In the wake of the German Revolution, abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the success of the Allied Hundred Days Offensive, the ability of Germany to continue waging war in terms of resources and will was at breaking point.
In the wake of the German sailor’s mutiny at Kiel at the end of October 1918, which quickly spread throughout Germany, a republic was declared on 9th November.
The new civilian government headed by Friedrich Ebert of the Social Democrats, accepted the terms for a ceasefire from the Allies, which had included the abdication of the Kaiser (which had been achieved) and the payment of reparations to the Allies.
Before this, the Army and leading military figures had been unwilling to accept these Allied pre-conditions for peace negotiations.
The Armistice was signed at 5:00am on 11th November 1918 and came into effect five hours later, bringing about the cessation of hostilities in the First World War, but technically, not a German surrender.
Posted by: Daniel Barry, Centenary News