Battles & Campaigns · 1918
Meuse–Argonne Offensive
Montfaucon, northwest of Verdun, France
What happened
After a huge artillery barrage on 26 September, American and French troops attacked between the Meuse River and the Argonne Forest. Progress was slow at first, and Pershing paused to regroup before pressing on. By the end of October American troops had cleared the Argonne Forest, and French troops reached Sedan on 6 November.
Why it matters
It was the largest American military operation of the First World War. It was part of the Hundred Days Offensive that pushed German forces back along the whole Western Front.
What came next
The fighting ended with the Armistice of 11 November 1918.
Did you know?
On 8 October Corporal Alvin York captured 132 German soldiers near Cornay, one of the best-known stories of the war.
Timeline
- 12 Sep 1918Battle of Saint-Mihiel.
- 26 Sep 1918The Meuse–Argonne offensive begins.
- 8 Oct 1918Alvin York's capture of 132 prisoners.
- 6 Nov 1918French troops reach Sedan.
- 11 Nov 1918Armistice.