Listen Now - History That Doesn't Suck: America Enters WWI
American History Tellers
Deep Dive
Why did President Woodrow Wilson ask Congress for a declaration of war against Germany in WWI?
After years of trying to avoid entanglement in European conflicts, President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany in April 1917 due to Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram, which threatened U.S. interests and security.
What challenges did the U.S. face in building an army for WWI?
The U.S. faced significant challenges in building an army for WWI, including drafting, training, and funding a large force. The U.S. Army was small, ranking 17th globally, and had to rapidly expand from 107,641 men to a massive expeditionary force. Logistical struggles, such as lack of supplies and illiteracy among recruits, further complicated the effort.
Who was General John J. Pershing and why was he chosen to lead the American Expeditionary Force?
General John J. 'Black Jack' Pershing was a seasoned military leader with experience in the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, and the Philippines. He was chosen to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) due to his disciplined, no-nonsense leadership style and his ability to prioritize national interests over personal ambitions.
How did the U.S. fund its involvement in WWI?
The U.S. funded its involvement in WWI through a combination of increased income taxes, corporate taxes, and the sale of war bonds. The War Revenue Act of 1917 raised taxes on corporations and high-income earners, while the Liberty Bonds campaign raised $21 billion from public contributions.
What was the significance of the first American troops arriving in France in 1917?
The arrival of the first American troops in France in 1917 marked the U.S. entry into WWI. The 1st Division, known as the Big Red One, marched in Paris on July 4th, symbolizing American support for the Allies. However, these troops were largely untrained and unprepared for combat, highlighting the challenges of building an effective army.
Why did General Pershing resist amalgamating U.S. troops with British and French forces?
General Pershing resisted amalgamating U.S. troops with British and French forces to maintain American identity and ensure that U.S. soldiers fought under their own leadership. He believed that amalgamation would treat Americans as cannon fodder and undermine their role as an independent force in the war.
What was the impact of Russia's exit from WWI on the Western Front?
Russia's exit from WWI, formalized by the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in March 1918, allowed Germany to transfer 750,000 troops from the Eastern Front to the Western Front. This shift intensified the German spring offensive, putting immense pressure on the Allies and increasing the urgency for American reinforcements.
How did General Pershing respond to Allied pressure to amalgamate U.S. troops in May 1918?
In May 1918, General Pershing firmly resisted Allied pressure to amalgamate U.S. troops, insisting on the formation of an independent American army. However, he later agreed to temporarily allocate American forces to the French and British to support their efforts, demonstrating flexibility while maintaining his long-term goal of an independent U.S. command.
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