WW1: A Brief History of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF)

Summary

On April 2, 1917, President Wilson called for a declaration of war against Germany, leading to the mobilization of American forces in World War I. With an initial military size of just 200,000, the U.S. enacted the Selective Service Act, drafting over 2 million men. General Pershing commanded the American Expeditionary Forces, transforming them into a formidable fighting force. Significant battles included the Battle of Cantigny and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which showcased American bravery and effectiveness. The war concluded on November 11, 1918, with American contributions significantly boosting Allied morale and hastening Germany's defeat.

Takeaways

• 🇺🇸 President Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany on April 2, 1917, citing unrestricted submarine warfare and alliances with Japan and Mexico.
• ⚔️ The United States officially entered World War I on April 6, 1917.
• 👨‍✈️ General John J. Pershing was appointed to command the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in Europe.
• 📈 The U.S. military had a standing army of only 200,000 men at the war's start, necessitating a dramatic increase in forces.
• 📝 The Selective Service Act of May 1917 drafted over 22 million men to bolster military numbers.
• 🚢 The U.S. and Britain implemented a convoy system to protect merchant ships and troop carriers, minimizing casualties.
• 🇫🇷 By June 1917, over 14,000 American soldiers were in France, with troop numbers exceeding 180,000 by December.
• 💥 American forces first engaged in combat in 1917, supporting Allies initially, then taking on more aggressive roles in 1918.
• 🎖️ The U.S. participated in significant battles, including the Battle of Cantigny, the Battle of St. Mihiel, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
• 🕊️ The war concluded at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, with the last American soldier dying just one minute prior to the armistice.

Q & A

What prompted President Wilson to ask Congress for a declaration of war against Germany?

President Wilson requested a declaration of war due to Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare and its attempts to form alliances with Japan and Mexico.

What was the size of the U.S. military at the start of World War I?

At the start of the war, the U.S. had a standing Army of about 200,000 men, including National Guard members.

What legislation did Congress pass to increase the size of the military?

Congress passed the Selective Service Act in May 1917, which required all men aged 21 to 30 to register for military service.

How many men were ultimately drafted into the military?

Over 22 million men were drafted as a result of the Selective Service Act.

What was the convoy system implemented by Britain and the U.S.?

The convoy system was a tactical approach to protect merchant ships and troop carriers, allowing for the safe movement of large numbers of American soldiers to Europe.

Who commanded the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe?

General John J. Pershing was selected to command the American Expeditionary Forces.

What was the significance of the Battle of Cony?

The Battle of Cony marked the first offensive action by U.S. forces and demonstrated that the American military was an effective fighting force.

What was the largest battle involving American troops during World War I?

The largest battle involving American troops was the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, where over a million American troops participated.

How did the presence of American troops affect the morale of the Allies?

The presence of American troops raised the morale of Allied soldiers and civilians while demoralizing the German military and populace.

What were some notable actions of American soldiers during the war?

Notable actions included the tenacity of U.S. Marines at the Battle of Belleau Wood, the bravery of the Harlem Hellfighters, and Sergeant Alvin York's heroic actions during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.