What strategy involved Germany's plan to quickly invade France before moving on to Russia?

The Schlieffen Plan was a military strategy devised by Germany during World War I, aimed at avoiding a two-front war by quickly defeating France before turning to confront Russia. The plan relied on rapid movement and the element of surprise, with the German army advancing through Belgium to invade France from the north, capturing Paris swiftly. This approach was based on the belief that Russia would take longer to mobilize its forces, allowing Germany to focus its efforts on defeating France first.

The significance of the Schlieffen Plan lies in its intention to prevent a prolonged conflict on two fronts, which Germany viewed as a critical threat. The plan’s execution ultimately faced challenges, including unexpected resistance from Belgium and delays in the German advance, which allowed the Allies to regroup and ultimately contributed to the stalemate on the Western Front.