The first Armistice Day
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918
Chris Wild
Nov. 11, 1918
Soldiers celebrating the news of the Armistice.
Credit: Time Life Pictures/US Army Signal Corps/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Armistice Day is celebrated across many nations to commemorate the soldiers who fought in World War I. Specifically, it refers to the armistice treaty signed by the Allies and Germany at Compiègne, France. The truce went into effect on the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour.However, in the hours between the announcement of the armistice and its enforcement deadline, fighting continued. Almost 3,000 men died on the last day of the war.
The following photos document how different nations celebrated the official end of WWI.
The armistice was signed at five o'clock this morning, and hostilities are to cease on all fronts at 11 a.m. to-day. - Prime Minister David Lloyd George in a communique to the British public
London crowds celebrating the signing of the Armistice.
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Processions of soldiers and munition girls arm in arm were everywhere. - DAILY MIRROR, NOV. 12, 1918
A group of women joyfully waving Union Jacks on Armistice Day.
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American soldiers in jubilation invaded Downing Street. - DAILY MIRROR, NOV. 12, 1918
Boisterous scenes in Downing Street on Armistice Day.
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Conversation in the Strand was impossible owing to the din of cheers, whistles, hooters and fireworks. - DAILY MIRROR, NOV. 12, 1918
Crowds at Trafalgar Square, London.
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In accordance with the terms of the Armistice, hostilities on the fronts of the American armies were suspended at eleven o'clock this morning. - UNITED STATES OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE, 2:30 P.M.
Celebrations in the U.S.
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A group of American soldiers ride in a truck, waving American flags during an Armistice Day parade , New York City. One soldier holds a sign reading 'To Hell With The Kaiser.'
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Bells burst forth into joyful chimes, maroons were exploded, bands paraded the streets followed by cheering crowds of soldiers and civilians and London generally gave itself up wholeheartedly to rejoicing. - DAILY MIRROR, NOV. 12, 1918
Cheering New York shipyard workers celebrate the news of the Armistice, New York.
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At Buckingham Palace, dense crowds were shouting 'We want the King!' The King, the Queen, Princess Mary and the Duke of Connaught appeared on the balcony and His Majesty spoke a few words. Indescribable scenes of enthusiasm followed. - DAILY MIRROR, NOV. 12, 1918
Jubilant crowds close to Buckingham Palace, London, celebrating Armistice Day.
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An Armistice scene outside the White House in Washington, D.C.
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A crowd of thousands massed on Broad Street, New York, near a replica of the Statue of Liberty, to cheer as news of the armistice was announced to the public.
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Crowds in Paris, France upon the announcement of the Armistice.
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A crowd of soldiers on the Western Front celebrating as an officer announces the news of the Armistice.
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