The German White Book relating to the demand for an
Armistice affords conclusive proof that the Allied offensive which began on July 18th, 1918, decided the issue. On the eve of his hat attack on July 15th General Ludenderff was confident of victory. On August 14th he was certain that he could not win. On October 1st he initiated that the Government should ask for peace as the German front was about to give way. It was Marshal von Hindenburg and not the civilians in Berlin who inspired the first appeal to President Wilson for terms. When the President declined to treat with the autocracy, the Army Commanders wanted to break off negotiations. But the troops and the people had become convinced that the war was lost. The collapse of Austria and Turkey destroyed Germany's last hopes. The soldiers, it is stated, showed open resentment at any attempt to delay the conclusion of the Armistice. They knew that they were beaten in the field, and that they could no longer resist.
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