- Aim: To secure a rapid and decisive victory over France by invading Belgium and Luxembourg and outflanking the French army
- Outcome: Failed to achieve its objectives as the French and British armies were able to halt the German advance at the Battle of the Marne
Ludendorff Offensive
- Aim: To break through the Allied lines on the Western Front and force a negotiated peace before the United States could enter the war.
- Outcome: Initially successful, but ultimately failed due to superior Allied firepower and logistics
Tannenberg Plan
- Aim: Encircle and destroy the Russian Second Army in East Prussia
- Outcome: Successful; led to the destruction of the Russian Second Army and the retreat of the Russian forces from East Prussia
Battle of Jutland Plan
- Aim: To defeat the British Grand Fleet and gain control of the North Sea.
- Outcome: Inconclusive; both sides claimed victory, but neither achieved their strategic goals
Dardanelles Campaign
- Aim: To capture the Turkish Straits and open up a supply route to Russia
- Outcome: Failed; Allied forces suffered heavy casualties and were unable to achieve their objectives
Zimmermann Telegram
- Aim: To encourage the United States to enter the war on the side of Germany
- Outcome: Intercepted by British intelligence and led to the United States declaring war on Germany
Lusitania
- Aim: To ensure the survival of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and prevent the German and Russian Empires from being overrun.
- Outcome: The sinking of the Lusitania and other civilian vessels by German submarines led to outrage in the United States and contributed to the country's entry into World War I.
Treaty of Versailles
- Aim: To punish Germany for its role in the war and to prevent it from regaining military power
- Outcome: Harsh and punitive; contributed to resentment in Germany and the rise of Adolf Hitler