American troops joined World War I during a very important time. Their arrival changed how the war was fought and helped decide its outcome.

Before the Americans came, the war was at a standstill.

• Both the Allies and the Central Powers were stuck in trench warfare.
• They were involved in tough battles, but neither side was making much progress and both were losing many soldiers.

Then, American soldiers came to the rescue.

• The United States declared war on Germany in April 1917.
• By June 1918, more than two million American troops were sent to Europe.

The arrival of these fresh soldiers boosted the spirits of the Allies.

• The presence of American troops gave everyone hope that things could finally change in the long-lasting battle.

The American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), led by General John J. Pershing, had some important strategies that helped the Allies.

• The AEF focused on attacking, breaking through German defenses in key battles, like the Second Battle of the Marne.
• These victories weakened the Germans and showed everyone that working together with American troops could be very effective.

Two major battles showcased how American forces were changing the war.

• At the Battle of Belleau Wood, American troops showed their bravery and determination, winning a significant victory and causing heavy losses for the Germans.
• The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was one of the largest American-led operations and highlighted how well different military units could work together.

The U.S. also brought important resources to the fight.

• Along with soldiers, the U.S. provided a lot of supplies, weapons, and advanced technology like tanks and planes.
• This support was crucial in boosting the Allies’ strength, especially after years of fighting had drained their resources.

American industry played an essential role, too.

• The U.S. economy was strong enough to support military needs, giving the Allies food, ammunition, and machinery necessary for the fight.
• Ships carried these goods across the Atlantic, making sure the American soldiers were well-equipped and could move quickly when needed.

The arrival of American troops also lifted the spirits of the Allies.

• Countries like France and Britain had suffered for years, and seeing fresh American forces renewed hope among the Allied troops.
• This enthusiasm helped strengthen their resolve, suggesting that victory was possible as the war continued into 1918.

In short, when American troops entered World War I, they changed the direction of the war.

• They brought in fresh forces, important resources, new tactics, and a much-needed morale boost.
• All these factors contributed to the breakdown of German defenses and helped bring an end to the war in November 1918.

The involvement of American soldiers was a key moment in World War I, impacting not only the war’s outcome but also future events in the 20th century.