Caption: (L-R) Hindenburgh, Kaiser Wilhelm II and Ludendorff in Avesnes, Northern France, March 1918.
About this talk: this talk looks at the Ludendorff Offensives - also known as the Kaiser's Battle ('Kaiserschlacht'), or the German Spring Offensive - which took place from March to July 1918. Initially, it tested the Allies to their limits and led to Haig issuing his famous 'With our backs to the wall' order to his troops to fight to the very last man. But, ultimately, was it one of the greatest turning points in modern history and did it bear the seeds of the Central Powers' destruction? In this talk, Prof Stevenson discusses the nerve-racking decisions taken on both sides and the sheer uncertainty faced by their leaders.
About the speaker: David Stevenson is Professor of International History at the London School of Economics, where his speciality is the First World War. He is the author of the acclaimed 'With Our Backs to the Wall: Victory and Defeat in 1918', as well as the iconic '1914-1918: The History of the First World War', and '1917: War, Peace and Revolution'.
This online talk: opens at 19:20 for a 19:30 start, ending at about 20:30. Participating is quick and easy. The only equipment you need is a computer, or a tablet, or a smart phone. Simply email wfa.nwkent@gmail.com for your link and the passcode. These will be sent out on late/morning/early afternoon of Tuesday, 9th May, the day the talk takes place. You'll also automatically be added to the mailing list to keep you updated with future events.