What if the Nivelle Offensive Succeeded?

Assuming that the Nivelle Offensive in World War I goes perfectly as intended and was strategically decisive against the Germans what happens next? Does Germany surrender and if so what does the peace treaty look like?
 
Been asked before but not frequently. The few opinions I remember is the defense falls back and establishes a new defense. how far back and how strong the defense is depends on the level of surprise. The first and for most reason, out of many, the offensive failed was a lack of strategic and operational surprise. With complete strategic surprise the Germans are in trouble, if its only operational surprise then less so.
 
Ironically, by WW1 standards it was a success, gaining more ground for fewer casualties than in most battles to date. Unfortunately, the troops had been sold a bill of goods about how this was the "big push" which would end the war, and they reacted badly when Nivelle failed to deliver. The following year, Ludendorff's offensives would have a similar effect on the German army.
 
Ironically, by WW1 standards it was a success, gaining more ground for fewer casualties than in most battles to date. Unfortunately, the troops had been sold a bill of goods about how this was the "big push" which would end the war, and they reacted badly when Nivelle failed to deliver. The following year, Ludendorff's offensives would have a similar effect on the German army.
I'm wondering what would happen if it actually was the "big push," even if that isn't very realistic.
 
I'm wondering what would happen if it actually was the "big push," even if that isn't very realistic.


Most likely just an even bigger bloodbath.

The German armies were not yet demoralised by their own failed offensives of 1918, and the chances of Nivelle (or anyone else) breaking the Hindenburg Line were minimal. Even a year later, Haig said openly that he wouldn't have attacked the HL had the German soldiers still been fighting as stubbornly as in 1917.
 
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