Battles & Campaigns · 1918
Second Battle of the Marne
Marne River, east of Paris, France
What happened
Germany launched an attack along the Marne River to draw Allied troops away from Flanders. German troops crossed the river but were stopped by 17 July. On 18 July the Allies struck back with French troops and several hundred tanks, and on 20 July the Germans ordered a retreat.
Why it matters
The battle ended a string of German victories in 1918. Historians often say its biggest effect was on morale.
What came next
The Allies kept pushing in the Hundred Days Offensive, which led to the Armistice of 11 November 1918.
Did you know?
After the battle, Foch was made a Marshal of France.
Timeline
- 15 Jul 1918The German attack along the Marne begins.
- 18 Jul 1918The Allied counteroffensive begins.
- 20 Jul 1918The Germans order a retreat.
- 8 Aug 1918Battle of Amiens opens the Hundred Days Offensive.
- 11 Nov 1918Armistice.