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1918January 8: United States spells out its goals in a statement known as the Fourteen Points that presage post-war treaties. US intervention takes effect in the spring of 1918, helps end the war. March 21: German forces launch first of several offensives on the Western Front to claim victory before US reinforcements arrive. Allied troops struggle but hold their positions. July 15: Second Battle of the Marne. Allies stage a counteroffensive at Viller-Cotterets with fresh US troops. German forces are pushed back and begin a long retreat. Allies also advance in Asia and the Balkans. September/November: Peak of Spanish flu epidemic that kills at least 20 million people across Europe in two years. October 30: Ottoman Empire signs an armistice, Austria-Hungary follows on November 3. November 9: German emperor Wilhelm II abdicates. Demonstrations break out in Berlin. November 11: Allied Victory. Armistice with Germany takes effect
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