Final answer:
The Battle of the Argonne Forest, part of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, lasted for 47 days from September 26 to November 11, 1918, marking a turning point in World War I and contributing to the German surrender.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Battle of the Argonne Forest, also known as the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, lasted for 47 days. It was a significant encounter during World War I, involving a combined offensive by the Allied Powers, particularly marked by the significant battlefield contribution of American troops. The battle began on September 26, 1918, and concluded on November 11, 1918, with an armistice that led to the cessation of hostilities and began the peace process to end the war.
US troops, under the command of General Pershing, advanced with great valor against entrenched German positions for forty-seven days. Although they encountered severe difficulties with supply lines and communications, and despite the heavy casualties, including the trials faced by the "Lost Battalion", the US forces and their allies managed to break the German lines. This offensive ultimately contributed to the collapse of the German military's will to continue the conflict, leading to the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the signing of the armistice.
The strategic impact of the offensive cannot be overstated, as it marked the end of the stalemate and trench warfare that had characterized much of the fighting on the Western Front up to that point. It set the stage for the end of World War I, demonstrating the evolving nature of military technology and tactics, like the use of poison gas, tanks, and aircraft, which allowed for such a large-scale and effective offensive.