Ep 11. American Expeditionary Forces: 1917-1918

In season 1 episode 11 of American Military History: From Colonials to Counterinsurgents, titled American Expeditionary Forces: 1917-1918, viewers are taken back to the early days of the United States' involvement in World War I. Hosted by military historian Peter Makowski, this episode tells the story of how the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) were formed and their contributions to the war effort on the Western Front.

Makowski begins by setting the stage for the United States' entry into the war, explaining the geopolitical tensions that led to the conflict and highlighting the reluctance of the Wilson administration to get involved. However, once the decision was made to enter the war, the United States moved quickly to build up its military capacity and send troops overseas.

Viewers learn about the challenges of building an army from scratch and the rapid mobilization that took place. Makowski explains how the AEF had to be trained and equipped before they could be deployed to the Western Front, a process that stretched the resources of the United States military to the limit. Despite the difficulties, the AEF was able to deploy more than two million soldiers to Europe by the end of the war.

Once in France, the AEF faced numerous challenges. Makowski describes the brutal conditions in the trenches, the dangers of chemical warfare, and the toll that disease took on the troops. Despite these obstacles, the AEF played a crucial role in the final push to defeat Germany. Viewers see footage of the battles that took place, including the Battle of Cantigny and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the largest battle in American history up to that point.

Makowski also focuses on the leadership of the AEF, particularly the role of General John J. Pershing. He explains how Pershing's insistence on an American-led army, rather than integrating American troops into existing Allied units, set the AEF apart from other forces on the Western Front. Makowski also discusses the contributions of African American soldiers, who faced discrimination within the army but demonstrated their bravery and skill on the battlefield.

The episode concludes with the armistice that ended the war and the impact that the AEF had on the United States' emergence as a world power. Makowski explains how the lessons learned during World War I would shape the future of American military strategy and influence the country's participation in future conflicts.

Overall, American Expeditionary Forces: 1917-1918 is an informative and engaging episode of American Military History: From Colonials to Counterinsurgents. Through archival footage and expert analysis, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the United States military during World War I and the contributions that the AEF made to the Allied victory.