The United States entered the war unprepared, with very little planning. Although they had a large navy, The United States had a small army with just 125,000 men. These men were by no means trained or equipped for the war in Europe. In President Woodrow Wilson’s war message, he pledged to contribute all his nation’s significant resources to the Allied countries. However, he was not able to provide troops to aid the Allies in Europe. Building an army would take time that the Allies could not afford to lose. An Allied victory depended on whether or not America could mobilize quickly and send troops to France. To mobilize means to prepare for war. Many young men volunteered to fight in the army but it still wasn’t enough. To solve this, Wilson
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Many recruits were children of immigrants, while others were born in foreign countries, such as Mexico, Italy, and the Philippines. Many Native Americans also volunteered to fight, though they were not subject to the draft. About 380,000 African Americans served during World War I. However, because of segregation and racism, their opportunities were restricted. African Americans were placed into all-black units led by white officers, with most troops assigned to support roles and noncombatant duties, such as working in the kitchens, unloading ships, or constructing barracks. Several black recruits appealed to Wilson, but he only responded saying, “Segregation is not a humiliation but a benefit, and ought to be so regarded by you gentlemen.” Out of all the African American units, only two engaged in combat. One unit was the 369th Infantry Regiment, or the Harlem Hell Fighters. They fought under French command and spent 191 days in combat. On their way home, the group was given a parade and received the Croix de Guerre, France’s highest medal for bravery. Women also served in the war. Over 30,000 women volunteered for service in World War I. About 13,000 women served in the U.S. Navy as nurses while another 233 women served near the front lines in France as translators. Over 300 women performed administrative work in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, such as sending and receiving telegraph messages or filing
Many recruits were children of immigrants, while others were born in foreign countries, such as Mexico, Italy, and the Philippines. Many Native Americans also volunteered to fight, though they were not subject to the draft. About 380,000 African Americans served during World War I. However, because of segregation and racism, their opportunities were restricted. African Americans were placed into all-black units led by white officers, with most troops assigned to support roles and noncombatant duties, such as working in the kitchens, unloading ships, or constructing barracks. Several black recruits appealed to Wilson, but he only responded saying, “Segregation is not a humiliation but a benefit, and ought to be so regarded by you gentlemen.” Out of all the African American units, only two engaged in combat. One unit was the 369th Infantry Regiment, or the Harlem Hell Fighters. They fought under French command and spent 191 days in combat. On their way home, the group was given a parade and received the Croix de Guerre, France’s highest medal for bravery. Women also served in the war. Over 30,000 women volunteered for service in World War I. About 13,000 women served in the U.S. Navy as nurses while another 233 women served near the front lines in France as translators. Over 300 women performed administrative work in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, such as sending and receiving telegraph messages or filing