World War I 1914: Key Plans and Early War (Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key plans, battles, and turning points in the early stages of World War I (1914).

Schlieffen Plan

Germany's strategy to defeat France quickly by invading through Belgium, then turning east to face Russia.

Plan Seventeen

France's plan for an all-out, fast attack on Alsace and Lorraine using speed and audacity.

Plan R

Austria-Hungary's plan to invade Russia by sending large forces across the eastern border.

British Expeditionary Force (BEF)

Britain's small but well-trained army sent to defend Belgium and France in 1914.

The Old Contemptibles

Nickname given by Germans to the British Expeditionary Force for its perceived resilience.

The Battle of the Marne

Battle (5–11 Sept 1914) where French and BEF halted the German advance toward Paris and forced a German retreat.

Taxis of the Marne

Paris taxis used to transport reserve troops to the Marne under General Galliéni.

The Race to the Sea

A series of maneuvers as both sides tried to outflank the other toward the North Sea, ending in trench lines.

Trench warfare

Long lines of trenches from Flanders to Switzerland leading to a stalemate and extended fighting.

Mons

Early battle where the BEF slowed the German 1st Army; Germans called the BEF a 'contemptible little army'.

Ypres

Major 1914 battle in Belgium; heavy casualties and a key part of the race to the sea.

Russian Steam Roller

A nickname for the rapid Russian invasion into German and East Prussian territory in August 1914.

Gumbinnen

Battle around August 1914 where the Russians initially invaded East Prussia but were checked.

Tannenberg

Battle (26–30 Aug 1914) where Germans under Hindenburg and Ludendorff defeated Samsonov's 2nd Army; Samsonov killed himself.

Masurian Lakes

Battle (Sept 1914) where German forces defeated the Russians after Tannenberg, with heavy Russian losses.

Hindenburg

German general who, with Ludendorff, led successful defense against the Russians at Tannenberg and Masurian Lakes.

Ludendorff

German general who, with Hindenburg, commanded the Eastern Front victories at Tannenberg and Masurian Lakes.

Goeben and Breslau

German warships given to Turkey; their presence helped persuade Turkey to join the war on Germany's side.

Enver Bey (Enver Pasha)

Ottoman leader who chose to join Germany after being offered Goeben and Breslau.

Kiaochow

German colonial concession in China captured by Japan in 1914.