Manstein Plan
Background
The Manstein Plan, also known as the Sichelschnitt (sickle cut) Plan, was a strategic military operation devised by the German Wehrmacht during World War II. It was named after its principal architect, General Erich von Manstein. The plan was a pivotal component of the German invasion of France and the Low Countries in May 1940, known as the Battle of France. This operation marked a significant departure from traditional military strategies and played a crucial role in the rapid German victory over the Allied forces.
The origins of the Manstein Plan can be traced back to the aftermath of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed severe restrictions on Germany's military capabilities. As a result, German military strategists were compelled to develop innovative tactics to overcome their numerical and logistical disadvantages. The plan was conceived in response to the initial German strategy, known as the Schlieffen Plan, which had failed during World War I.
Development of the Plan
The development of the Manstein Plan was influenced by several key factors, including the lessons learned from the failures of the Schlieffen Plan and the evolving nature of warfare. The plan was formulated in late 1939 and early 1940, during a period of intense strategic debate within the German High Command.
Initial Concepts
The initial concept for the invasion of France, known as Fall Gelb (Case Yellow), was based on a direct thrust through the Low Countries, similar to the Schlieffen Plan. However, this approach was deemed predictable and vulnerable to Allied countermeasures. General von Manstein, then serving as Chief of Staff of Army Group A, proposed an alternative strategy that emphasized speed, surprise, and the use of armored divisions to achieve a decisive breakthrough.
Key Elements
The Manstein Plan was characterized by several key elements:
1. **Concentration of Forces**: The plan called for the concentration of German armored divisions in the Ardennes Forest, a region considered impassable by the Allies due to its dense terrain. This allowed the Germans to achieve strategic surprise and bypass the heavily fortified Maginot Line.
2. **Decisive Breakthrough**: The plan aimed to achieve a rapid breakthrough at Sedan, a critical point along the Meuse River. This would enable German forces to encircle and isolate Allied forces in Belgium and northern France.
3. **Exploitation of Mobility**: The plan emphasized the use of fast-moving armored units, supported by air power, to exploit the breakthrough and advance rapidly towards the English Channel. This would cut off the retreat of Allied forces and create a strategic encirclement.
4. **Psychological Warfare**: The plan also incorporated elements of psychological warfare, aiming to demoralize and confuse the enemy through the use of surprise and rapid maneuver.
Implementation
The implementation of the Manstein Plan began on May 10, 1940, with the launch of the German offensive against France and the Low Countries. The operation unfolded in several distinct phases, each contributing to the overall success of the plan.
Phase One: The Ardennes Offensive
The initial phase of the operation involved the rapid movement of German armored divisions through the Ardennes Forest. Despite the challenging terrain, the German forces achieved remarkable speed and surprise, reaching the Meuse River at Sedan on May 12. The crossing of the Meuse was a critical moment in the campaign, as it allowed German forces to penetrate deep into French territory.
Phase Two: The Breakthrough at Sedan
The breakthrough at Sedan was achieved through a combination of artillery bombardment, air support, and the swift advance of armored units. The German forces quickly overwhelmed the French defenses, creating a gap in the Allied lines. This breakthrough was a turning point in the campaign, as it enabled the Germans to advance rapidly towards the English Channel.
Phase Three: The Encirclement of Allied Forces
Following the breakthrough at Sedan, German forces executed a rapid advance towards the English Channel, cutting off the retreat of Allied forces in Belgium and northern France. This encirclement, known as the "sickle cut," effectively trapped the bulk of the British Expeditionary Force and several French divisions. The success of this maneuver was facilitated by the use of mobile armored units and close air support.
Impact and Consequences
The Manstein Plan had a profound impact on the course of World War II, reshaping the strategic landscape in Europe. The rapid German victory over France and the Low Countries demonstrated the effectiveness of blitzkrieg tactics and marked a significant shift in the nature of warfare.
Strategic Implications
The success of the Manstein Plan had several strategic implications:
1. **Collapse of France**: The rapid defeat of France, a major Allied power, altered the balance of power in Europe and left Britain isolated.
2. **Shift in Military Doctrine**: The success of the plan validated the concept of blitzkrieg, emphasizing speed, mobility, and the integration of air and ground forces. This approach would influence military strategies throughout the war.
3. **Psychological Impact**: The unexpected and swift German victory had a profound psychological impact on both the Allies and the Axis powers, shaping perceptions of German military prowess.
Long-term Consequences
The long-term consequences of the Manstein Plan were significant:
1. **Occupation of France**: The German occupation of France had far-reaching political and economic consequences, affecting the course of the war and the post-war settlement.
2. **Allied Response**: The defeat prompted the Allies to reevaluate their military strategies and led to the development of new tactics and technologies to counter the German threat.
3. **Legacy of Blitzkrieg**: The legacy of the Manstein Plan and blitzkrieg tactics continued to influence military thinking and doctrine in the post-war era.
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite its success, the Manstein Plan was not without its critics and controversies. Some military historians have debated the extent to which the plan was responsible for the German victory, arguing that other factors, such as Allied mistakes and logistical challenges, also played a role.
Criticisms
1. **Overreliance on Speed**: Critics have argued that the plan's emphasis on speed and mobility left German forces vulnerable to counterattacks and logistical challenges.
2. **Underestimation of Allied Capabilities**: The plan underestimated the potential for Allied resistance and the ability of the Allies to regroup and counterattack.
3. **Ethical Concerns**: The plan's reliance on surprise and psychological warfare raised ethical concerns about the conduct of warfare and the treatment of civilians.
Controversies
1. **Attribution of Success**: There has been debate over the extent to which the success of the plan can be attributed to Manstein's strategic genius versus the execution by German forces.
2. **Impact on German Strategy**: The success of the plan reinforced the German High Command's confidence in blitzkrieg tactics, potentially leading to overconfidence in subsequent campaigns.