‘The arrival of American forces was the main reason for the defeat of Germany in the First
World War’.
How far do you agree with this statement?
Explain your answer. (20 marks)
The arrival of the American Army was arguably the main reason for the defeat of Germany
in the First World War. This was because the German army decided to send submarines to
attempt to destroy American ships and plans to ally with Mexico encouraged America to
declare war on German in 1917. America had a huge navy and this meant that America
could supply soldiers to the British army in case of a shortage (they supplied 50,000 soldiers
every month to Britain). The German army began to witness a decline in soldiers and knew
that losing was inevitable because of the shortage of German troops. America’s entry into
the War encouraged General Ludendorff to produce and introduce the German Spring
Offensive.
However, another important reason for the defeat of Germany was because of the failure of
the Ludendorff Spring Offensive which led to a war on two fronts in 1918. The plan was to
attack several points along the British and French lines and they particularly wanted to
attack Arras. Initially, Germany instigated an artillery bombardment on an area of 150
square miles in 5 hours and this was shortly followed by the release of mustard gas. Then
stormtroopers caused chaos along the British lines. German troops advanced around 60km
into British territory gaining area surrounding the River Somme. But eventually 220,000
Germans were killed and it also meant that supplies and resources were too far behind and
some soldiers were captured in French villages. Subsequently, this led to the full retreat of
the German army and to the allied advance in 100 days. The failure of the Ludendorff Spring
Offensive massively weakened the German army and left them in a weakened state.
Furthermore, it may be argued that the surrender of Germany’s allies led to the defeat of
Germany. In September and October in 1918, Germany’s allies surrendered which led to
Germany feeling isolated and encircled which led to the quick defeat of Germany. Germany
did not have a sufficient number of troops to help them compete with America, Britain and
France. This led to Germany feeling vulnerable and helpless.
Additionally, the war at sea was another reason for the defeat of Germany in the First World
War as Kaiser Wilhelm built 17 dreadnoughts which were the most powerful naval ships.
The German fleet was unable to defeat the British fleet at the Battle of Jutland in
1916.Britain wanted to prevent Germany’s over-seas trade because it was more important
for Britain to continue trading with other European powers and countries. This meant that
Britain had full control of the seas for the rest of the duration of the war. This resulted in the
British blockading German ports and stopped resources, supplies and food from reaching
the Germans. This led to a mutiny by Germany. Also, the German troops began to starve
and this applied pressure to the German leaders as they would have to admit defeat and
surrender.
World War’.
How far do you agree with this statement?
Explain your answer. (20 marks)
The arrival of the American Army was arguably the main reason for the defeat of Germany
in the First World War. This was because the German army decided to send submarines to
attempt to destroy American ships and plans to ally with Mexico encouraged America to
declare war on German in 1917. America had a huge navy and this meant that America
could supply soldiers to the British army in case of a shortage (they supplied 50,000 soldiers
every month to Britain). The German army began to witness a decline in soldiers and knew
that losing was inevitable because of the shortage of German troops. America’s entry into
the War encouraged General Ludendorff to produce and introduce the German Spring
Offensive.
However, another important reason for the defeat of Germany was because of the failure of
the Ludendorff Spring Offensive which led to a war on two fronts in 1918. The plan was to
attack several points along the British and French lines and they particularly wanted to
attack Arras. Initially, Germany instigated an artillery bombardment on an area of 150
square miles in 5 hours and this was shortly followed by the release of mustard gas. Then
stormtroopers caused chaos along the British lines. German troops advanced around 60km
into British territory gaining area surrounding the River Somme. But eventually 220,000
Germans were killed and it also meant that supplies and resources were too far behind and
some soldiers were captured in French villages. Subsequently, this led to the full retreat of
the German army and to the allied advance in 100 days. The failure of the Ludendorff Spring
Offensive massively weakened the German army and left them in a weakened state.
Furthermore, it may be argued that the surrender of Germany’s allies led to the defeat of
Germany. In September and October in 1918, Germany’s allies surrendered which led to
Germany feeling isolated and encircled which led to the quick defeat of Germany. Germany
did not have a sufficient number of troops to help them compete with America, Britain and
France. This led to Germany feeling vulnerable and helpless.
Additionally, the war at sea was another reason for the defeat of Germany in the First World
War as Kaiser Wilhelm built 17 dreadnoughts which were the most powerful naval ships.
The German fleet was unable to defeat the British fleet at the Battle of Jutland in
1916.Britain wanted to prevent Germany’s over-seas trade because it was more important
for Britain to continue trading with other European powers and countries. This meant that
Britain had full control of the seas for the rest of the duration of the war. This resulted in the
British blockading German ports and stopped resources, supplies and food from reaching
the Germans. This led to a mutiny by Germany. Also, the German troops began to starve
and this applied pressure to the German leaders as they would have to admit defeat and
surrender.
