Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:34:07-1:34:29

A defensive Germany and the planned Wilhelmshaven raid

Avoiding the 1918 offensive might extend the war to a British raid on Wilhelmshaven, while leaving the Allies in control of events.

Naval StrategyWestern FrontWilhelmshaven RaidWorld War I
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Could Germany's decision against the 1918 offensive have kept the war going long enough for the planned Wilhelmshaven attack?

Short answer

Possibly, but a defensive strategy would hand operational initiative to the Allies and leave Germany in a poor position.

Notes

If Germany had skipped the 1918 offensive and held a defensive line, the war might have lasted long enough for the planned Royal Navy attack on Wilhelmshaven. That choice would also surrender the pace of operations to the Allies. It could extend the war without solving Germany's worsening strategic position.