History A-Level
Offensive spirit and Plan XVII
What Offensive spirit and Plan XVII means in History A-Level, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definition of Offensive spirit and Plan XVII
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Offensive spirit and Plan XVII in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: Pearson Edexcel
French doctrine stressed the offensive spirit, and Plan XVII committed armies to rapid attacks in Alsace-Lorraine.
Topics that use Offensive spirit and Plan XVII
- Paper 3, Option 37.1: The changing nature of warfare, 1859–1991: perception and reality - 2 Technology of defence: machine guns, smokeless powder and artillery, c1900–16 (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
Related terms
- Command and control
- Perception versus reality in pre-1914 planning
- Smokeless propellants and machine guns
- Technology and doctrine
- Technology and stalemate
- The cult of the offensive
- Attrition warfare
- Defence in depth and logistics
Using Offensive spirit and Plan XVII in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise History questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All History A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge