Module 8: German Offensive

German Offensive

The Western Front in 1917-1918 was marked by significant shifts in the balance of power, largely influenced by the geopolitical changes resulting from the Russian withdrawal from World War I. Following the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in March 1918, Germany was able to transfer reinforcements from the Eastern Front to the Western Front. This influx of troops bolstered the German army’s strength, allowing them to launch a series of offensives aimed at breaking the stalemate that had characterized much of the war. The German command sought to capitalize on their newfound numerical superiority, attempting to overrun trenches and push Allied forces back.  

Britain and France were alarmed at this turn of events.  Now that the Germans could bring all of their troops from its Eastern Front to France, it looked possible that the Germans could overrun the British-French trenches and win the war.