Armistice of 11 November 1918

The agreement that ended hostilities on the Western Front

Introduction

The Armistice of 11 November 1918 was a temporary agreement between the Allied Powers and Germany to cease hostilities on the Western Front, marking the end of World War I.

Historical Context

By the fall of 1918, the Allies had gained the upper hand on the Western Front, with significant advances against German forces. The German army was exhausted, and morale was low.

Key Events Leading to the Armistice

The Armistice Agreement

The armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, at 5:45 am French time, and took effect at 11:00 am Paris time. The agreement was negotiated between the Allied Powers, led by Marshal Ferdinand Foch, and the German delegation, led by Matthias Erzberger.

Impact and Aftermath

The armistice brought an end to the fighting on the Western Front, but it was not a formal surrender. The Treaty of Versailles, signed on June 28, 1919, officially ended the war and imposed harsh penalties on Germany.

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Related pages: World War I, Treaty of Versailles, 1918