The basic idea behind the Schlieffen Plan was to allow Germany to beat both the French and the Russians in quick succession. The theory behind it was to turn their backs on Russia initially and even allow them to invade pans of East Prussia. Alfred von Schlieffen, field marshal and brain child of the new war plan; knew the risks involved with this strategy but was prepared to stand by his plan. Von Schlieffen believed …showed first 75 words of 788 total…

…showed last 75 words of 788 total…a general retreat of the Germans. The rest is history. Millions died in WW2, and fighting is still taking place in the Kosovo area. The Germans had their chance to rule Europe under one power, and theoretically von Schlieffen's plan would have done that. The questions are endless as to what may have happened if the Germans would have succeeded. One thing is for certain tough; a great number of lives would have been saved.