Armistice and Blockade

Abstract

Germans hoped the Allied blockade would be lifted with the Armistice, yet it was not fully lifted until July 1919, after the Treaty of Versailles had been signed. Interim treaties relating to food were made between the Allies and Germany in between the Armistice and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. This chapter considers the various attempts during this eight-month period within and without Germany to revictual the country, as well as efforts by some of the victors to prevent foodstuffs from entering. Germany was still the enemy, feelings were charged, and there was political pressure, particularly from France, to continue the blockade. The United States Food Administration, created in 1917 and based on the vision of Herbert Hoover, increased total food supplies available for shipping to the Allies during the war. This resulted in a surplus amount of food during the armistice that could have been directed towards feeding vanquished Germany, but only if the Allies agreed.