The Origins of the Schlieffen Plan

Historian Ross Beadle gives a free talk on the origins of Germany's Schlieffen Plan and the flawed assumptions behind pre-First World War German war planning.

Ross Beadle examines German war planning before the First World War, tracing how Alfred von Schlieffen's plan for a massive envelopment of France was built on a false premise. The talk explores how the truth of the German plans only emerged decades later, overturning accepted wisdoms about Schlieffen's intentions and the position of his successor, von Moltke the younger. Beadle has lectured on the First World War for 15 years and is currently writing a history of the Schlieffen Plan. The talk is free with donations welcome, and spaces are limited so advance booking is advised.