74.17 The Final Gamble, 1918

A History of Europe, Key Battles

After the Russian withdrawal from the frontlines following the October revolution, the treaty of Brest-Litovsk is negotiated between Germany and Russia.

The Germans sought to conclude war on the Eastern Front as quickly as possible, while at the same time trying to establish an informal empire in east-central Europe, one composed of newly independent nation states on Russia’s western periphery. However, back on the German home front, after four harsh winters and widespread hunger, political unity was fraying, and riots and strikes occurred across the country.

Everything now depended on the success or failure of a German Spring Offensive on the western front.

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Picture - German Spring Offensive - British Lewis gun team at the Battle of Hazebrouck 1918

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