Student Question

What might have happened if General Pershing had combined the American troops with other allied armies in Europe?

Quick answer:

If General Pershing had combined American troops with other Allied armies in Europe, American forces would have gained experience fighting alongside their Allies. However, this strategy might not have resulted in the breakthrough that ended World War I. Pershing's decision to maintain a separate American army led to the successful Meuse-Argonne offensive, which broke the German line and contributed significantly to the war's end, suggesting a combined force might have prolonged the conflict.

Expert Answers

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John Pershing (1860-1948) Led the American Expeditionary Forces (1st Army) during the First World War.  In August, 1918, the supreme commander of Allied forces, Marshal Ferdinand Foch, wanted General Pershing to split his army to aid the British fighting to the north of the American position.  Pershing refused, but promised he would support the offensive after he had attacked from his position at Meuse-Argonne.  Although not quite to schedule, and using inexperienced American troops, the offensive did break the German line and forced a rout, which effectively ended the fighting on the Western Front and concluded with the Armistice in November 1918.

Had he split his army as suggested, American troops would have gained experience fighting alongside their Allies, but that manoeuvre may have not been the breakthrough that ended the war.  Certainly the war would have been prolonged.

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