What were the schlieffen plans' weaknesses?

Answer 1

The Schlieffen Plan was weak because it relied upon the fact that Russia would not mobilise as quickly as she did. In addition little attention was paid to the fact that Britain could enter the war.

Ultimately the Schlieffen Plan failed not because of flaws with the plan but because of the way it was carried out;

1. The German High Command miscalcuated the speed at which Russia could mobilise.

2. German troops did not invade the Netherlands as Count von Schlieffen had intended; as a result roads in Belgium became too clogged with German troops and equipment and vital Channel and North Sea ports were not seized.

3. The German army swung round too early and failed to encircle Paris. In doing so they were unable to attack the French army on the German-French frontier which Count von Schieffen had relied upon crushing the French army.

It is important to note that while the Schlieffen Plan was not perfect it was tactically sound. What really ended its usefulness was the fact that it was slightly out of date (failing to take into account advances in Russia's mobilisation tactics) and the German High Command trying to cut corners and not following the plan to the letter.

Hope this helps.