World War I The Battles

Eastern Front 8/17/1914: Russia invaded E. Prussia Germany: counter offensive, pushback Attack/Counter-attack continues for 2 years Allies: poorly prepared No advantages Austria-Hungary Germany Russia and Serbia

The Western Front Britain France Germany

Soldiers being taken to the Western Front by Military Buses

Important Battles before the US Enters Battle of Marne: September 4-10, 1914 Trench warfare truly begins

Important Battles before the US Enters Battle of Verdun Feb 21-Dec 18, 1916 Important Allied traveling road Leads to Somme Offensive

The battle line stretched about 25 miles Battle of Somme Battle of Somme July-November 1916: Frist time tanks are used Deadliest battle of WWI The battle line stretched about 25 miles

Battle of Somme

US Enters the War in 1917 Two Big Reasons? _________________________ Sinking of the Lusitania Zimmerman Telegram

Key Battle #4: The Battle of Cambrai November 20th – December 7th, 1917 British launch first mass tank attack – 324 tanks total No pre-attack bombardment, only wall of smoke British advances far in short time, only losing 4,000 German uses “stossstrupen” (storm troopers) to counter attack 10 days later, drive Britain back to starting lines Overall: Allied success because proved tanks could overcome trench defense.

German Strategy after Cambrai German leaders: Spring attack on Western front is only way to victory Russia’s exit frees German troops and raises morale Allies: no unified leader and low morale and manpower Germany plans major offensive: Fight separated Allies Take advantage of new weapons: planes, tanks, machine guns and poison gas

Spring Offensive, Spring 1918 Operation Michal: First German offensives, almost splits allies Furthest German advance in 4 years. Allies finally agree on unified system of command American troop arrival begins to take affect two months later The 100 Days Offensive, July - November 1918 Germans left in weak position Fresh troops from US German lines eventually broken, retreat Germans sued for peace Armistice signed November 11, 1918