Timeline (The Last Chance for Peace)

1917
1917 saw the exit of Russia from the war andthe rise of the Bolshevik regime there under Lenin. It also saw the entry of the United States of America. The prevailant world mood was that of an honorable peace, not more harsh than necessary. But as the the end of the year approached, people began considering the option of peace. But there could be no peace as long as the Germans wouldn't budge an inch on the issue of returning territory. Count Czernin, the Austrian Prime Minister, approached Ludendorff about the possibility of returning Alsace-Lorraine to the French. Ludendorff replied with an unqualified "Never!" A few days later, czernin decided to approach Hindenburg about the same issue. Hindenburg, depressed about the loss of life in this war, said that somethig could be worked out to that effect possibly. Later, Ludendorff met with Hindenburg about his meeting with Czernin. This was the argument, over the possiblity of peace, that started to break up the H-L combination. Their argument continued to grow, and they went to the Kaiser to arbitrate. The Kaiser swung between their views, but eventually sided with Ludendorff. Hindenburg, his temper gettig the better of him, stormed out, saying that the Kaiser was nothing more than a puppet of Ludendorff.