Spring Offensive

The 1918 Spring Offensive or Kaiserschlacht was a series of German attacks along the Western Front during the First World War, which marked the deepest advance by either side since 1914. The German authorities had realised that their one realistic chance of victory was to defeat the Allies before the overwhelming human and matériel resources of the United States could be deployed. They also had the advantage of of nearly 60 divisions freed by the Russian surrender (Treaty of Brest-Litovsk).

Related Topics:
1918 - Western Front - First World War - Matériel - Division - Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

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There were three separate German attacks, codenamed Michael, Georgette and Blucher-Yorck. They were initially intended to draw forces away from the Channel ports that were essential for British supplies and then attack those ports and other communications. The planning process, however, diluted the strategy.

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