!- +en -&r1+ down're&- &nd ener&e &' 7&r &' Sr&'bo/r,'e& o77 +e 7orre'' on +e 'o/+ '+oo Ne/Bre!'&1+ o !e1e' 'e!e

& +e 1ro''!n,' on +e d!77!1/ Uer R+!ne &nd o11/y bo+ b&n?'.

S!n1e "%9< '/1+ bod 6en/re' !n &d6&n1e o7 1o-ee -ob!!'&!on

+&6e +&d & b&d n&-e. B/ & +e !-e +ey were 7/y e77e1!6e &nd ony

7&!ed o e&d o & re& '/11e'' be1&/'e &n' 7or +e r&n'or o7

e&1e'ren,+ /n!' +e!r !n1re&'e o w&r'ren,+ &nd -ob!!'&!on

!n ,ener& were & !n'/77!1!eny re&red.

T+e Fren1+ &r-y w! +en 1on'!' o7 & r!,+ w!n, beween 'o/+

o7 Sr&'bo/r, &nd N&n1y & 1enre beween N&n1y &nd *erd/n &nd &e7 w!n, on +e !ne *erd/nL!,e. T+e r!,+ 7&n? w! be 1o6ered

by +e ,&rr!'on' o'ed on +e Uer R+!ne 7or w+!1+ +e 7orre''

,&rr!'on' o7 Be7or &nd E!n& 1&n be dr&wn /on. For 1o6er!n, +e

e7 7&n? +e D/1+ &r-y w! be /'ed &' we /nder & ,/&r&nee o7

!ndeenden1e o +e 1o/nry ! w! be &'?ed 7!r' o o11/y +e Me/'e

7ro- L!,e down're&- &nd +en o 7oow +e e7 w!n, o7 +e &r-y

&1!n, &' e7 e1+eon 7or +e roe1!on o7 +e R+!ne. T+e wo w!n,'

(on & :$<?!o-ere 7ron) &re !nended o 1on'!' !n +e -&!n o7

"%3 6!. SCHLIEFFEN8S PLAN FOR RED (FRANGE) OF "#""

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


weny7o/r A1!6e 1or' (7o/r o7 +e- Be,!&n). F/r+er re/!re-en'

w! be -e by Re'er6e 1or'. T+e 1enre w! 1on'!' 'oey o7 Re'er6e

1or' &&r 7ro- +e 7orre'' ,&rr!'on' o7 To/ &nd *erd/n. Se1ond

&nd +!rd !ne roo' (Terr!or!&') w! 7oow e'e1!&y on +e w!n,'

o ,!6e 7&n? 1o6er. W+en deoy-en !' 1o-eed &nd &ry w+!e ! !' '! !n

ro,re'' +e e7 w!n, w! w+ee r!,+ &nd &d6&n1e &,&!n' +e !ne

S!er1?Coben w+!e +e r!,+ w!n, !n6e'!n, Sr&'bo/r, on +e

w&y re'' !' r!,+ 7&n? on +e R+!ne &nd on +e e7 &?e' +e d!re1!on

o7 S&&rbr1?en. L!n?!n, / w!+ bo+ w!n,' +e 1enre w! &d6&n1e

&,&!n' +e we'ern &nd 'o/+ern 7ron o7 Me &nd &er w+ee &,&!n'

+e e&'ern 7ron. M&''ed 1&6&ry '/ored by !n7&nry w! 1ro''

o +e r!,+ b&n? o7 +e R+!ne ry o wre' +e r!6er 1ro''!n,' 7ro- +e

ene-y 7or +e /'e o7 +e!r own &r-y &nd o +re&en +e 7&n?' &nd re&ro7 +e ene-y or o &&1? +e- w+!e +e wo w!n,' 1on!n/e +e!r

1on1enr!1 -&r1+. T+e 7/r+er +!' -&r1+ ro1eed' +e -ore roo'

1&n be +rown &1ro'' +e R+!ne 7or +e ,ener& &&1?.

-on $ahnes posts!ript@

Po''1r!. ote in red pen!il# in $ahnes 8riting@ Gener& 6on

W!nd+e!- re/rned 3"."<.

/' &' I w&' &bo/ o e5ed!e +!' eer -y 7&+er!n&w 1&-e o

'ee -e &nd ,r&1!o/'y ,&6e -e +e 7oow!n, e5&n&!on' w+!1+ I1&nno 7&! o 1o--/n!1&e o Jo/r E51een1y re'e17/y &nd !n

1on7!den1e.

T+e Fren1+ w! 7!nd +e 'r&e,!1 de7en'!6e -o' e5ed!en. B/ !?e

&ny de7en'!6e ! -/' be !n'!red by &n o77en'!6e '!r!. W+& -&er'

!' no o +od +e Ger-&n' o77 b/ o de7e& &nd &nn!+!&e +e-.

P/b!1 o!n!onrerum noarum !upidusw! no oer&e & de&y /n!

+e R/''!&n' &re re&dy 7or @o!n &1!on. T+ere7ore +e o77en'!6e no

/nder re''/re b/ on one8' own !n!!&!6e& e&' re&re 7or !

on oth w!n,'.

I oo?' &' !7 +e Ger-&n !nen!on !' o &&1? +e 7ron o7 b&rr!er

7or' &nd &e- & bre&?+ro/,+. T+e D!re1!n, S&77 -&y

de1!de w+& +ey !?e !n +e ,&-e b/ +e 7&1 !' +& !n w&r +!' bre&?

+ro/,+ w! 7&! &' +&' e6ery o+er bre&?+ro/,+ !n -!!&ry

+!'ory.

T+e 7or' -&y be o7 !e 6&/e. Cer&!ny. B/ +e de7en1e !ne !'

no +e !ne o7 owy!n, &ry !ne77!1!en 7or'4 +e de7en1e o7 +e

6!. SCHLIEFFEN8S PLAN FOR RED (FRANCE) OF "#" I "%;

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


!ne *erd/nTo/ !e' on +e +!,+er e&'ern b&n? o7 +e Me/'e :!rossed

out@ &nd Mo'ee). In +e 6!ew o7 Gr&7 S1+!e77en +e ony 7/n1!on o7

+e 7or' !' o 'e1/re & '&7e 1ro''!n, o7 +e Me/'e 7or +e Fren1+ de7en1e

!n 1&'e o7 & rere&. T+!' e&'ern de7en1e !ne need ony be 6ery we&?y

o11/!ed.

In & w&r /nder +e 1ond!!on' ,!6en Be,!&n ne/r&!y must be

bro?en by one '!de or +e o+er. W+oe6er ,e' +ere 7!r' o11/!e'

Br/''e' &nd !-o'e' & w&re6y o7 'o-e +o/'&nd -!!on' +&'

+e /er +&nd. I d&red o '/b-! o Jo/r E51een1y +& +e

Be,!&n' wo/d be -ore 7&6o/r&by !n1!ned ow&rd' +e Ger-&n

Con7eder&!on. Gr&7 S1+!e77en '&!d od&y +& & 7ew ye&r' &,o w!+

+e /n!-!ed do-!n&!on o7 +e Cer/' +!' wo/d 1er&!ny +&6e

been +e 1&'e. Tod&y +e Cer/' !' '! !n no-!n& 1onro b/ +eR&d!1&So1!&!' -o6e-en 1o--&nd' & -&@or!y w!+ +e eoe

&nd w! 1er&!ny re6&! !n & w&r. T+!' -o6e-en end' ow&rd'

Fr&n1e.: T+e Be,!&n 7orre''e' oo &re de'!,ned !n &11ord w!+ +!'

o/&r 6o!1e&,&!n' Ger-&ny no &,&!n' Fr&n1e.

Fren1+ /b!1 o!n!on wo/d we1o-e &n !n6&'!on o7 Uer

A'&1e. In M/+o/'e +e Re/b!1 !' o be de1&red !--ed!&ey 7or

+e w+oe o7 A'&1eLorr&!ne. T+e newy ,r&ned 1on'!/!on need

no be 1+&n,ed. I !' &re&dy d!re1ed &,&!n' Pr/''!&Ger-&ny. T+ere

7ore ! !' '/,,e'ed on +e b&'!' o7 +e deoy-en ordered by Jo/rE51een1y4

"' &nd :nd Ar-!e' o &d6&n1e left o7 +e R+!ne 7ro- 'o/+ o nor+

&,&!n' +e !ne Sr&'bo/r,N&n1y Me o be en1!r1ed 7ro- +e 'o/+.

T+e R+!ne o be 'e&ed o77 (7or +!' '!5 o 'e6en Re'er6e d!6!'!on' 7ro-

+e -&!n re'er6e Be7or &nd E!n&) 3rd ;+ $+ Ar-!e' o be

,ro/ed 7or +e &d6&n1e +ro/,+ Be,!/- Me o be ,r&d/&y

!n6e'ed 7ro- +e we' &nd nor+.

0+ Ar-y &' S/re-e Ar-y Co--&nd re'er6e o &re& *erd/n.

In6&'!on o7 Uer A'&1e &' 'oon &' o''!be b/ no w!+ !n'/77!1!en7or1e' (wo &r-!e'). T+e &d6&n1e +ro/,+ Be,!/- 1o/d w&! !7

ne1e''&ry b/ +e ,ro/!n, o7 +e &r-!e' on +e b&'!' o7 +e ro&d

newor? '+o/d be re&red e&ry. Terr!or!& d!6!'!on' o be /'ed 7or

o11/y!n, +e !ne o7 b&rr!er 7or' &nd 7or +e en1!r1e-en o7 Me.

Jo/r -o' obed!en 'er6&n

6. H&+n?e.

@ Cf. p. %9 a$o-e, footnote >;.

"%$ 6!. SCHLIEFFEN8S PLAN FOR RED (FRANCE) OF "#""

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


S1+!e77en '/e-ened +!' &n' w!+ & n/-ber o7 -&' &nd +e re7erred o+e'e !n -&r,!n& noe'. T+ey 1on'!'ed o7 &r,e'1&e 1oo/red ,ener& '&77 '+ee' on w+!1+ +e +&d M&@or 6on H&+n?e dr&w !n +e o'!!on' &nd ro/e' o7 &d6&n1e.

T+o'e rerod/1ed +ere &re -erey & 'ee1!on &nd &re o7 1o/r'e -/1+red/1ed !n '!e. T+e b&'!1 -& +&' been redr&wn &nd H&+n?e8' -&r?!n,'+&6e been r&n'7erred. T+e n/-ber!n, &nd e5&n&ory !e' &re H&+n?e8'.

(!) M& I

Ger-&n deoy-en &nd Fren1+ o'!!on'

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A ACHEN ;: ;$ $#A$$e-ille, $# 9$ ";< "$9 "$# "9$ "90Aire 'Ri-er), "30Ai%ne 'Ri-er), $# 0: "30 "39 ";< et sqq.#

"$: "$9 et sqq.

Al$ert, King of te 1elgian%, #3Alge&ira%, Conferen&e of, "#<0 ""3 ""0

":3 ":$Alpine Frontier, 0; "39 "9< "9"Al%a&e9Lorraine, :< et sqq.# ;: $3 et sqq.#

0: %# "3# ";9 "$# "%0 %ee al%o

Lorraine

A"ien%, ";<Anterp, ;0 $9 $% 9" 93 %3 "39 "3%

"0" et sqq.# 1&&# "93 "9$Ar#enne%, ";<

'ufmars!hpl4ne# 33Ostaufmars!h# 3; 39

Westaufmars!h# 3; 3% ;" "3$ et sqq.

Au%tria '9Hungar), 99 9# #< "<" ""#"0# et sqq.# "99 "%;

Ar", :< :3 :; :% :# 3; 39 9;Cief of Staff an# !eneral Staff, :%3<33

B ALFOUR A RTHUR , /ri"e Mini%ter, 9<1alan%, 3: 9; 90 "<" "<: "9< "991allon #e Ser-an&e 'Fort), 0; "3$ "$# "0<1art, Teo#or, pu$li&i%t, "<:1e&, Au%trian Cief of Staff, :% 3< 3"1e&, Lu#ig, Cief of !er"an !eneral

Staff, "#333% :9 #91elfort, ;: ;; $0 $# 9; 9$ 9% "3$ "30

";3 et sqq.# "9: et sqq.

1elgiu", "# :3 39 et sqq.# 1H1 et sqq.

!eneral Staff an# Ar", %; "%; "%$1ernar#i, Frie#ri& -on, $:1ertie, Lor# Fran&i% '1riti% A"$a%%a#or

to Fran&e), %91et"ann9Holeg, Teo$al# -on, !er9

"an Can&ellor, #< et sqq.# "<31i%"ar&, Otto -on, :" 33 3# 9# et sqq.#

#< #3 "<< ":<1Gr, Meeting of te E"peror% at, "#<$

""; ""#1onnal, !eneral, 3%1oulogne, 9$ ";: "9$1riti% E*pe#itionar For&e, $9 0" 0:

03 9< et sqq.# %: et sqq.

1riti% !eneral Staff, %;

1riti% Na-, 0# 9" %% Na-al 1lo&a#e, 9" ":<1ru%%el%, $9 9; "3% "3# "$< "$: "%01lo, 1ernar# -on, !er"an Can9

&ellor, 9< #: et sqq.# "<; et sqq.

1lo, Karl -on, !eneral, $"

C ALAIS 9< 9$ "3: ";: "$3 "9$Ca"$erle, 1riti% !eneral Staff e*er&i%e

at, "%#< %"Ca"p$ell91anner"an, Sir Henr, 9<Ca%telnau, E#ouar#, #e, !nral, %$Cannel /ort%, 03 9< ";: "$3 '%ee al%o

%eparatel)

Clau%eit, Karl -on, ;# #: #3 #0Co$len, $0 ";9 "%$Conra# -on Hten#orff, "<:Croe, Ere, %9 ""0 ""#

DELCASSa THaOPHILE 0#9<"<%""3 et sqq.Den"ar, #;Du&arne, Cief of 1elgian !eneral Staff,

%3 %;Dunir, ;" ;3 $# 9< 9$ %" %; "3:

"30 et sqq.# "$: et sqq.# "93 "9$

E AST PRUSSIA "# :0 et sqq.# "9<E#ar# II, ":"Eine", Karl -on, Mini%ter for (ar, "<#Ei%enart9Rote, !eorg -on, "<%Ei%t, 1aron -an #er, #3Englan#, 0# et sqq.# 9# et sqq.# "<< et sqq.#

":9 "$0 "$# et sqq.# "90 "%;. See al%o1riti% E*pe#itionar For&e, 1riti%

!eneral Staff, 1riti% Na-

Entente, Anglo9Fren&, ""0 ""# ":< ":"

"99 "%;Epinal, $0 "3$ "30 ";% et sqq.# "$9 "0<

"90 "%; "%0E%$Gerg, 9" "03

FOERSTER W OLFGANG 3< 3; 00 "33Fran&e, "9 et sqq.# 9# et sqq.# ""; et sqq.#

"$3 et sqq.# "0$ "9< et sqq.

Con%eil Suprieur #e la !uerre = P

Fran&o9!er"an Di%&u%%ion%, "#< ""%Fran&o9!er"an Agree"ent on Moro&&o

Fren& Ar", "$3 "%;Fren& !eneral Staff, :0 H< et sqq.

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8/17/2019 Ritter 1


Fre#eri& te !reat, $< $: 99 "9:Fretag9Loringo-en, #%

G ALICIA "# et sqq.# "9< "9: "99!er"an Ar", ;0 $% 0: et sqq.# "3% et sqq.

!er"an !eneral Staff, 39 et sqq.# " H et

sqq.# &G et sqq.# %< et sqq.# ":; ":%/ropo%e# ne tpe of Di-i%ion, 9$ "93

!er"an Na-, 9:!i-et, 93 %$ ";: ";# "$$ "$0 "93 "9%!re, E#ar# Earl, 9< %9 %% %# ":3!roener, (ilel", !eneral, "<9 "<%

H AEFTEN *ON, Captain, "<9 "<%Hane, (. -on, MaGor, 93 "<% "3"

"33 "3; "0% "0# "9% "%3 "%$Hal#ane, Ri&ar# 1., 1riti% Se&retar

of State for (ar, 90 %:Ha""ann, O., !er"an Foreign Offi&e,

/re%% Offi&er, ""%Hau%"ann, -on, !eneral of Ca-alr, "0#

"9#Hir%on, %" ";: "$: "03Hitler, A#olf, %% #9Hoenloe, /rin&e -on, #:Hollan#, ;3 $% $# 93 et sqq.# #< #;

"30 ";: ";9 "$: "0" "00 "09"93 et sqq.# "%;

Hol%tein, Frie#ri& Augu%t, 1aron -on, ::9< #" et sqq.# "<$ "<# "": et sqq.

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Cief, %$ et sqq.

+ura 'Fort%), "30 ";$

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L A FERE 0< et sqq.# "30 et sqq.# "90Lan&en9(aenit, 1aron O%ar -on #er,

"<$ "<9 ":$ ":0Laon, "30 ";; ";$ "$: "$9 "0<Li&no%, /rin&e Karl Ma*, %% "<;Liege, ;$ ;0 $9 $% 93 et sqq.# "39 et sqq.

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Loi%on 'Ri-er), ";% "$3Long, $9 "3# ";: "9:Lorraine, :; :9 3$ 3# ;< et sqq.# "3$

"30 ";9

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"3" "30 ";: ";# "$3 "90 "%3

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"$: "$$ "$9 "03 "9$Maunour, !eneral, 03Metterni& 'ur !ra&t), Count /aul

(olff, 9" ""# ":3 ":;Met '9Die#enofen), :< 3% et sqq.# "3% et

sqq.# "9% "%$ "%0Meurte 'Ri-er), 0; "30 "$< "$: "$#

"90Meu%e 'Ri-er), 3% ;; ;0 $9 et sqq.# "33

et sqq.

M&iere%, ;: et sqq.# "33 et sqq.# "93 et sqq.

Mi&el, !eneral, 93 %; %$Miri$el, !eneral, ;<Molte, Hel"ut -on 'te el#er), "9 et

sqq.# "9"Molte, Hel"ut -on 'te ounger), :9 et

sqq.# "0" "0$ "0% "%3Mont"e#, $9 9% %; "3# ";: ";% et sqq.

Moro&&o, ;; 93 9# %: %0 #0 #9 "<3et sqq.

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N AMUR ;$ ; $3 $9 93 9% %$ "3:"39 et sqq.

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"30 "$3 et sqq.# "%0 Ni&ola%, !ran# Due of Ru%%ia, 3 $ Ni&ol%on, Artur, 1riti% 0n#er9%e&retar

of State, %9 Nie# 'Ri-er), "3% "$" "$; Nie"en 'Ri-er), :: :; 30 09 "9< NiG"egen, $0 9; "9; "9%

OBERHOFFER , !eneral, :0Oi%e 'Ri-er), $# et sqq.# "30 et sqq.

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P ARIS "# 3: $# et sqq.# ";" et sqq.# "90/oin&are, Ra"on#, %$ %0 %9/olan#, "# et sqq.# "0# "9< "99/ort Artur, "$"

"INDE

8/17/2019 Ritter 1


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