Many people view the American entry into World War one as a decisive moment, which I would agree with, however I am not so sure that this was the most crucial part of the Allies losing the War. However I do think that the Germans overlooked them as a military threat.
Admiral Capelle had told members of the German parliament “ America from a military point of view means nothing” A statement that the whole of Germany will regret. I think one other main clause for the Germans losing the war was the failures of The Schlieffen’s Plan. Alfred Von Schlieffen’s 1906 plan had outlined a way to conquer France and Belgium in a little more than a month. Germany had been always looking for quick ways of doing things, when it is more often than not the slow and steady who wins the race. This is patently obvious when looking at the Spring Offensives, or should I say ‘ The Schlieffen plan part zwei’.
The Germans once again employ their Blitzkrieg style to do everything in a flash; this German efficiency lacks finishing ability. The Schlieffen plan begun well with Soldiers covering ground at alarming rates through neutral Belgium, the minor mishap of the BEF appearing didn’t seem to bother Germany as they carried on over the Marne to Paris. The Problem was the Plan was too well calculated. The Germans did not want the British to join the conflict.
The Ultimatum had been received by Berlin but because of the Rail networks meticulously planned system it was unrealistic to be withdrawn by midnight. With The British swiftly moving in for some backs against the wall, hard graft in protecting the Belgians and British honour. Another foul swoop, splatting the German plan was the quick mobilisation of the Russians, Germany decided only it was able to mobilise quickly but when the Russian army formed up in a short time the first Blitzkrieg plan of the great war was ‘ kaput’Blitzkrieg plan number two was designed to finish the war before the US entry, obviously for such a plan to be devised for this purpose Germany changed its tune about the US meaning nothing. High command wanted to drive the British out of France, which would be no mean feat in itself, this was as well as beating the remnants of the French army back to Paris all in a short period of time. Lunacy comes to mind unless the high command really had the belief that their also weak army would somehow spring to life and fight like they had never fought before. It is often said that the two enemies became more experienced and better fighters as the war continued, it would also be expected that tactics from the war of attrition are not necessary for a quick end to conflict.
The tactics which involved sending men out of the trenches, but the simple fact that as soon as men were out of their now sophisticated trench systems they were vulnerable and experience heavy casualties. Which was on good for a nation so short on men they were encouraging people to have more children and get married earlier, which wasn’t much use for the Great War. Attempting to win the war using infantry was not feasible, an advance means a resort back to the horrors of the Somme, extending the line and using up valuable manpower. It also came with no guarantee. Another German plan which somehow managed to backfire was the naval Blockade, picking on the country with the most nautical power ever seen is not a smart move, The British simply put up their own stronger blockade of Germany, as well as employing the Convoy system so that its inability to be self sufficient would not signal its downfall, one thing that was going down was the Lusitania, a vessel sunk by the Germans killing 128 American civs.
Queue the US entry. America’s entry had different effects to both sides, relief for the allies with fresh trained troop that were prepared for anything, tackling war with relish and confidence. The British Tommie’s had never and will never ever again be as pleased to see the yanks. They boosted morale, and back at home an end to the war seemed imminent. The Germans were simply shocked that another nation could mobilise quickly like them. In their pompous, bigheaded German manner they had failed to recognise that they are not superior to all.
Ludendorf launched operation Michael in the spring to separate the Allies. Like the Schlieffen Plan the offensives started well with considerably gains on the first day, however some people tried to be heroes. In the Great War attacks involved a heavy artillery bombardment followed by an infantry advance, which was backed up by artillery. Such were the gains in the early part that the Germans left their artillery umbrella, and became cut off from supplies, this over keenness to attack was due to the nature of the attack, needing to win before Uncle Sams lot came. Once again someone was quicker than the Germans. Separating the Allies had recently become considerably harder anyway as they were no longer fighting like two countries, they were now a fused fighting machine under General Foch.
The German attack ran out of steam, their bigheaded nature also meant there was a lack of back up planning; failure didn’t appear in their dictionary. The Joint Leadership of the Allied forces was a key factor in the failures of the spring offensives. The countries could no longer blame each other, they were united as one force to defeat the Germans, they had showed they were stronger than previous allies Russia who had crumbled, the war on two fronts was over, could the tides turn? While the Allies lost Russia, Germany also lost their help in the east from the previously buoyant ally Austria. They were not only a means of military support but also a way of providing thee armies with food and shells to fire.
