Armistice - But Peace? I THE GREAT WAR Week 225

Summary

In the final days of World War I, Germany faced internal chaos and revolution as the Austro-Hungarian Empire signed an armistice. Romania re-entered the war, and German leadership grappled with mutinies and the Kaiser's uncertain future. The German delegation sought lenient terms from the Allies at Compiegne, but faced firm demands. The war's end was marked by the armistice on November 11th, with Germany agreeing to severe terms, including territorial evacuations and reparations. The last moments of fighting saw the death of Canadian private George Price, seconds before the armistice took effect. The Great War concluded with mixed emotions of relief and sorrow, marking the end of a devastating conflict.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Austro-Hungarian Empire signed an armistice, leaving Germany as the last standing Central Power.
• 🔥 A naval mutiny at Kiel sparked a full-blown German revolution.
• 🤝 German delegates went to France to negotiate an armistice.
• 🇷🇴 Romania gave an ultimatum to Field Marshall August von Mackensen to remove German troops.
• 🏰 The Kaiser's plan to lead the army against the revolution was deemed unfeasible by his advisors.
• 🚩 Several German cities, including major ports, were under the control of revolutionaries.
• 🛣️ The German army was unwilling to fight and lacked reserves to combat the revolution.
• 🛑 The Kaiser decided to go into exile in the Netherlands.
• 📉 Germany accepted harsh armistice terms, including the surrender of significant military assets.
• 🕒 The armistice was signed on November 11th, 1918, at 5:10 a.m., and hostilities ceased at 11:00 a.m.
• 🎉 The end of the war was celebrated worldwide, but the joy was tempered by the immense loss of life.

Q & A

What significant event is described as happening this week in the script?

The script describes the end of World War I, with the signing of the armistice and the events leading up to it.

Which empire signed an armistice, leaving Germany as the last man standing among the Central Powers?

The Austro-Hungarian Empire signed an armistice, leaving Germany as the last standing member of the Central Powers.

What was the significance of the naval mutiny at Kiel?

The naval mutiny at Kiel marked the beginning of the German revolution, which eventually led to the downfall of the German Empire.

What ultimatum did Romania give to Field Marshall August von Mackensen?

Romania gave an ultimatum to Field Marshall August von Mackensen to remove all German troops from Romania within 24 hours.

What was the Kaiser's plan to deal with the revolution according to the script?

The Kaiser planned to lead the army into Germany to put down the revolution, but was dissuaded by Quartermaster General Wilhelm Groener who informed him that the army would not follow his command.

How many German cities were mentioned to be flying the red Soviet flag?

Eleven German cities were mentioned to be flying the red Soviet flag.

What was the outcome of the armistice negotiations at Compiegne forest?

The armistice negotiations resulted in Germany agreeing to evacuate Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and Alsace-Lorraine, surrender a significant portion of its military equipment, and accept the occupation of Western Germany by the Allies.

What was the final demand made by the Allies regarding submarines?

The Allies demanded that Germany hand over all of its submarines, as well as ten battleships, six battle cruisers, eight light cruisers, and fifty destroyers.

When was the armistice signed and what time did it come into effect?

The armistice was signed at 5:10 a.m. on the morning of November 11th, and it came into effect at 11:00 a.m.

Who is considered to be the last soldier to die in the active war according to the script?

Canadian private George Price is mentioned as being killed by a sniper at 10:58, just two minutes before the armistice came into effect.

What is the significance of the channel and the series mentioned in the script?

The channel and series refer to 'The Great War', a YouTube channel and series created by Indy Neidell that provides a week-by-week account of World War I, with the final episode marking the end of the war.