Allies Halt Germans at Marne: WWI's Turning Point
Erich Ludendorff launched the Second Battle of the Marne on July 15, 1918, throwing 52 divisions across the river in Germany's last great offensive of the war. French intelligence had captured a prisoner who revealed the attack date, allowing Allied commanders to pull their front lines back and prepare a devastating counterbarrage. American divisions fought their first major engagements at Chateau-Thierry and Belleau Wood during the broader campaign. The German advance stalled within three days. On July 18, French General Ferdinand Foch launched a massive counterattack that drove the Germans back across the Marne. Ludendorff called August 8 the "black day of the German Army." The war ended three months later.
July 15, 1918
108 years ago
Key Figures & Places
What Else Happened on July 15
Rome dedicated the Temple of Castor and Pollux in the Forum to honor the divine twins who allegedly helped the Republic secure victory at the Battle of Lake Reg…
Titus and his Roman legions smashed through Jerusalem's breached walls, ending the city's desperate defense and sealing the fate of the Second Temple. This brut…
The Imperial Guards wouldn't march another step until she died. Yang Guifei, Emperor Xuanzong's beloved consort, was strangled by his chief eunuch on July 15, 7…
Crusader armies reached Jerusalem on June 7, 1099, after a three-year march from Constantinople that had already killed thousands from disease, starvation, and …
The Crusaders built their church directly over what they believed was Christ's tomb—while still fighting for control of the streets outside. Fifty years after c…
King John expelled the monks of Canterbury Cathedral after they backed Stephen Langton’s appointment as Archbishop against the King’s wishes. This confrontation…
Talk to History
Have a conversation with historical figures who witnessed this era. Ask questions, explore perspectives, and bring history to life.