Posted on 04/06/2010 3:46:40 AM PDT by Freedom'sWorthIt
American Minute for April 6th:
APRIL 6, 1917, the United States entered World War I by declaring war on Kaiser Wilhelm II's Germany.
Within the next two years, America enlisted 4 million soldiers and spent 35 billion dollars, resulting in an Allied victory.
In a Day of Prayer Proclamation, October 19, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson stated:
"In view of the entrance of our nation into the vast and awful war which now afflicts the greater part of the world...
I set apart...a day upon which our people should...offer concerted prayer to Almighty God for His divine aid in the success of our arms."
In another Proclamation, May 11, 1918, President Wilson wrote:
"Whereas it has always been the reverent habit of the people of the United States to turn in humble appeal to Almighty God...
I, Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim...a day of public humiliation, prayer and fasting, and do exhort my fellow-citizens of all faiths and creeds to assemble on that day in their several places of worship...
to pray Almighty God that He may forgive our sins...and purify our hearts...
to accept and defend all things that are just and right...
beseeching Him that He will give victory to our armies as they fight for freedom."
Although the Army was more advanced in race relations than the other services, there was still trouble deciding what to do with black combat troops. So, not only was the 93rd Infantry Division, composed of black troops, trained and equipped by the French, the Army loaned the whole Division to the French Army, where it served with distinction. Especially noteworthy was the 369th Infantry, the Harlem Hellfighters.
The Myth of the Great War:
A New Military History of World War I
by John Mosier
paperbackMiracle at Belleau Wood:
The Birth of the Modern U.S. Marine Corps
by Alan Axelrod
additional titles
Thanks for the ping!
You are very welcome.
Thanks for that added info!
Very nice picture and information I had no idea about - thank you!
Appreciate the insights. I know less about World War I then about any of America’s great conflicts so appreciate any and all added information...and books to read.
IIRC, fire and maneuver, which became the fundamental small ground unit tactic in WWII and to the present, was born in WWI by necessity as an alternative to the frontal assault tactics that just made widows. I believe the French taught us that too.
You’re welcome.
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