The Hundred-Days-Offensive, also known as the Hundred-Days-Campaign, was the final series of offensives by the Allies against the Central Powers on the Western Front during World War I. This offensive began on 8 August 1918 and concluded with the Armistice of 1918 on 11 November 1918, effectively ending the war in Europe.
Historical Context
- Preceding Events: The Hundred-Days-Offensive followed a series of German offensives in the spring of 1918, known as the Spring Offensive, which had initially achieved significant gains but eventually exhausted German forces due to their overextension and lack of reserves.
- Strategic Importance: By the summer of 1918, the Allied Powers had recovered from earlier setbacks, receiving reinforcements from the United States and benefiting from improved tactics and technology.
Key Battles and Events
- Battle of Amiens: Starting on 8 August, this battle was one of the first engagements of the offensive and is often referred to as the "Black Day of the German Army." It marked a significant victory for the British Expeditionary Force and the French Army, showcasing the effectiveness of combined arms operations.
- Second Battle of the Somme: From late August to early October, the Allies continued their advance, with significant action around Albert, France, capturing key strategic points.
- Battle of Saint-Quentin: This was part of the series of engagements leading to the breaking of the Hindenburg Line, a formidable German defensive line.
- Meuse-Argonne Offensive: The largest and most costly offensive of the campaign for the American Expeditionary Forces, which began on 26 September and was instrumental in forcing Germany to seek an armistice.
Outcome and Consequences
- The relentless pressure from the Hundred-Days-Offensive led to the collapse of German morale and the eventual surrender of the Central Powers.
- The offensive demonstrated the effectiveness of new tactics such as infiltration tactics, the use of tanks, and air power, which would influence military strategies in future conflicts.
- The success of the Allies in this campaign was a key factor in the Treaty of Versailles negotiations, where the terms were largely dictated by the victorious powers.
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