World War One's Final Days

Naval Blockade

• Britain's naval blockade of Germany significantly contributed to the end of World War One by restricting the flow of essential supplies and food.

Germany's Policy in 1917

• In 1917, Germany adopted unrestricted submarine warfare, which threatened commercial shipping between the US and Europe, leading to increased tensions.

US Entry into the War

• The United States declared war on Germany following the Zimmerman Telegram incident, where Germany proposed a military alliance with Mexico against the US.

Leadership in Russia

• Vladimir Lenin came to power in Russia after the Bolshevik Revolution, pledging to withdraw Russia from World War One.

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

• Russia agreed to the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk on March 3, 1918, officially exiting the war and ceding significant territories to Germany.

Allied Offensives

• The series of offensives launched by the Allies, known as the Hundred Days Offensive, effectively ended World War One by breaking through German lines.

Ceasefire Agreement

• The Allies and Germany signed an armistice agreement to cease fighting on November 11, 1918.

Treaty of Versailles Demands

• The Treaty of Versailles imposed heavy reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions on Germany, fundamentally reshaping European borders and power dynamics.

Signing of the Treaty of Versailles

• Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, officially concluding the state of war.

Prelude to World War II

• The punitive measures and territorial concessions enforced by the Treaty of Versailles are often regarded as direct contributors to the rise of tensions leading to World War II.