The German spring 1918 offensive used very different tactics than was used before. It was the beginning of blitzkrieg warfare, bypassing enemy strongpoints and moving on. The failure of the offensive can be attributed to the fact that the German army of 1918 was much weaker than that which started the war. Also the extra 1 million Americans bolstering allied forces by July had far more to do with the quick Allied victory than anything else. The German army already demoralized from the offensive failure and Spanish Flu then had to deal with the fact that the Allies would not run out of men.


Ludendorff knew 1918 was his last shot because of the Americans, so he did not consolidate his gains from the offensive, instead hoping he could somehow renew it when all momentum was lost.


The naval aspect of the war is very fascinating, Castles of Steel by RObert Massie is a great read. The effects of the British blockade and the German reaction to it had more to do with affecting the course of the war than anything else. Had the British blockade not been so effective, Germany would have never forced America into the war which would have most likely lead to the fall of France in 1918. Russia's collapse came 3 months too late to affect German policy, instead the die was cast to use submarines to break Britain. Had Russian collapsed in the fall of 1916, Germany would been less likely to risk war with America.

World's last know combat veteran of WW1, Claude Choules, dies in Australia age 110: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13289607

Hey Wamy did you see the WW1 TimeTeam dig (I think it's still on 4oD) where they dig up the flame cannon? Really worth watching if you haven't already great program!

Yeah I watched that thought it was facinating. They have done a few really good WW1 digs and all are very interesting - is amazing how much of it is still all left underground.

Last person in ww1 died today at age 103 I think

If he was 103 that would mean he was 10 when the war ended.... He was Australian and 110... the link is a couple comments before this one.

I believe your point implies that america saved France - i believe this is incorrect. The spring offensive was stopped before american's got there. They participated in the third battle aisne late into it, with the famous battle of belleau woods. The war would have lasted longer, but im quite certain the brits and french would have done it.

However, if the british blockade hadn't work, the germans would have access to more ressources and more food - now the german's could have won it. Im not trying to be anti-american, but the spring offensive was mostly stopped before the american's were there, and after the spring offensive, it was over for germany. All they could do is delay the end.

The american's speeded the process by a year at least, and another year of warfare into on the west front during 1919-1920 would have completely crushed german and french demographics.

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On tactics
I think the battle of tannenberg is quite interesting, because it really is one of the rare occasion where the german's won it with strategics. Max Hoffmann who planned the whole thing(genius behind the victory), knew about how russian generals just kept arguing each other, and just went for a divide and conquer style attack. Tannenberg is just a combination of things going right for german, and russian's being absolutely terrible at it.


Phase 1

Phase 2

The desperate German spring offensive of 1918 was necessitated by America's involvement however. My primary contention is that had America still been neutral, Germany would have won in 1918. While the 300,000 Americans on the front during the offensive did not "stop" the Germans, there presence and ever present growth forced Germany's hand. The overwhelming initial success of operation Michael indicates the superiority the German army had over the French and British armies. Without American aid and American Manpower, Germany could have eventually defeated the Allied armies or brought them to terms in 1918 or 1919. By the fall of 1918 with a full million man army and another 2 million on the way, it was obvious to Germany the end was in sight.

It also hastened their decision to agree to a cease fire on the Eastern Front in order to move troops to the West (in anticipation of the U.S. entering the war in earnest).

Thought this article on tunneling to undermine the enemy's position in WWI was rather interesting. I was completely unaware this went on.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-13630203

There is a superb work of fiction dealing with this less known part of WW1, 'Birdsong' by Sebastian Faulks. Highly recommended.

Super over simplified reason for WWI outcome.

Start with stalemate. Add 500,000 troops to the side struggling to keep their army armed and fed. Add 10,000 troops per day to the side with no problem keeping their army armed and fed.

Finished Ken Follet's Book: Fall of Giants .
Which shows 5 families through the 1914-1918 period and thought it was very well written and gave insights from every side of the war.

Definately recommend.

We Are Making a New World



The Mule Track



The Ypres Salient at Night

All by Paul Nash.

Gunners pulling Cannons, Ypres by William Roberts



Troops resting by Christopher Nevinson



The Road from Arras to Bapaume by Christopher Nevinson