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The American Expeditionary Force in France. 1917-18. The Amalgamation Controversy. What was the best way to employ U.S. manpower? Allies needed men, had officers experienced in running large formations. U.S. had men, little experience in administering & employing large units.
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The Amalgamation Controversy • What was the best way to employ U.S. manpower? • Allies needed men, had officers experienced in running large formations. • U.S. had men, little experience in administering & employing large units. • Shipping considerations.
Allies want American soldiers to fill their ranks. • John J. Pershing, AEF commander, fights to create an independent U.S. army.
Aisne-Marne Counteroffensive,July-August 1918 • American forces operate in separate corps. • Immediately afterwards, Pershing creates the 1st U.S. Army. • Over the summer, number of U.S. soldiers in France exceeds 1 million. • U.S. will have two armies on the Western Front by November.
Other considerations… • “open” vs. “trench” warfare • African-American troops • tension within the army • Pursuit of an independent American Army in France: • Assessment?