The End of World War One – November 1918

 

  • By the end of 1918, Germany is in a lot of trouble
  • During the course of the war, many other countries joined the war effort to help the Allies defeat Germany (USA, Canada, Australia)
  • Germany had only two more allies besides Austria; Turkey and Bulgaria
  • Germany was in difficulties because:
    1. they had used up all their  reserve military supplies (ammunition and food)
    2. the people at home were protesting against the Kaisers government
    3. German soldiers had lost their will to fight
    4. The USA had entered the war in April 1917, providing fresh troops and supplies
    5. Allied armies greatly out number the Germans
    6. Italy chose to fight on our side
    7. The Austrians are loosing the fight in the Balkan region
    8. German soldiers are surrendering by the thousands

 

  • On August 8, 1918, the Battle of the Amiens took place
  • This was the worst battle for Germany – “black day for the German Army”
  • The German generals are now ready to surrender, however the Kaiser insists they continue fighting
  • The soldiers refuse and Kaiser  Wilhelm II prepares to escape to Holland, never returning to Germany and destroying the German monarchy
  • Austrian and Russian monarchies are also  destroyed
  • Bulgaria surrenders on September 10, 1918
  • Turkey surrenders on October 10,1918
  • Austria-Hungry surrenders on November 3, 1918
  • Germany surrenders on November 11, 1918
  • November 11th is referred to as Armistice Day in Europe and Remembrance Day in Canada and the United States
  • The end of the war was timed carefully – 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month
  • The signing of the surrender took place in a railway car owned by General Ferdinand Foch