1917 – THE USA JOINS THE WAR

-In February the Germans backed to Hindenburg Line fortifications.-Throughout the year several offensive actions took place but didn’t result in major breakthroughs.-Failure in the Neville Offensive proved intolerable to many soldiers and the French government faced mutiny.-Only the battle of Cambrai (Nov 20 – Dec 3) indicated there could be an end to stalemate.-British and Australian forces using tanks broke through German lines.

- Many tanks broke down under the stress of the advance so the Germans were able to counterattack.

- This forced the British out of some of the areas they had gained.

- The USA entered the war after suffering loss of American lives due to unrestricted German submarine warfare in the Atlantic since Feb 1917.

- USA declared war on Germany in April 4th after the interception of the Zimmerman telegram.

- It took time for the US to arrive into Europe.

-Meanwhile the French were recovering from the mutinies.

-Also, in Russia, the Bolsheviks had revolted and gained the power of Russia and signed the treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany.

-Due to this Germany now could focus only on fighting in the Western front.

1918 – VICTORY FOR THE ALLIES

-Germany was starving as a result of the success of an Allied blockade and the threat of US troops arriving to join the allies.-Erich Ludendorff (German) risked to take a quick victory in his “Peace Offensive”.-The initial attacks were successful.-First came the artillery bombardment and later attacks of small bands of specially trained and lightly equipped storm troops.-In March 1918 the Germans made gains of about 65km against the British.-In April the Germans broke through in Flanders which threatened the Allied control over the Channel ports.

- The Germans had no reserves to call on to replace the 800,000 casualties that they had in the offensive.

- They made no progress between May and August.- Meanwhile, the allied forces under the control of the

General Ferdinand Foch faced the Germans with planes and tanks.

- The last German offensive was not only contained but the French forces made a breakthrough forcing Ludendorff’s units back to safer ground.

- August 8th – Black Day – the allies made the biggest advance.

- By October the Germans were in full retreat suffering from low morale, indiscipline and hunger.

- Ludendorff had asked the Kaiser to request armistice which came into effect in November 11th / 1918

THE ARMISTICE-It was agreed at 5 am on November 11th, 1918 and came into effect at 11 am Paris time (11hr/11 day/11month)-Termination of military hostilities within six hours after signature.-Immediate removal of German troops from France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Alsace-Lorraine.-Removal of all German troops from territory on both sides of the Rhine, with ensuing occupation by Allied troops.-Removal of all German troops from the Eastern Front, leaving German territories as it was on August 1st, 1914.-Renouncement of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Russia and of the Treaty of Bucharest with Romania.

https://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/routreat.html

-Internment of the German Fleet and surrender of other weapons.