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Allied Powers
Central Powers
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German Spring Offensive (Operation Michael)

March 21 – April 5, 1918 · Western Front Theater

Initial German tactical victory — advance stalls; Allied unified command created

March 21 – April 5, 1918

With Russia knocked out of the war, Germany transferred 50 divisions west for a last desperate gamble before American troops arrived in strength. Using stormtrooper infiltration tactics, they smashed through British lines, advancing up to 40 miles — more ground than anyone had taken in three years. Paris was shelled by a 75-mile-range gun. Then momentum stalled as supply lines couldn't keep up.

  • German Spring Offensive (Operation Michael)

Commanders

Central Powers · Gen. Erich Ludendorff / Gen. Oskar von Hutier
Allied Powers · Gen. Sir Hubert Gough / Gen. Sir Douglas Haig