Q&A · 4:37:08-4:38:33

Could European governments survive war to 1920?

Some European governments could survive a First World War lasting to 1920, but the scenario requires Allied advances to stall and places heavier strain on France, Italy, Austria-Hungary, and Germany.

Question

Could European governments survive if the First World War continued to 1920?

Short answer

Some probably could, but several major powers would face growing strain, and the war lasts only if the Allied ground advance stalls.

Notes

In a war lasting until 1920, Britain, the Scandinavian governments, and Spain are considered comparatively stable. France and Italy could face greater difficulty, while Austria-Hungary and Germany present more complicated cases. Germany could remain more stable than appearances suggest if major battlefield defeats were avoided. This scenario requires the late Allied advance to stall, because British Army successes intensified the German government's difficulties. The French Army was badly worn, and the American Army was still building the strength and capability needed to lead an advance. If British logistics and support had failed to sustain the offensive, the fighting could have continued much longer.