1914_0820_01s: Von Moltke's Indecisiveness - FWWC 01 France '14

Nancy, France 20th August 1914: Joffre's Plan XVII called for an attack in the Nancy sector by the IIe Armée with the goal of providing the southern envelopment of the German fortified city of Metz. The IIe Armée crossed into Germany unopposed and Chateau-Salins and Dieuze were quickly seized. However, unknown to the French, the German 6.Armee had deployed behind the border in prepared positions in an attempt to draw the French right wing in. This aspect of the Schlieffen Plan was intended to increase the effect of the sweeping maneuver across Belgium by drawing the nucleus of the French Army away from Paris and thus allowing it to be flanked in the west. However, against the intent of the Schlieffen Plan, the Crown Prince wanted to launch an immediate counter attack to pinch off the French salient and he pleaded to von Moltke for approval. As the French began making contact with the Germans, von Moltke was indecisive and gave no decision. Von Moltke's indecisiveness was all the brash Crown Prince thought he needed to authorize his counter offensive against the French salient, thus eliminating one more provision of the Schlieffen Plan. [Size: medium] *See the notes document for information on scenario design decisions and historical notes.