General Sherwood keenly realized that, whether from an economic perspective or the uncontrolled funds consumption required to maintain a large military, it is crucial to quickly resolve the future war with France and Russia.
Sherwood pointed out that France must be regarded as a giant fortress, especially the Verdun Fort on the German-French border, which is nearly impregnable.
The weak link in French defense is located at the northwest border of France and Belgium, which is the key point to strike at the heart of France.
General Sherwood proposed the plan to use Belgium as a gateway.
According to the famous Schlieffen Plan, General Sherwood focused on the Westline in Germany's war against France and Russia, and estimated a full-scale attack on France with 78 divisions.
For the Westline battlefield, the principle of a light left and heavy right was employed, deploying eight divisions on the left to launch the first attack and pin down the French Army's main force.