German infantry dash through a cut barbed wire entanglement on the Aisne. The Third Battle of the Aisne was a battle of the German Spring Offensive during WWI that focused on capturing the Chemin des Dames Ridge before the American Expeditionary Force could arrive completely in France. It was one of a series of offensives, known as the Kaiserschlacht, launched by the Germans in the spring and summer of 1918. Victory seemed near for the Germans, who had captured just over 50,000 Allied soldiers and well over 800 guns by May 30, 1918. But after having advanced within 35 miles of Paris in early June, the German armies were beset by numerous problems, including supply shortages, fatigue, lack of reserves and many casualties. Following many successful Allied counter-attacks, the German advance halted on the Marne. The French had suffered over 98,000 casualties and the British around 29,000. German losses were nearly as great if not slightly heavier.
