First World War · permanent subject timeline
The failure of Germany's final major offensive in France. This page combines historical context with 10 matching records drawn directly from the World History Database World War I battle archive.
Historical context
The Second Battle of the Marne began in July 1918 during Germany's final major offensive effort. French, British, American and other Allied forces contained the attack and then launched a counter-offensive.
The battle marked a strategic turning point in 1918. German forces lost the initiative, while the Allies moved toward the sequence of offensives that culminated in the Hundred Days.
World History Database records
The records below are selected from the 572-record World War I battles archive and rendered as static HTML in chronological order.
Battle of Marne, 2nd
The Marne Offensive (15th July - 5th August 1918) became the last German offensive of the war. It was intended as a diversionary attack either side of Reims to cross the river Marne and draw the Allied reserves away from Flanders, where Ludendorff was planning to make another offensive to break through the Allied line once and for all
Battle of Marne, 2nd
Ludendorff throws 35 Divisions across the Marne to encircle Reims. Final thrust of the Spring Offensive. 1st day of 5th Ludendorf offensive, Battle of the Marne
Battle of Marne, 2nd
Final day of 5th Ludendorf offensive, Battle of the Marne
Battle of Marne, 2nd
The Allies counter-attack capturing 12,000 PoWs, 250 guns & 14 German divisions. German forces south of the River Marne are forced to rereat
Battle of Marne, 2nd
The British 9th Division recaptures Meteren
Battle of Marne, 2nd
The Germans retreat 5 miles as the French reach the Lassery-Chateau-Thierry Road
Battle of Marne, 2nd
The Allies cross the Marne near Dormans. Ludendorf orders the southern salient to be abandoned
Battle of Marne, 2nd
The British recapture Marfaux
Battle of Marne, 2nd
The Allies capture Fere Forest, La Croise Range, Oulchy-le-Chateau & Villemontoire. The Allies advance 2 miles
Battle of Marne, 2nd
The Allies capture Romigny-St Gemme
Editorial provenance
Compiled and edited by World History Database.
Historical context is editorial material; the chronology is generated from World History Database First World War records.
Last reviewed: September 2026.
Imperial War Museums · Commonwealth War Graves Commission · Australian War Memorial
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