Armistice - GCSE History Definition

Definition

An armistice is a formal agreement between the different sides in a war to temporarily stop fighting. It's essentially a ceasefire that pauses combat while longer-term peace negotiations take place.

Explanation

It is possible to think of an armistice as someone pressing the pause button on a war. When armies agree to an armistice, they agree to stop all military action for a set period of time.

An armistice is not a peace treaty. Peace treaties aim to end wars permanently and contain political agreements. An armistice just stops the fighting to allow both sides to begin talks to decide on the terms of a peace treaty.

Countries usually agree to armistices after an extended period of fighting or when they realise continuing the war won’t result in a clear victory in the foreseeable future. Sometimes, the side that is clearly losing will suggest an armistice in order to negotiate better terms than they'd get from a complete military defeat.

The terms of an armistice can vary hugely. Some, in effect, simply say "stop shooting at each other." Others include detailed and specific terms about things such as where armies can and can’t move, what weapons should be handed over and which prisoners of war should be exchanged.

Most armistices have a specific end date. If the warring parties don't agree on permanent terms for peace by then, fighting can start again. However, many armistices get extended until peace agreements are signed.

Breaking an armistice and commencing fighting before its agreed end date is considered a serious violation of international law. The side that breaks it loses credibility and may face consequences from other countries.

Key Historical Facts

The most well-known armistice ended World War One. At 11 o’clock on 11th November 1918, representatives of the German government signed an armistice with the Allied powers in a railway carriage in France. This ended over four years of bloodshed that had cost the lives of millions. It is also why we observe Remembrance Day on 11th November each year and why a minutes’ silence is held at 11 o’clock.

The World War One armistice was meant to last 36 days. However, it was renewed several times whilst peace negotiations continued. The peace treaty that formally and finally brought the war to and (the Treaty of Versailles) wasn't signed until June 1919 - seven months later.

The Korean War ended with an armistice that began in 1953 and continues to this day. Technically, North Korea and South Korea remain at war to this very day because they never signed a peace treaty. The armistice created the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) that is 250 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide that still separates the two countries.

In 1940, Hitler forced the French leaders to sign an armistice in the same railway carriage where the armistice had been signed in 1918. By choosing the exact same carriage, Hitler intended to humiliate the French and demonstrate how the tables had turned.

Local, limited unofficial armistices happen during longer wars. Sometimes commanders arrange brief armistices just to collect wounded soldiers or bury the dead, even whilst the wider war continues. Famously, British and German soldiers stopped fighting and even played football together during the Christmas of 1914. Although it could be argued that this was more of a temporary truce or ceasefire than an armistice. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between an armistice, ceasefire, and peace treaty?

An armistice is a formal, temporary agreement to stop fighting whilst peace talks happen. A ceasefire is usually shorter and less formal - it might just be a few hours to let civilians escape or aid workers help the wounded. A peace treaty is permanent and officially ends the war, sorting out borders, reparations and political arrangements.

Why don't countries just sign peace treaties instead of armistices?

Peace treaties can take a long time to negotiate. Complicated issues like new borders, responsibility for war damage, what happens to prisoners and how to prevent future conflicts need to be agreed upon. By stopping the two sides from killing each other’s soldiers, an armistice helps create an environment where these discussions can happen. Agreeing to “stop shooting" is much quicker and easier than longstanding and complicated issues. 

Can fighting restart after an armistice?

Yes, absolutely. An armistice is just a pause, not an ending. So if peace talks fail or one side breaks the agreement, war can resume. This happened several times during the English Civil War in the 1640s, where various armistices collapsed and fighting broke out again.

Who decides the terms of an armistice?

Normally, military commanders or government representatives from each side negotiate the terms. Sometimes neutral countries help broker the deal. The side that believes it is in a stronger position can often demand harsher terms whilst the side in a weaker position will often accept to avoid invasion or total defeat. 

Are there rules about armistices in international law?

Yes. The Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907 set out basic rules about how armistices should work. Breaking an armistice without proper notice is considered a war crime. Countries must respect the terms they've agreed to, and civilians in armistice zones should be protected.

What happens to soldiers during an armistice?

Soldiers must stop all fighting immediately. They usually have to stay in their current positions or withdraw to agreed lines. Some armistices require armies to hand over weapons or equipment. Prisoners of war might be exchanged, and wounded soldiers get medical treatment. Normal military activities like training or moving supplies might also be restricted or banned completely.

Related Glossaries 

Civil War

Reparations 

Warfare

Negotiation