The History of the Armistice

Germans Fear Collapse

Aug 1, 1918

Between August and September the German commanders felt threatened and weak. They proposed having an armistice with the Allied Forces.

Sue for Peace

Sep 29, 1918

Ludendorff realized that the German resistance had failed. The only way to avoid German occupation was to give up and sue for peace.

Prince Max sends a Letter

Oct 5, 1918

Prince Max sent a letter to Woodrow Wilson expressing his idea of armistice. He wanted to start negotiations based on Wilson's Fourteen Points.

Allied Final Push Toward Germany

Oct 17, 1918

The British, French, and American armies started to advance toward Germany. It was clear the Centeral Powers were crumbling.

Submarine Campaign Ends

Oct 20, 1918

Wilson decided against armistice with Germany after they continued U-boat attacks. This led for Prince Max to repeal all submarine campaigns in an effort to create peace.

Ludendorff Resigns

Oct 27, 1918

Ludendorff steps down.

Austria-Hungry Signs

Nov 3, 1918

Austria-Hungary signs the armistice.

Revolution

Nov 7, 1918

Revolution breaks out in Munich, weakinig the government even further. This left an armistice as the last resort for both the government and the people.

Kaiser William II Abdicates

Nov 10, 1918

Kaiser William II and followers who agreed German humiliation was preferable to peace fled. Kiaser William abdicated and was replaced by a civilian government that accepted the terms of the Allies.

Armistice Day

Nov 11, 1918

At 5:00 Am German Representatives signed the armistice and hostilities ended on the Western Front. After four years of bloody fighting the war came to an end. In rememberance of the dead poppies are worn every Nov 11th.