![]() General Erich Ludendorff was the driving force in the preparation of this onslaught, despite his position subordinate to the nominal commander, Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg. The German spring offensive, which began on 21 March 1918, created the biggest crisis of the war for the Allies. German 1918 spring offensives map (Geographx) With its forces greatly bolstered by this influx, the German high command launched a massive offensive with the goal of ending the war before the full might of the United States (which had entered the war in April 1917) could be brought to bear against Germany. The Germans were able to transfer nearly 50 divisions to the Western Front. The collapse of Russia’s resistance during 1917 and the Russian decision, following the Bolshevik revolution in November, to seek an armistice dramatically altered the strategic situation. New Zealand units played their part in the Allies’ final push for victory, helping to breach the main German defence system – the Hindenburg Line – and capturing the walled town of Le Quesnoy during the last weeks of the war.Īt the beginning of 1918, events had seemed to be turning the war in Germany’s favour. ![]()
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