Why did Germany ask for an armistice in 1918? | History for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

What was the importance of America’s entry into the war?

America initially aimed to maintain neutrality but was drawn into the conflict after 1917 for several reasons:

• Economic Interests: The USA loaned money to the Allies, which would have been lost if Germany emerged victorious.
• Opposition to Autocracy: The American government opposed the autocratic regime in Germany.
• Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: The sinking of the Lusitania in May 1915, due to Germany's policy of unrestricted submarine warfare, deeply angered Americans.
• Zimmerman Telegram: Germany's Zimmerman telegram, intercepted by the British, proposed that Mexico attack the USA, with the promise of US territory for Mexico once Germany won the war. This further antagonized the Americans and contributed to their entry into the conflict.

How did American Involvement Impact the War?

• The mobilization of American troops was gradual, with only 300,000 soldiers initially deployed to France, resulting in limited immediate influence.
• American forces were ill-prepared for the realities of trench warfare, leading to significant casualties.
• General Pershing, the US commander, faced challenges coordinating with his French and British counterparts.

However:

• The United States indeed offered Britain and France significant manpower, economic resources, and a morale boost during World War I.
• The arrival of US troops proved timely, as they helped fill the gaps left by the German Ludendorff offensive.
• Moreover, the presence of American forces allowed seasoned troops to be relocated from less active sectors of the Western Front to areas with greater need.
• General John Pershing played a pivotal role in the successful "Hundred Days" campaign, making a crucial contribution to the Allied victory.

Why was the German Offensive of 1918 unsuccessful?

German Spring Offensive - The Ludendorff Offensive

• The Germans executed four major assaults from March to July 1918, including:
  • March 21-30: The Germans attacked at Somme, causing significant casualties among the Allied soldiers.
  • April 9-30: Germany targeted Belgium, resulting in casualties on both sides. American troops intervened, preventing the Germans from breaching and capturing Paris.
• By August, Germany suffered losses of experienced soldiers, impacting the quality of their replacements.
• The Allied forces were effectively led by General Foch during this period.

Reasons for the Failure of the Ludendorff Offensive

• Germans abandoned their defensive positions at the Hindenburg line.
• The Allies were reinforced while German losses mounted.
• Supplying troops became challenging as German forces advanced into France.
• Troops from the Eastern front struggled to adapt to the Western front's trench warfare, facing exhaustion.
• German morale plummeted after the defeat at Amiens, known as the "Black day" of their army.
• An influenza epidemic further weakened the German military.
• Allied tactics shifted to include surprise attacks, creeping barrages, and enhanced use of tanks and artillery.
• Creeping barrages were utilized to support the advance of infantry forces.
• Advancements were made in the supply of shells and tanks for military operations.

Why did revolution break out in Germany in October 1918?

• Germany faced a British blockade that led to numerous civilian deaths.
• Rationing and food shortages emerged as critical issues within Germany.
• The working and living conditions of the populace deteriorated significantly.
• Inflation had a detrimental impact on the German economy.
• By October 1917, a surge in peace demonstrations indicated widespread unpopularity of the war effort.
• Tax revenues proved insufficient to cover the escalating costs of the war, plunging Germany into debt.
• Citizens initiated strikes, advocating for political reforms.
• In September 1918, German generals Hindenburg and Ludendorff, operating under a quasi-dictatorship, influenced the Kaiser to establish a civilian government led by Prince Maximilian von Baden. This move aimed to present a facade of democracy to Allied leaders, potentially garnering leniency and deflecting blame for the impending defeat from the new government.

Kiel Mutiny and the German Revolution

• The German revolution unfolded in two distinct stages:
• Political Stage (3-26 October):
  • Prince Maximilian sought an armistice from President Wilson, who refused, preferring to engage with genuine German representatives rather than the Kaiser.
  • Power transitioned from the elite to the Reichstag, the civilian government under Prince Maximilian.
• Military Stage (28-9 October):
  • Under orders from the Kaiser, the German fleet initiated a major assault.
  • Incensed by the apparent inevitable loss of the war and unwilling to sacrifice more lives, German sailors in Kiel mutinied.
  • This sparked protests and strikes among the German populace.
  • Subsequently, the Kaiser abdicated and sought refuge in the Netherlands.
• On November 9th, Prince Maximilian transferred power to Friedrich Ebert, who promptly called for a ceasefire.

Why was the Armistice signed?

• The German government sought to halt the ongoing conflict due to their evident lack of progress in the war.
• Morale among the German forces had completely disintegrated.
• Bulgaria suffered a significant defeat at Monastir-Doiron.
• The Armistice, serving as a ceasefire agreement, was finalized between the Allies and Germany.
• It was officially signed on 11 November 1918.
• Terms of the Armistice:
  • Germany would evacuate all occupied territories.
  • Germany would hand over military equipment.
  • German warships would go to Britain.
  • Eventual reparations. The amount was not fixed at the time of the armistice.
• Reactions to the Treaty:
  • Many Germans found the terms harsh, but the treaty was signed to maintain peace.