World War I

Why did USA enter in 1917?

  1. Wanted an end to the war

  2. The Central Powers were seen as less democratic and needed to be defeated

  3. The unconditional submarine warfare

  4. The Zimmermann Telegram

  5. The USA had lent money to especially UK

1918

21 march - the Ludendorff Offensive began.

15 july - the last major german offensive on the western front, the second battle of Marne started.

29 september - the western allies managed to break through the Hindenburg Line. This was a huge psychological blow to the german army, who were in bad shape and with many shortages. Bulgaria concluded an armistice.

30 october - Turkey concluded an armistice.

3 november - Austra Hungary concluded an armistice.

9 november - Wilhelm II abdicated.

11 november - end of war, armistice day.

Why did Germany and her allies lose the WWI?

  • Schlieffen plan failed → no quick war and war on two fronts.

  • Other vital tactical errors: unrestricted submarine warfare, Italy joined the Entente.

  • Germany had to extend herself, in the end it was four states against 27.

  • Entry of the USA in 1917.

  • Manpower and resources were balanced heavily in favor of the Entente.

  • Despite the absence of larger sea battles the command of the seas held by the Entente was vital → Germany had no food or raw materials due to sea blockades.

  • British fleet ensured Britains food supplies and transported troops to wherever they were wanted.

  • Entente had more competent leaders at a critical time

  • Spanish flu (perhaps)

  • Tanks used by the British

  • Brest-Litovsk in march 1918, Germany lost most of her best troops.

  • The allied forces broke through the Hindenburg Line in 1918 → psychological blow to the german army.

  • War weariness in Germany → low morale, mutinies and revolutions at home.

    Germany was constantly having to help out the Austrians and Bulgarians. The defeat of Bulgaria by the British and Serbs was the final straw for many German soldiers, who could see no chance of victory now, and when Austria was defeated by Italy and Turkey (October), the end was near.