... countries, they would have to fight both. This was extremely difficult because both countries are on opposite sides of Germany, surrounding it. The plan basically entailed that the German forces were to invade France first, as it would be impossible to fight both countries at the same time. To invade France however, the Germans would have to travel through Belgium, as the French border would be too heavily fortified. The problem with traveling through Belgium was that Belgium had been neutral since 1839, but Schlieffen had predicted that France would eventually attack through Belgium, so it would be an advantage to do so first.1 After forcing through Belgium, and keeping the right wing of the forces strong (Schlieffen's final words on his death bed were "Keep the right wing strong!")2 the Germans were supposed to encircle France, and capture Paris from behind. This was all supposed to take place within ...

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