A pre-war plan laid out by the late Marshal Niel called for a strong French offensive from Thionville towards Trier and into the Prussian Rhineland. This plan was discarded in favour of a defensive plan by Generals Charles Frossard and Bartélemy Lebrun, which called for the Army of the Rhine to remain in a defensive posture near the German border and repel any Prussian offensive. As Austria along with Bavaria, Württemberg and Baden were expected to join in a revenge war against Prussia, I Corps would invade the Bavarian Palatinate and proceed to "free" the South German states in concert with Austro-Hungarian forces. VI Corps would reinforce either army as needed. COUNT 4
QSN1 Pre-war, who planned for a strong French offensive? ANS1 Marshal Niel QSN2 From Thionville towards Trier, what was the final destination of the offensive? ANS2 the Prussian Rhineland QSN3 Niel's plan was cast aside in favour of a plan by General Frossard and what other general?? ANS3 Bartélemy Lebrun QSN4 The new plan called for which army to remain in a defensive grouping at the German border? ANS4 Army of the Rhine