The German failure to capture the Channel ports meant they were unable to continue trade with other countries. The allied blockade instigated at the start of the war meant that German imports and exports were almost non existent. The blockade consisted of the British navy patrolling the North Sea, making it impossible for the Germans to continue their thriving trade. The blockade resulted in the starvation of the |German public and its soldiers. Depression swept throughout the country and moral dropped within the army. Germany also had to contend with the decline of the economy caused by the inability of German boats to ferry across raw materials. Incidentally the British industrial capacity was 28% whilst Germany were languishing behind with 19%. The exhausted state of the German army would have weighed heavily on the mind of German soldiers who were already physically drained; this would have been psychologically damaging to the way they carried themselves in battle. The inability of the German navy to shift the allied blockade contributed to their own decline. The only significant time the German fleet was used was in the Battle of Jutland in which they failed to win, thus handing the British navy domination of the seas.
As the situation worsened the Germans needed a tactic that would ensure a decisive victory. The unrestricted submarine warfare employed by Germany eventually resulted in the sinking of a passenger ship, the Lustitania. This was followed by the Zimmerman telegram that resulted in an American declaration of War against the Central Powers. The intervention of the American is interpreted as a pivotal moment in the First World War. Although the Americans had no significant effect on the war as regards to soldiers they gave the Allied forces a huge boost in morale, as they were one of the richest countries in the world. Subsequently they would have intimidated the Germans. The introduction of the Americans provided the Allies huge resources. The convoy system introduced by the Allies involved the Americans and meant merchant ships would be protected from the German submarines. This was instrumental in keeping the Allies in the war, as they were able to transport food and soldiers.
The spring offensive would bring about a decisive end to the war either way, but for the Germans it was the last throw of the dice. There were no German reserves left and the remaining men were exhausted and weary having made significant advances. As the Germans advanced through open land toward Paris had created a huge salient and under a unified allied command pushed back the dilapidated German Aries to the indestructible Hindenberg line. The German longer had the will, morale or physical power to continue fighting all they could do was flee, this was epitomise on the 8 August; ‘the black day of the German army’
When the Allied broke through the impenetrable Hindenberg line it proved the advance in technology. The development of new technology was highly influential in bringing and end to the war. This was because substantial land gains could now be made. For instance artillery became more accurate meaning that barbwire could easily be cut, making the route towards the dugout l less complicated. The improved artillery also allowed creeping barrages and artillery ambushes. The invention of the tank that was first seen at the Somme proved catastrophic as many broke down. Later advance meant they were more effective at Cambrai but the allies were unable to provide backup. In 1918 the use of the tank had been perfected with its tandem role with close infantry support. New positive strategies were adopted allowing battles to be completed quickly. This was due to ideas such as storm trooper that would be sent in to exploit success and fill in the gaps. The allied forces effectively used the new tactics and were backed up with defence in depth.
The capitulation of Germanys allies meant they were continually spreading their men to provide assistance. Bulgaria and Italy were unable to support Germany in the way France an England worked off each others successes. The disgust of the German public was evident and revolution followed. Without the support of the public Kaiser Wilhelm was forced to negotiate an armistice with the Allies.
