Let’s assume for a second the European alliance system didn’t work as planned and only Germany and France go to war in 1914 how will this turn out militarily?
Will Germany be able sustain French attacks ?
Will France try a naval attack on Germany or vice Versa?
Assuming Belgium Is not involved, do Germans have the ability to attack France ?
How does the French artillery compare to German?
please ignore the political aspect in this scenario
What interests me is
why this happens and
when history diverged.
If, for example, the Triple Entente fails, perhaps due to Dogger Bank, then France and Russia have several years to plan for a different strategy for the inevitable European war.
So the next question is why isn't Russia getting involved? Perhaps the Revolution of 1905 resurges earlier and Russia has other things to deal with, leaving France alone. If this happens relatively soon before the Franco-German war erupts, France has a huge problem; they know that they are no match for Germany and need a new strategy and
fast.
Logically they will alter plans and remain on the defensive; however I suspect this might not happen and the Poilus in their sky blue uniforms soon discover that élan isn't enough. Especially if the Germans stick to their original plans and remain on the defensive.
Then there is The Matter of Britain; even if Britain isn't part of the Entente there will be a political desire to support France, and oppose Germany; this matches British Grand Strategy for Europe. So Britain needs something to divert their attention; this could be overspill from Russia threatening India, worse civil unrest in Wales and elsewhere and, my favourite, the Irish Home Rule Act and the unrest there. For this it would be helpful if matters in Europe erupted a little later, or 3HRB passed a little earlier.
So, Russia is in no position to attack Germany or Austria-Hungary but probably exists as a threat, so Germany has to maintain some substantial forces in the East, and can't simply steamroll France. Britain is distracted, but wary, and can probably exert some influence (e.g. opposing German control of the Channel coast).
France is alone, and probably doomed fairly quickly.
BTW, what about Austria-Hungary? If they're not involved I assume Franz-Ferdinand wasn't killed? Do they war has another spark.
Finally there are the other countries; Italy becomes moderately important and will be pressured by both France and Germany.
OK, more details will have to wait until I have a keyboard, the tablet isn't enough.