Bavarian Reserve Infantry October 1918

The Bavarian Reserve Infantry, Munich, October 1918.

German Supreme Command had informed the Kaiser on September 29, 1918, that the military situation on The Western Front had become hopeless and that the war ultimately would be lost.

Authorities in Bavaria—and all over Germany—immediately began preparing for revolution. Indeed, upon failure of The Spring Offensive in late April 1918, civilian officials had initiated preparations for containing a populace on the brink of open revolt.

At the time, it was believed that the war would continue into the summer of 1919, giving authorities sufficient time to prepare measures designed to quell rebellion.

The war was to end suddenly and abruptly in November 1918.

Revolution in Bavaria—and throughout Germany—was instantaneous. In fact, revolution in Bavaria occurred a full four days before The Armistice even was to take effect.