US Intervention and Germany's 1918 Defeat
TITLE
How significant was US intervention in the war as a reason for Germany’s defeat in 1918? Explain your answer.
ESSAY
US intervention in the war played a significant role in Germany's defeat in 1918. Initially, the US maintained isolationism but increased its support for the Allies following the unrestricted submarine warfare and the sinking of the Lusitania. The US provided financial aid and war supplies to the Allies, which bolstered their naval strength and assisted with mining operations in the North Sea.
By July 1918, over 1 million US soldiers had landed in France, allowing the Allies to shift their more experienced troops to the front line and counter the Ludendorff Offensive. This gave a psychological boost to the Allies as they had greater resources and outmatched the German forces for the rest of the war. Additionally, the failure of Operation Michael and the successful Allied counter-attack during the 100 Day Offensive weakened Germany's position.
Other factors that contributed to Germany's defeat include the outbreak of the influenza epidemic, low morale in the trenches and on the German Home Front, the Kiel Mutiny, and the German Revolution. The revolution removed the Kaiser and established a parliamentary system, leading to riots and the formation of workers' councils across Germany's industrial areas. Germany's allies, such as Bulgaria, were also defeated.
While US intervention was significant in tipping the balance in favor of the Allies, it was not the sole reason for Germany's defeat. The combination of various factors, including military setbacks, internal unrest, and the loss of allies, all contributed to Germany's ultimate defeat in 1918.
SUBJECT
HISTORY
PAPER
IGCSE
NOTES
How significant was US intervention in the war as a reason for Germany’s defeat in 1918? Explain your answer. Yes USA did not wish to see Germany dominate Europe in the early stages of the war, though it remained committed to isolationism; 1915 unrestricted submarine warfare saw the USA increase its support for the Allies in the form of financial aid and war supplies; sinking of Lusitania led to increased anti-German feeling in the USA; 1917 unrestricted submarine warfare and Zimmermann telegram pushed USA into the war; USA first bolstered Allied naval strength and assisted with mining operations in the North Sea; by July 1918, over 1 million US soldiers had landed in France and allowed the Allies to move their more experienced troops to the front-line to counter the Ludendorff Offensive; psychological boost to Allies as they outmatched the German forces for the remainder of the war, etc. No More significant – failure of Operation Michael; Germany leaves the Hindenburg Line but the Allies successfully counter-attack (100 Day Offensive) when German supply lines and reserves were lacking on the Western Front; outbreak of influenza epidemic; low morale in the trenches and on the German Home Front; Kiel Mutiny; German Revolution from above and below removed the Kaiser and established a parliamentary system (October Reforms); riots spread and workers’ councils were formed across Germany's industrial areas; Germany in a state of permanent retreat by September 1918; Germany’s allies such as Bulgaria were defeated, etc.