Well. In my opinion look at one of the forgotten campaigns of WWI. Russian offensive in 1914/15 in Carpathians.How practical or unrealistic is this idea?
How practical or unrealistic is this idea?
How practical or unrealistic is this idea?
I did some looking and there was an Ardennes offensive during the schlieffen plan.
Well. In my opinion look at one of the forgotten campaigns of WWI. Russian offensive in 1914/15 in Carpathians.
If you are looking for something similar to the WWII 1940 sickle cut, it's not possible in 1914. First, the Ardennes was considered impassable by tanks, but not infantry. France would not keep it lightly guarded relative to other points in the line so there is no strategic opportunity there. Second, the entire point of the Ardennes offensive was for quick moving panzer units to cut off the bulk of French and British forces moving into Belgium. In 1914, the British and French were not moving their forces into Belgium quickly. And high speed movement to cut those troops off did not exist for Germany (or anyone else).
The Ardennes attack succeeded in 1940 precisely because the Allies expected a repeat of 1914 and placed the bulk of their forces in the Belgian plain and failed to adequately cover the Ardennes or to maintain sufficient strategic reserves to respond to unexpected crises or opportunities.
Invaders have been traveling that route since the days of Julius Caesar, at least. And yet, defender after defender gets surprised. It baffles me, and makes me doubt whether Homo Sapiens is, in fact, an intelligent species. Doesn't ANYONE read history?![]()