Why Germany collapsed in WW1

In 1918, the Allies were preparing for the climatic showdown of the First World War’s. They expected the offensive into Germany to last well into 1919. But they were wrong.

Instead, 1918 saw a catastrophic collapse in the German will to fight. German soldiers began ‘shirking’ or surrendering on mass. While at home, mutiny turned to open rebellion. By November 1918 the Great War was over.

So, what caused German morale to collapse? Why did German soldiers and citizens lose faith in a war they were certain they could win just months before?

To explore those questions, we’ll utilise IWM’s latest exhibition War and the Mind, which tackles the psychological dimensions of warfare from 1914 to the present day.

Plan your visit to War and the Mind: https://www.iwm.org.uk/events/war-and...

The Armistice, explained: https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/how-di...

Armistice Day in pictures: https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/armist...

The Hundred Days Offensive, explained: https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/from-a...

Explore and licence the film clips used in this video:
https://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/co...