1917 – THE USA JOINS THE WAR - In February the Germans backed to Hindenburg Line fortifications. - Throughout the year several offensive actions took place but didn’t result in major breakthroughs. - Failure in the Neville Offensive proved intolerable to many soldiers and the French government faced mutiny. - Only the battle of Cambrai (Nov 20 – Dec 3) indicated there could be an end to stalemate. - British and Australian forces using tanks broke through German lines.

- Many tanks broke down under the stress of the advance so the Germans were able to counterattack. - This forced the British out of some of the areas they had gained. - The USA entered the war after suffering loss of American lives due to unrestricted German submarine warfare in the Atlantic since Feb USA declared war on Germany in April 4 th after the interception of the Zimmerman telegram. - It took time for the US to arrive into Europe.

- Meanwhile the French were recovering from the mutinies. - Also, in Russia, the Bolsheviks had revolted and gained the power of Russia and signed the treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany. - Due to this Germany now could focus only on fighting in the Western front.

1918 – VICTORY FOR THE ALLIES - Germany was starving as a result of the success of an Allied blockade and the threat of US troops arriving to join the allies. - Erich Ludendorff (German) risked to take a quick victory in his “Peace Offensive”. - The initial attacks were successful. - First came the artillery bombardment and later attacks of small bands of specially trained and lightly equipped storm troops. - In March 1918 the Germans made gains of about 65km against the British. - In April the Germans broke through in Flanders which threatened the Allied control over the Channel ports.

- The Germans had no reserves to call on to replace the 800,000 casualties that they had in the offensive. - They made no progress between May and August. - Meanwhile, the allied forces under the control of the General Ferdinand Foch faced the Germans with planes and tanks. - The last German offensive was not only contained but the French forces made a breakthrough forcing Ludendorff’s units back to safer ground. - August 8 th – Black Day – the allies made the biggest advance. - By October the Germans were in full retreat suffering from low morale, indiscipline and hunger. - Ludendorff had asked the Kaiser to request armistice which came into effect in November 11 th / 1918

THE ARMISTICE - It was agreed at 5 am on November 11 th, 1918 and came into effect at 11 am Paris time (11hr/11 day/11month) - Termination of military hostilities within six hours after signature. - Immediate removal of German troops from France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Alsace-Lorraine. - Removal of all German troops from territory on both sides of the Rhine, with ensuing occupation by Allied troops. - Removal of all German troops from the Eastern Front, leaving German territories as it was on August 1 st, Renouncement of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Russia and of the Treaty of Bucharest with Romania.

- Internment of the German Fleet and surrender of other weapons.