Germany faced many difficulties in 1918.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] There was conflict between the Generals and the Reichstag.
2. [1] The Generals interfered in domestic affairs.
3. [1] The Reichstag wanted to end the war.
4. [1] The Chancellor, Max von Baden, asked for an armistice on 3 October.
5. [1] President Wilson wouldn't accept peace negotiations as the Kaiser was still in power.
6. [1] It faced a revolution.
7. [1] The sailors at Kiel mutinied.
8. [1] The blockade was effective.
9. [1] Germany could not import food.
10. [1] Most of the supplies were given to the armed forces so civilians suffered.
11. [1] Agricultural production was disrupted.
12. [Level 3/4 explanation example] Food supplies in Germany were running out by 1918 as the blockade of the North Sea ports by the British was effective. This meant Germany was unable to import food. By the winter of 1917, people were driven to eating fodder kept for cattle and many faced starvation.
13. [1] The Allies were well equipped.
14. [1] The war became one of movement instead of attrition.
15. [1] Ludendorff was a victim of his own successes in the early days of the offensive.
16. [1] Allied tactics, such as creeping barrages, were effective.
17. [1] The German troops suffered heavy casualties and were demoralised.
18. [Level 3 explanation example - Allied strength responsible] The strength of the Allied forces was important. French forces launched a successful counterattack at the Marne in July. This pushed Ludendorff onto the defensive. The Allies also used creeping barrages to support infantry advances. The Allied forces were stronger and better equipped than the German forces.
19. [Level 3 explanation example - Other factors responsible] At first, the Germans did well in the Ludendorff offensive. However, changing the war from one of attrition into one of movement, by breaking out from the heavily fortified Hindenburg Line, played into the hands of the Allies. German soldiers were also demoralised and poorly equipped. They suffered a huge number of casualties and had no reserves.