History Daily 1239: The Signing of the World War One Armistice
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Nov 11, 2025 On November 11, 1918, the world learned that the Great War had ended with an armistice. The battlefield was rife with tension as German envoys ventured into no-man's land for negotiations. Despite military advantages, the Allies faced harrowing decisions. The signing took place at dawn, but chaos erupted just hours later, leading to tragic final attacks. Emotions ran high as soldiers grappled with the abrupt silence of peace. The armistice's terms later sowed the seeds for future conflict, dramatically impacting Germany's fate.
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Runner Brings Armistice News Through Mud
- A frantic British private races through mud to deliver news that the armistice has been signed.
- He knows many more men will die before the message reaches commanders and the ceasefire takes effect.
Collapse Left Germany No Bargaining Power
- Germany was militarily and domestically exhausted by late 1918, leaving its negotiators almost no leverage.
- The Allies therefore imposed harsh, punitive armistice terms that amounted to humiliation more than peace.
Compiègne Train Carriage Negotiations
- German and Allied delegates meet in a train carriage in the Compiègne forest to negotiate terms.
- The exchange is stiff and bitter, and no cordial handshakes follow the signing.