alliances (WW1)

• Did alliances became more instrumental in determining the outcome of wars in this period?

  Yes
• How did America joining in 1917 determine the outcome of the war on Germany?

  The tired and war-weary Allied armed forces were boosted by an influx of fresh soldiers. By the end of the war over 2 million American soldiers had fought on the Western Front. This was hugely significant as prior to US involvement the heavy demands of attritional warfare were beginning to take their toll on both sides. The addition of American soldiers forced the Germans into their final roll of the dice – the Spring Offensive. The failure of this offensive was a key reason for Allied victory.
• How did the US help with their contributions?

  The US contributed with raw materials, arms and other supplies. The U.S. saved Britain and some other Allied powers from bankruptcy by joining the war. Previously, Britain and its allies used to buy supplies from the US amounting to over $75 million per week.
• Prior to 1917 (before US joined) how was the two sides industrial capacity?

  They were evenly matched because of industrial developments. Germany and Britain cancelled each other out, Russia was on a similar level to Italy and Austria-Hungary
• How did some WW1 alliances become a weakness?

  Germany’s alliances were weak and they had to divert precious resources and men to them. By 1918 all of Germany’s allies had surrendered before them. Russia left the war which had a huge impact on the war effort as all the Eastern Front soldiers and resources could be shipped to the Western Front despite this making the war no longer having to fight on 2 fronts
• How coordinated was allied action pre 1918?

  Not really coordinated however in the Somme campaign Britain and France did some planning together
• What was the turning point of the war?

  America joining with its huge population and strong economy- certainly an intimidating thing for Germany who were spurred on to launch their final Spring Offensive.
• How coordinated was the Allied victory in 1918?

  At the Doullens Conference 1918 Foch becomes Supreme Allied Commander. There were joint allied operations- the Hundred Day Offensive caused Germany to surrender. The coordinated assault led to victory
• Economically how did the US help?

  The Allies spent $147 billion and the central powers only spent $61- with America spending $27 billion despite joining to the wars end (1917). They were a huge help to the Allies as they stopped bankruptcy
• Alliances determined outcome?

  • Foch unified command of France and Britain, allies then able to launch coordinated attacks (combined arms) which allowed advances
  • Somme used to relieve French at Verdun, Britains Arras to divert attention from French ‘Nivelle Offensive’
  • German weak alliances contribute to surrender
  • Provided allies with economic power- USA- entente powers controlled 65% of world manufacturing output 1917
  • USA alliance turning point- forced Germany into spring offensive
  • Yes important to outcome
• Other factors determined outcome?

  • New tech- allies utilise better, artillery to support tactics eg creeping barrage and seeing potential of tanks (500 at Amiens)
  • Tactics- combined arms, creeping barrage- mobility restored eg Amiens 1918 advance 8 miles
  • Strategy- German homefront collapses from naval blockade- 760,000 die
  • Failure of Schlieffen plan= 2 front war
  • Economy- Germans unable to meet demands of total war and support economically underdeveloped allies- allies 3x greater economic output