The German Spring Offensive
History: KS3, topic 16.5.3
The German Spring Offensive
The Spring Offensive was seen as Germany's last chance to end the war before the USA could send too many troops to help the Allies.
Reasons for the offensive
- 21 March 1918 AD: Germany launched its Spring Offensive, ordered by General Ludendorff.
- The German military command recognised that Germany could not win a war of attrition.
- Germany was also convinced of success as it had brought 500,000 troops from the Russian Front.
Tactics used in the offensive
- The Spring Offensive targeted the places where the British and French troops were gathered together. Winning battles against both nations simultaneously would affect morale in both countries and in both their armies.
- The Germans launched a huge attack, hoping to quickly destroy the Allied powers.
- 3,000 shells were fired every minute in the first few hours.
Result of the offensive
- Although the launch started with great intensity, Germany could not move it's supplies and troops fast enough to sustain the attack.
- By July, Germany had reached the River Marne but couldn't make a decisive move forward.
- The Allied commander Ferdinand Foch launched a counterattack.
- Germany had suffered a huge number of casualties and began to retreat.
Test yourself on The German Spring Offensive
When did General Ludendorff launch the German Spring Offensive?
How many shells were fired every minute in the first few hours of the Spring Offensive?