Almost everyone in the world today agrees that the United States is the only superpower in the world. The reason as to why the United States is a superpower is because of its military achievements, particularly during the 20th century. During the First World War, the United States fought alongside and against the best armies in the world. However, the U.S. showed why it was the best among the best. One of the outstanding military regimens that contributed the military success of the U.S. military during the First World War is the American Expeditionary Force. The American Expedition Force (AFE) played a significant role during the First World War, as it was involved in some of the decisive battles.
The American Expeditionary Force was part of the American Army, which served in Europe during the Great War. The American Expeditionary Force was commanded by General John J. Pershing. Members of the AFE engaged in the first battle at Seichepery, France. The battle took place on April 20, 1918. The fight was a surprise one for it was not expected that the Germans would attack the village of Seichepery that very early in the morning.
The first four divisions of the American Army to arrive in France were the first, 2nd, 26th, and 42nd Infantry Divisions. The U.S. troops were at a slight disadvantage because the army they were fighting was battle-hardened. According to Mahon, the major protagonist, Germany, had been fighting for almost four years. Therefore, the Germany Army had greater experience compared to the American Expedition Force (123). Despite this setback, the AFE was able to stand its ground and win the battle.
Cantigny in France is the other place where the American Expeditionary Force fought during the World War I in the month of May, 1918. During this period, Cantigny had a small number of people, who engaged themselves in small businesses. In addition, Agricultural activities were practiced here just like in other French Villages. It is at this place where the 1st Infantry Division of the United States succeeded in capturing Cantigny's village, which was under the control of the Germans. General John Pershing was the leader who commanded the American Expeditionary Force at that time.
The other battle in which the American Expeditionary Force was involved in is at Belleau Wood. The battle started on 6th in the month of June, 19118, up to 25th of the same month (Marshal Cavendish Corporation 432). The fight is always remembered in the history of the America because it was regarded as crucial to the American Expeditionary Force and the Allied Forces. Despite the fact that the United States’ military suffered significant losses during this fight, the battle was a clear indication that the United States was destined to control the outcome of the First World War. It is also during this war that the hopes of the Germans were crushed.
The other battle in which the American Expeditionary Army was involved in is the battle of Chateau-Thierry. The fight took place in the month of July, 1918, under the command of General Pershing also known as the "Black Jack." The battle was prompted by the offensive of the Germans against the American Expeditionary Force. The battle helped to shape the character and the legend of the modern day's American military.
St. Mihiel’s air battle is also another battle in which the American Expedition Force was involved in in the month of July, 1918. During this time, the American Expedition Force was assigned a very special task to eliminate the Germans at St. Mihiel (Griffiths 65). Attempts to eliminate the Germans at St. Mihiel had proved futile until the commander of the American Expedition Force inspired his troops to win the war.
Meuse-Argonne is also the other place where the America Expeditionary Force fought during the period of the World War I. Meuse-Argonne’s battle is regarded as the biggest battle, and it happened in the month of September, 1918 (Wright 44). The battle is believed to have fulfilled the vision of the commander of the Expeditionary Force. The commander insisted that the United States forces should fight until the battle was won, and that is exactly what happened. However, it can never be forgotten that this battle led to the loss of very many American soldiers.
In conclusion, the American Expeditionary Force was of high value during the Great War and, therefore, cannot be forgotten in the history of America. Despite the fact that a significant number of the members of this group lost their lives in the battles involved, they made sure that they did not lose hope. The group fought with a lot of courage under their commander General Pershing. The troops were able to show the world that the United States was powerful in war just as the other nations that were regarded as the best. The reason why the American Expeditionary Force was able to show this to the world is because it was able to win against armies that were regarded as the best during Great War. The U.S. military gained respect among the most advanced armies in the world, and part of that is attributable to the achievement of AFE.
Works Cited
Mahon, John. New York's Fighting Sixty-Ninth: A Regimental History of Service in the Civil War's Irish Brigade and the Great War's Rainbow Division. Jefferson, N.C: McFarland, 2011. Print
Griffiths, William R. The Great War. Garden City Park, NY: Square One Publishers, 2003. Print.
Wright, William M, and Robert H. Ferrell. Meuse-Argonne Diary: A Division Commander in World War I. Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 2004. Internet resource.
