Study the Schlieffen Plan, including reasons for the plan, its failure, the Battle of the Marne and its contribution to stalemate.

Exam argument: Part two: The First World War: stalemate in BA Conflict and tension: the First World War, 1894-1918 (Paper 1 Section B: Wider world depth studies) provides the direct anchor for this learning objective. Students focus on Study the Schlieffen Plan, including reasons for the plan, its failure, the Battle of the Marne and its contribution to stalemate. The explanation should use the subtopic wording, the relevant period, named events or individuals where appropriate, and precise historical evidence. It should then separate cause from consequence, change from continuity, and significance from importance while keeping sources, interpretations, evidence and opinion distinct.