Question

What was German strategy between 1916 and 1918? Why did Germany lose the war.

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Answer 1

Before the First World War , Germany believed they were a great power, and thus nationalism was at its highest point, but between 1916 and 1917, nationalist views began to fall. Lots of lives have been lost in these two years and there was the word "stalemate." The Battle of Jutland was the war 's greatest maritime battle. It happened in 1916 and was one of Germany's only chance to weaken the royal navy of Great Britain, hence the nickname of the wars; the "Battle of Lost Opportunities.

The German counterattack failed because Russians discovered their plans, so this battle was a disaster for the Germans, which resulted in their fleet not leaving the German ports until 1918, thus giving the British navy dominance of the seas. This misled the Germans, and weakened German nationalism. Another 1916 war called the War of Verdun was a catastrophic German-fought battle. After a loss of 430,000 soldiers a victory after the battle became unlikely. The French did effectively send the Germans back to their starting point in this battle. The French were pleased with their success whilst German nationalism continued to decline.

Moreover, the fact that, in 1917, Germany sent the Zimmerman note to Mexico created a strong enemy for Germany and its allies. The telegram stated that if Germany and the United States were to go to war, Mexico would ally with Germany and, as a result of this alliance, Germany would help Mexico recover the Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico territories. Although some historians think that America was meant to enter the war, others think of it as a means of distracting America. As soon as the people realized that Germany was luring America to join the war, German morale disappeared.

In addition, the 1918 Ludendorff Offensive was Germany's last chance of victory, but failed because Germany and its allies were too worn out to continue. That offensive was a series of Western Front attacks. The offensive at Ludendorff marked the entrance of the United States into the First World War. America sent in fresh forces each month to counter the imperial powers. After a length of time Germany was unable to fight back because, unlike the Americans it could not send a new group of soldiers to Paris. Consequently, because of the British naval blockade, and the new supply of Americans each month, Germany and its allies were too worn out to continue the war.

In addition, the 1918 Ludendorff Offensive was Germany's last chance of victory, but failed because Germany and its allies were too worn out to continue. That offensive was a series of Western Front attacks. The offensive at Ludendorff marked the entrance of the United States into the First World War. America sent in fresh forces each month to counter the imperial powers. After a long time Germany did not strike back because it could not send a new group of soldiers to Paris unlike the Americans. Consequently, because of the British naval blockade, and the new supply of Americans each month, Germany and its allies were too worn out to continue the war.

In conclusion, three factors affected Germany's downfall during the Great War, the Schlieffen plan, nationalism, and the use of warfare over attrition. The Germans couldn't fight on two fronts, so they couldn't participate fully during the rest of the war because they stopped at the start of the war. As battles were lost, Central Power people were disappointed and worried that they defied their views from the start of the war.That greatly lowered nationalism, particularly in Germany. Lastly, Germany was unable to handle the US blockade and entry. This tired German troops to the extent that they were unable to continue. If these factors had not been present Germany and its allies might have fought the Great War.