Describe how the Germans were able to win the battle.
The Germans were able to win the battle due to a combination of factors:
1. Superior military strategy: The German military, under the command of General Erich Ludendorff, implemented innovative and effective tactics. They made use of stormtroopers, small groups of highly trained soldiers equipped with automatic weapons and grenades, to break through enemy lines and create chaos among the Allies.
2. Technological advantage: The Germans had developed advanced weaponry, such as the flamethrower, which they effectively used to clear out enemy trenches and fortifications. They also had a larger number of heavy artillery guns, allowing them to bombard the Allies with greater firepower.
3. Improved communication and coordination: The Germans utilized a well-developed system of communication, including extensive use of telephones, telegraphs, and signal flags. This allowed them to receive real-time information about enemy movements and respond rapidly to changing situations on the battlefield.
4. Morale and motivation: The German soldiers were highly motivated, as they believed that victory in this battle would give them a decisive advantage in the war. Their morale was further boosted by effective propaganda that portrayed the battle as a fight for the survival of the German nation.
5. Surprise and timing: The German offensive was launched in the early morning of March 21, 1918, catching the Allies off guard. They used the element of surprise to quickly break through the Allied lines and push them back.
6. Weaknesses in the Allied defense: Prior to the battle, the Allies had weakened their defense in this sector by reallocating troops to other areas. This allowed the Germans to exploit the reduced resistance and make significant gains.
7. Limited resources and exhaustion: The Allies had been fighting for several years and were exhausted, both physically and mentally. They were low on resources and lacked the reinforcements needed to counter the German offensive effectively.
In conclusion, the Germans won the battle by employing superior military strategy, utilizing advanced technology, having effective communication, maintaining high morale, exploiting weaknesses in the enemy defense, and taking advantage of the exhaustion and limited resources of the Allies.