Topic 5 Flashcards
Why did Germany want to take action?
USA declared war on Germany
War against the Russians on the Eastern front ended
Operation Michael/Ludendorf Offensive, March-July 1918
Ludendorff wanted to break the stalemate on the western front by driving through the weakest part of the French and British lines of the trenches. By using ‘storm troopers’ to lurk through thick fog, they were able to get the British to retreat.
Reasons for the failure of the Ludendorff Offensive
Too many men were send into French territory, 400,000 were killed
German troops had gone too far and too fast into French territory. It had not been possible for supplies to keep up with them.
The advance into France created a salient (a bulge), which could be attacked from three sides, the Germans were exposed to attacks.
What did USA do when it joined the war
Supplied the allies with money, food, raw materials and arms. After April 1917 (when USA entered war), USA sent thousands of armed forces across the Atlantic
What did the Americans do for the French
Enlarged French ports so that more ships could deliver supplies
Built over 1,600km of railway lines
Laid over 16,000km of telegraph and telephone cables
What did the Americans do to help defeat Germany
Helped the allies in the second battle of Marne, preventing Germans from taking Paris during the Ludendorff offensive
108,000 US soldiers joined with the British Third Army in the second battle of Albert
The salient in the Ludendorff offensive came under attack and allies gained control thanks to the USA’s attacks
Americans used 1m American and French soldiers, 300 tanks and 500 American aircraft, the troops had advanced by 32km towards the German border.
What major impact did the US forces have on the Western Front
American soldiers were young, bright and enthusiastic. There was a limitless supply of men and materials, motivating tired Allied forces to fight on.
What was the 100 days offensive?
A series of Allied attacks which ended the First World War
What happened during the 100 days offensive
At Amiens, an artillery attack and creeping barrage broke through the German lines and allowed an Allied advance of 25km. Allied troops also captured 48,000 German soldiers.
After breaking the front line at Amiens, the Allies forced the Germans back to the Hindenburg Line.
At this point, the Germans were now in all-out retreat.
When was the 100 Days Offensive?
Began on the Battle of Amiens on 8th August 1918, and ended on 11th November 1918 when Germany signed the Armistice.
Why was the 100 Days Offensive important?
The offensive led to the German High Command seeking an armistice which came into effect on 11th November, 1918.
Reasons for Germany’s defeat: Food and famine
Germany’s agricultural production was poor and it relied on foreign imports. However, the British naval blockade starved Germany of these, and there was a series of bad harvests. As the Germans starved, they rioted against the government.
Reasons for Germany’s defeat: Political Turmoil
There was a series of riots and revolts against the government. In October there was a naval mutiny, followed by revolutions in Munich and, finally, riots in Berlin. This caused the kaiser to abdicate.
Reasons for Germany’s defeat: Military Defeat
Germany realised it was facing a military defeat. With the failure of the Ludendorff Offensive, the introduction of two million US troops and its allies surrendering, Germany knew it could no longer continue the fight.
