Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
The changing nature of warfare, 1859–1991: perception and reality - 2…
Full specification wording
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: The role of technology in a failure of a war of movement, Western Front 1914; the roles of Joffre and the younger Moltke. The use of these technologies in a war of attrition: Falkenhayn’s assault on Verdun and Petain’s defence 1916.
In 1914 technology defeated movement.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
In 1914 technology defeated movement. Machine guns, smokeless powder and quick-firing artillery gave defenders huge firepower, so the Schlieffen Plan stalled at the Marne. Joffre kept French armies coordinated and counter-attacked, while the younger Moltke weakened the right wing and lost control, helping to end mobile war. The result was stalemate and trench warfare. In 1916 attrition replaced manoeuvre. Falkenhayn attacked Verdun to bleed France white, using massed artillery. Petain defended with the sacred way, rotation and counter-battery fire, making the battle a grinding duel of guns. Technology now served attrition, not decision.
What earns the marks
- Explains how machine guns, smokeless powder and quick-firing artillery gave defenders a firepower advantage in 1914.
- Links this defensive technology to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan and the end of war of movement.
- Assesses Joffre's role in coordinating French forces and ordering the counter-attack at the Marne.
- Assesses the younger Moltke's role in weakening the German right wing and losing effective control.
- Explains Falkenhayn's Verdun strategy as an attritional assault designed to bleed France white.
- Explains Petain's defence at Verdun, including the sacred way, rotation and counter-battery fire.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Claiming technology alone caused stalemate.
Put it right: Also considering command decisions by Joffre and Moltke.
Confusing Falkenhayn's attritional aim with a simple territorial objective.
Put it right by stressing his intention to destroy French reserves.
Describing Petain's defence as passive.
Put it right by noting active rotation, supply and counter-battery measures.
Exam tips
- Balance technology and command: show how each shaped the failure of movement and the turn to attrition.
- Use named examples such as the Marne, Verdun and the sacred way to support analysis.
- Make a clear judgement about the relative importance of technology and leadership in each phase.
Try the lesson
The start of the 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: The role of technology in a failure of a war of movement, Western Front 1914; the roles of Joffre and the younger Moltke. The use of these technologies in a war of attrition: Falkenhayn’s assault on Verdun and Petain’s defence 1916. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
How did the widespread deployment of the machine gun contribute to the failure of a war of movement on the Western Front in 1914?
Listen
In 1914 technology defeated movement. Machine guns, smokeless powder and quick-firing artillery gave defenders huge firepower, so the Schlieffen Plan stalled at the Marne. Joffre kept French armies coordinated and counter-attacked, while the younger Moltke weakened the right wing and lost control, helping to end mobile war. The result was stalemate and trench warfare. In 1916 attrition replaced manoeuvre. Falkenhayn attacked Verdun to bleed France white, using massed artillery. Petain defended with the sacred way, rotation and counter-battery fire, making the battle a grinding duel of guns. Technology now served attrition, not decision. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains how machine guns, smokeless powder and quick-firing artillery gave defenders a firepower advantage in 1914. Links this defensive technology to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan and the end of war of movement. Assesses Joffre's role in coordinating French forces and ordering the counter-attack at the Marne. Assesses the younger Moltke's role in weakening the German right wing and losing effective control. A common slip: Claiming technology alone caused stalemate. Instead, also considering command decisions by Joffre and Moltke. Exam tip: Balance technology and command: show how each shaped the failure of movement and the turn to attrition.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Technology and stalemate
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Command and control
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Attrition warfare
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Defence in depth and logistics
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Technology and stalemate
- Machine guns, smokeless powder and quick-firing artillery gave defenders huge firepower, so the Schlieffen Plan stalled at the Marne and mobile war ended.
- Command and control
- Joffre kept French armies coordinated and counter-attacked, while the younger Moltke weakened the right wing and lost control.
- Attrition warfare
- In 1916 attrition replaced manoeuvre, as Falkenhayn attacked Verdun to bleed France white using massed artillery.
- Defence in depth and logistics
- Petain defended with the sacred way, rotation and counter-battery fire, making the battle a grinding duel of guns.
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Test your understanding of 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: The role of technology in a failure of a war of movement, Western Front 1914; the roles of Joffre and the younger Moltke. The use of these technologies in a war of attrition: Falkenhayn’s assault on Verdun and Petain’s defence 1916.
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