The Collapse of Germany, 1918
Western Front, 1918
Initial German Offensive (Spring 1918)
Disillusionment in Germany:
Loyalty to the Kaiser was decreasing with Berliners protesting "Down with the Kaiser, down with the government."
Ludendorff and others recognized the mistakes of U-boat warfare and the entry of the U.S. into the war.
Massive Buildup:
German troops secretly amassed along 50 miles near the Somme.
Ammunition was stockpiled.
Ludendorff's Aims:
To break through trenches, end the stalemate, and win the war.
Societal Context:
Germany was experiencing severe shortages, strikes, and political unrest.
The nation hoped the army would deliver a victory to justify their suffering on 03/21/1918.
The Attack Begins:
German artillery bombarded the British Fifth Army starting at 04:50AM on 03/21/1918.
Over a million shells, many with poisonous gas, were fired in four hours.
Fog hindered communication, necessitating the use of message runners.
German Tactics:
Specially trained stormtroopers used machine guns and flamethrowers to overwhelm British lines.
Initial German Successes:
The British Fifth Army collapsed; wounded were left behind after a 14-mile advance.
Allied soldiers were taken prisoner.
Weapons and Their Impact:
New long guns bombarded Paris.
New gases caused mass casualties, sometimes wiping out entire batteries.
Kaiser's Reaction:
The Kaiser declared victory and celebrated, envisioning the monarchy's triumph over democracy and demanding English surrender.
Stalemate and Attrition:
The German army launched five major assaults; initial gains were followed by continued resistance.
Elite stormtroopers became exhausted, leading to mass assault tactics.
Allied Resistance:
Australians like Cyril Lawrence inflicted heavy casualties on massed German attackers.
Machine guns caused immense German casualties.
Ludendorff's Mindset:
Ludendorff attempted to win through willpower rather than rational power, akin to a gambler.
He visited the front to identify his stepson's body, lamenting his losses.
Allied Counter-Offensive and German Collapse
Allied Offensive:
General Douglas Haig attacked the Hindenburg Line despite potential heavy casualties.
He broke through in 24 hours on September 29.
British Artillery:
British artillery devastated the Hindenburg Line (described as a well-planned operation).
Signs of Imminent Defeat:
The Germans faced superior Allied forces, including tanks, airmen, and a growing American army.
German Retreat:
The German army retreated along the Western Front, with mass surrenders.
The existing German government was based upon the power of the army. With the lack of victory it was all for naught.
Internal German Crisis:
Germany faced shortages, disease, and the influenza epidemic, rendering continued war pointless.
The Kaiser was informed of the impending loss.
Kaiser's Reaction
The Kaiser had horrible visions and mocks but the queen of Norway was nice to him.
Navy's Role:
The German fleet, too weak to fight and too expensive to lose, remained largely inactive.
The war was barley a blip on the radar compared to the damage done to the European countries.
Naval Mutiny and Revolution
Naval Discontent:
Seaman Richard Stumpf expressed disillusionment, hating authority due to his experiences.
Confinement and perceived unjust treatment led to hatred of authority.
Senseless Order:
The German fleet was ordered to engage in a final battle, deemed pointless given the impending peace.
Navy Mutiny
The German navy mutinied refusing the senseless order, leading to the start of a revolution.
Revolution Spreads:
The revolt spread from ships to docks to city streets.
Social and Political Upheaval:
Germany was described as a sinking ship.
A monarchist converted to a republican amid the chaos.
Suffering was attributed to the mistakes and ambition of a ruling class with Ludendorff being put out to pasture.