What was the primary objective of the Schlieffen Plan?

• A. To blockade Britain at sea.
• B. A quick German victory over France by invading through Belgium.
• C. To form an alliance with Russia.
• D. To launch a naval invasion of Britain.

Answer: (B)

The plan’s aim was to avoid a two-front war by delivering a rapid, decisive blow to France. It proposed invading France through Belgium to outflank the French defenses along the border, strike at Paris, and force a quick French surrender. By knocking France out early, Germany could then redirect its army to the east to confront Russia while its mobilization was still slower. This emphasis on a swift Western victory is what makes this the best answer. The other ideas—blockading Britain at sea, forming an alliance with Russia, or launching a naval invasion of Britain—do not capture the plan’s central objective, which was a fast defeat of France through a westward invasion.