Why did Germany surrender? Flashcards
The British blockade had a significant impact on Germany. How did it affect it?
- Could only import half as many goods as before
- Industry suffered due to lack of resources
- Famine - food riots in 1916, 420,000 dead by 1918
When did Kaiser Wilhelm abdicate?
9th November 1918 - fled Germany
Who took over Germany and what did he do?
Friedrich Ebert (leader of SDP):
1. Promised election
2. Sent representatives to negotiate peace and end to war and suffering of German people
The terms of armistice were very harsh on Germany. Name 3 ways it affected Germany.
- Had to pay huge reparations -> depression
- Army reduced
- Navy reduced
- Lost land
- Accept blame for war
- Blockade continued
How many men was the army size reduced to?
100,000
What land did Germany lose?
Rhineland, Alsace-Lorraine
What battles did General Foch command French troops at?
Nancy, Somme, Marne
(Also led Allied forces during Spring Offensive)
What battles did General Haig command British troops at?
Ypres, Somme, Passchendaele
(Also commanded BEF)
How were Foch and Haig criticised?
For huge casualties (however did have a large impact on Germany’s advance across Europe)
The British blockade was one of the reasons Germany surrendered. How did this affect Germany?
- Could only import half as many goods as before
- Industry suffered due to lack of resources
- Famine - 420,000 died of starvation, protest
When did Kaiser Wilhelm abdicate?
9th November 1918 - fled
Who took over Germany and what did he do?
Friedrich Ebert (leader of SDP):
1. Promised an election
2. Sent representatives to negotiate peace
3. End war and suffering back home
What effect did the Armistice terms have on Germany?
Plunged Germany into an economic depression
Armistice: how many men was the army reduced to?
100,000
Armistice: what land did Germany lose?
Alsace-Lorraine and Rhineland
Armistice: how was the navy effected?
Navy was reduced, blockade continued
