3. On the morning of the Battle of Mons, Sir John French estimated the German forces they were about to fight at one or two army corps plus cavalry. How large was it really?

4. What made Hindenburg stand out as a candidate to replace Prittwitz as Commander of the German Eighth Army?

5. In spite of reports of disaster and defeat, both Wilson and Joffre continued to plan on what strategy as Chapter 14 draws to a close?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Lanrezac see his Fifth army as left to do while the rest of the French army attacked according to Plan 17?

2. After the Battle of the Frontiers, with the Allies in retreat, what part of the German line attacked through Belgium and France, and what farm implement is their attack compared to?

3. What was the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) doing from August 6-10?

4. What inescapable truth was realized after the battles of Mons and Charleroi, and what country did it make important as a source of supplies?

5. Why was Wavre in flames when Ludendorff drove by it, whereas just a day before it had been a peaceful town? Why is this important to the story?

6. Fed up with the German high command’s (called OHL throughout the book) unwillingness to give certain orders, how did Prince Rupprecht respond regarding his desire to attack the French?

7. What effect did the Germans’ harsh treatment of civilians and non-military personnel have on the two sides and the war in general?

8. Explain the relationship between Ludendorff and Hindenburg, as well as the phrase “‘Was sagst du?’ (What do you say?)” (284).

9. Who were the commanders of the First and Second German armies, and how well did they work together in executing the Schlieffen Plan?

10. What idea did a Turkish minister think of to allow the chased German fleet to enter the safety of the Dardanelles in Chapter 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Break down the idea of Clausewitz’s warning that “military plans which leave no room for the unexpected can lead to disaster” (26) in regards to the German obsession with planning every moment of their invasion down to the minutest detail.