Macedonian Front: What Happened
From 1915 to 1918, the Macedonian Front, also known as the Salonika Front, was one of the battlefields of World War I, running across northern Greece and the southern Balkans. In October 1915, British and French troops landed at Thessaloniki to help Serbia, which was being attacked by Germany, Austria-Hungary and Bulgaria. They arrived too late to save Serbia, and they established a heavily fortified base around Thessaloniki. For nearly three years, the front was largely static, with the Allies facing Bulgarian and German forces along the mountains of Greek and Serbian Macedonia. Malaria and other diseases caused more casualties than the fighting. Allied soldiers from France, Britain, Serbia, Russia, Italy and French colonies served there, and after 1917, Greece joined with several divisions. In September 1918, the Allies launched a major offensive, breaking through the Bulgarian lines at Dobro Pole. Bulgaria asked for an armistice within two weeks, becoming the first of the Central Powers to leave the war. The breakthrough contributed to the collapse of Germany's allies and the end of World War I.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Macedonian Front?
The Macedonian Front, also called the Salonika Front, was a World War I front in northern Greece and the southern Balkans from 1915 to 1918.
Why did the Allies land at Thessaloniki?
British and French troops landed at Thessaloniki in October 1915 to help Serbia, which was under attack from Germany, Austria-Hungary and Bulgaria.
What was life like on the Macedonian Front?
For nearly three years, the front was largely static. Malaria and other diseases caused more casualties than the fighting itself.
What happened at Dobro Pole?
In September 1918, the Allies broke through the Bulgarian lines at Dobro Pole. Bulgaria asked for an armistice within two weeks.
Why was the Macedonian Front important?
The breakthrough knocked Bulgaria out of the war, the first Central Power to leave, and contributed to the collapse of Germany's allies.
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