In 1916, Field Marshal Sir Douglas Hague's offensive at the Somme had been long and bloody,

but had wounded the German army and had even pushed it back a few miles.

But by spring of 1917, the Germans had rested, reinforced, and rebuilt their defenses.

In 1917, Hague's campaign in Flanders, the Battle of Passchendale, had been long and bloody,

but had wounded the German army and had even pushed it back a few miles.

But by spring of 1918, the Germans had rested, reinforced, and even gone on offense.

Now it is September of 1918.

The German offensives of last spring have ended

and the Germans pushed back to the Hindenburg line in many places.

The German army is clearly shaken,

but the end of the campaign season is just weeks away.

Prudence might dictate that the Allies wait until spring of

1919 for the next big push, but Field Marshal Hague has learned from bitter experience

how dangerous it is to allow the Germans breathing room to rest and rebuild.

Marshall Foch and General Pershing agree. The Germans have never been more vulnerable

than they are right now. Welcome to the history of the 20th century.

The The

The Episode 170.

Episode 170.

Trey bien.

The Allied commanders had originally agreed to wait until 1919 for the next big Allied offensive.

Now that they decided to pursue an autumn 1918 offensive, the next step was to choose the objective.

...