The armistice terms were largely written by the Allied Supreme Commander, Marshal Ferdinand Foch, who wanted to hit Germany so hard that it could never again be a military force.

These included: The cessation of hostilities within six hours. Evacuation of France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Alsace-Lorraine within 15 days, the sick and wounded left behind for Allies to care for. The withdrawal of German forces to behind the Rhine and Allied occupation of the Rhineland. The preservation of infrastructure. Surrender of matériel: 5,000 artillery pieces, 25,000 machine guns, 3,000 minenwerfers (mortars), 1,700 aircraft (including all night bombers), 5,000 railway locomotives, 150,000 railcars and 5,000 trucks. Immediate release of all Allied prisoners of war, without reciprocity. All minefields on land and sea to be identified. Eventual reparations. However, the relaxation of the naval blockade of Germany which had brought widespread starvation and death was not agreed to.

Following the Armistice the occupation of the Rhineland took place. The occupying armies consisted of American, Belgian, British, and French forces.