Spring Offensive

The Spring Offensive, also called the Kaiserschlacht or Ludendorff Offensive, was a series of German attacks on the Western Front in the final year of the First World War. Germany, which had been able to move forces from the Eastern Front after Russia's exit from the war, wanted to win a decisive victory before American troops arrived in force. Using new infiltration tactics by specially trained stormtroopers, the first attack, Operation Michael, broke through the British lines and advanced farther than any since 1914. The Germans failed to reach their strategic goals, however, and their losses in experienced troops were severe. The Allies, now under Ferdinand Foch as overall commander, counterattacked in the summer, which led to their final advance.

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