HST 702 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Erich Von Falkenhayn, Joseph Joffre, Plan Xvii
11 Dec 2017
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Lecture 02 mobilization and the august experience. Mobilization and the august experience: to arms: enlistment and conscription, war fewer: myth of reality. Enthusiasm vs excitement vs patriotism: socialism takes a back seat to nationalism. Armies were very large, process was to give them equipment and training as fast as possible. Fighting doesn"t begin until a couple weeks after august. High levels of enthusiasm and volunteering, 2 year conscription policy. Members from communities would enlist together, allowing for the army to create a sense of comradery. When a platoon was hit, the whole neighbourhood felt it. Average men and women were all for war. The marne, the battle of the frontiers, the race to the sea. His uncle was one of the dominant 19th century generals. Took only 40 days to defeat the french army and take paris. Schlieffen plan wanted to take over france asap, take paris and other key areas all at once.
