The Armistice, 1918

What was the armistice at the end of the First World War?

The armistice was an agreement to end the First World War.

Who signed the armistice at the end of the First World War?

The armistice was signed by France, Britain, and Germany.

Where was the armistice at the end of the First World War signed?

The armistice that ended the First World War was signed in a railway carriage in Compiegne, France.

When was the armistice signed at the end of the First World War?

The armistice was signed at 5:12am on 11th November 1918, although it was agreed the ceasefire would begin at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month.

What were the terms of the armistice at the end of the First World War?

There were 7 main terms agreed including:

• ❖ German troops were to leave France, Luxembourg, Belgium and Alsace-Lorraine within 14 days.
• ❖ Once they had left these territories, German troops were then to leave the territory on the west side of the Rhine.
• ❖ The treaties that Germany had forced on Russia and Romania would be cancelled.
• ❖ The German fleet would be taken away.
• ❖ Germany was to give up all its submarines, 5,000 cannons, 25,000 machine guns, 1,700 planes, 5,000 locomotive engines and 150,000 railcars.
• ❖ All British, French and Italian prisoners of war were to be freed after a peace treaty had been agreed upon.
• ❖ Germany would be blamed for the war and pay reparations for the damage that resulted from the war.

Why was the armistice agreed at the end of the First World War?

There were 3 main reasons why the armistice was agreed including:

• ❖ The First World War dragged on far longer than expected. It caused huge damage to both sides. Millions of soldiers and civilians were killed, along with the destruction of houses, factories, farms and railways.
• ❖ In March 1917, after defeating Russia, it seemed as if Germany was poised to defeat the Allies. However, the USA joined in April 1917 and the Allies made a number of important advances.
• ❖ In 1918, Germany wanted to bring a swift end to the war, with the Spring Offensive from March to July. When this failed, Germany began to consider surrender.

How did the Allies react to the armistice at the end of the First World War?

Britain, France and the USA celebrated the end of the conflict. They were happy the war was over, due to the economic and social impact it had had on them.

What was the reaction to the armistice in Germany at the end of the First World War?

Many Germans were upset at how the war had ended. German soldiers believed the armistice would not last and fighting would resume again; they couldn't believe that they had lost.

What was the difference between the armistice and the Treaty of Versailles at the end of the First World War?

The armistice at the end of the war was different from the Treaty of Versailles, as it was a temporary measure until an official peace settlement could be agreed.