The Schlieffen Plan was a military strategy developed by Germany before World War I. Its main goal was to quickly defeat France by invading through Belgium, allowing Germany to avoid a prolonged two-front war against both France and Russia. The plan relied on rapid movement and surprise to capture Paris and force a swift surrender. However, the execution of the Schlieffen Plan faced several challenges. The unexpected resistance from Belgium and the quick mobilization of British and French forces slowed the German advance. Ultimately, the plan failed, leading to a prolonged stalemate on the Western Front.