Why did Germany surrender in 1918?

Question

give me a couple of reasons why and don't be stingy on the detail.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

The big picture is that the German economy, the Army, the country and the food production system were all in a state of collapse.

Morale among the troops was completely broken after the few final assaults of 1917/1918 failed - they had been promised resounding victories and instead lost most of the remaining officers, best troops, equipment and ammunition supplies.

On the home front, workers were in revolt against the government, strikes were frequent, the money was almost worthless and food was in extremely short supply, with no one available to produce more.

Opposition to the war was widespread in all sections of society, with most reasonable people fully aware that the war could not be won.

It had been a major aim of the German High command to prevent supplies, food and troops coming across the Atlantic from the USA (just as in the second World War), but the British blockade of German sea ports was much more effective in preventing materials and food reaching Germany.

Yes, Germany still had plenty of troops willing to fight, but they were now mostly old men and boys, many without any military training. They had almost no food and no ammunition, there was no war production left in operation and they were unsupported, without effective leadership and with morale at rock bottom.

Surrender was the only option. "British 4th Army alone took 21,000 prisoners in the very small sector Albert to Boves in the period 8 to 12 August 1918; German units, worn down by attrition, were demoralized and many surrendered without offering any resistance. This decline of fighting power was beyond all doubt and irreversible" (taken from an account of "The Black Day" of the German army by Anthony Livesey). So much for "they didn't surrender".

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

thanks for the answer! this is exactly what i was looking for, a couple of points with a bit of detail.
(for answers 5 and 6)
I do understand that the formal agreement made by Germany was to an armistice. But if i quote your source most agreed to "unconditional Surrender". point noted though.

Answer 2

Germany had lost the war in July 1917 their navy had failed the Air force was nonexistent and they had no food and as soon as the Americans arrived they stopped Fighting

they lost they had to pay for all the damage Of course they surrendered and the Turks surrendered and the Austrians surrendered

Unconditional Surrender was the result of the signing of the armistice read the link

I have been Informed they did Not Surrender they just stoped fighting handed over their weapons gave the allies everything they asked for

Source(s):

http://www.oldandsold.com/articles26/wor…

Answer 3

Basically it was a matter of motivation in the German army running out before it is did in the opposing armies. After the final German successful attack & break-through, which was contained by opposing forces, the average soldier in the German army had had enough of war - discipline was breaking down & little motivation was left. Political activity among German soldiers was increasing. Germany withdrew its forces to avoid rebellion or mutiny in its army. During the fighting at the Somme it was apparent that the forces opposing Germany would endure incredibly bad conditions on battle-fields yet continue to attack - despite unsatisfactory planning, high casualties & lack of worthwhile progress.

Answer 4

Because a war is over when the last reserves in men, ammunition, food and supplies are spent. That happened in Germany in mid 1918.

The last offensive was the last offensive the Germans could manage. however, the Ludendorf offensive was beaten off. At the same time more and more US troops were strengthening the Allies. They didn't do much as yet, but in 1919 the US army would in all likelihood be massive.

The defeat of the Ludendorf offensive caused uprisings in German cities. The home front was on short rations for far too long. The navy rebelled. And even at the front the men had had enough.

There simply wasn't any option left but surrender and hope for the best.

Answer 5

They did not surrender; they signed an armistice.


edit: People, people, please! You gotta be kidding me! Germany did NOT surrender!

Source(s):

http://www.firstworldwar.com/features/ar…

Answer 6

Because they were getting pwnt by the Triple Entente. Basically, they were just losing badly, and they're leader Wilhelm 3rd or w/e had run away. So they did the only intelligent thing, and surrender.

Source(s):

I did History for GCSE