Editing First World War (section)

=== Final year ===

Russia's withdrawal allowed Germany to transfer troops west. Germany began the Spring Offensive on 21 March 1918 and advanced across parts of the old Somme battlefield. The offensive failed to separate the British and French armies or force an Allied peace. German losses weakened the army before large American formations had fully entered combat.

The Allies began the [[Hundred Days Offensive]] on 8 August 1918. German forces were pushed back from positions held since 1914. The Central Powers could no longer replace men and equipment at the required rate.

Bulgaria signed the Armistice of Salonica on 29 September. The Ottoman Empire signed the Armistice of Mudros on 30 October. Austria-Hungary signed the Armistice of Villa Giusti on 3 November as its government lost control over its constituent territories.

Political unrest spread through Germany during October and November. Wilhelm II abdicated on 9 November, and a republic was proclaimed in Berlin. The German delegation signed the armistice at Le Francport early on 11 November. It entered into force at 11:00 and ended fighting on the Western Front.