American Expeditionary Force facts for kids

AEF roundel (aircraft emblem) used only in Europe

The American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) were the United States military sent to Europe in 1917. They went to help fight in World War I. General John J. Pershing was their leader.

The AEF first fought in France. They worked with French and British forces, who were their friends in the war. World War I began in August 1914. The AEF arrived in April 1917, which was near the end of the war. They fought against the German Empire. In September 1918, the AEF launched its first big attack as its own army.

What Were the American Expeditionary Forces?

The American Expeditionary Forces, or AEF, was the name for the United States Army that went to Europe during World War I. Their main job was to help the Allied countries, like France and Britain, win the war against Germany.

Why Did the U.S. Join World War I?

The United States tried to stay out of World War I for a long time. But several events made them join. German submarines sank American ships. Also, Germany tried to get Mexico to join the war against the U.S. Because of these reasons, the U.S. declared war on Germany in April 1917.

General John J. Pershing's Leadership

General John J. Pershing was chosen to lead the AEF. He believed that American soldiers should fight as a single, strong army. He did not want them to be split up among the French and British forces. This idea helped the AEF become a powerful fighting force.

Training and Arrival in Europe

When the U.S. joined the war, its army was not very big. Many new soldiers had to be trained quickly. They learned how to fight, use weapons, and work together.

Journey Across the Atlantic

Sending so many soldiers to Europe was a huge task. They traveled across the Atlantic Ocean in large groups of ships called convoys. These convoys were protected by naval ships to keep them safe from German submarines. Most soldiers arrived in France through ports like Saint-Nazaire and Brest.

Building Up the AEF

By the summer of 1918, over one million American soldiers were in France. They brought their own supplies, weapons, and equipment. This showed how strong and organized the U.S. military had become.

Key Battles and Impact

The AEF played a very important role in the final year of World War I. Their arrival gave the Allied forces a big boost in numbers and morale.

The Meuse-Argonne Offensive

One of the biggest battles the AEF fought was the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. This battle started in September 1918 and lasted for 47 days. It was a very tough fight, but the AEF pushed back the German lines. This offensive was a major part of the Allied victory.

The End of the War

The fresh American soldiers helped turn the tide of the war. Their strength and determination helped wear down the German army. The fighting ended on November 11, 1918, when an armistice (a ceasefire) was signed. The AEF had helped bring World War I to an end.

Images for kids

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  American Expeditionary Forces Commander in Chief, General John J. Pershing in 1917.

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  Map, Port of Embarkation Hoboken (1917–18).

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  Column of American troops passing Buckingham Palace, London, 1917.

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  With America's first convoy. The troop ships are Henderson, Antilles, Momus, and Lenape.

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  Men of the 18th Machine Gun Battalion passing through St. Baussant in advance upon St. Mihiel, September 13, 1918.

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  A. E. F. officer's identity card belonging to Edwin Hubble, 1918

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  Allies gain overwhelming superiority in front-line rifle strength as American soldiers arrive in the summer

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  Army field hospital in France, 1918

See also

In Spanish: Fuerza Expedicionaria Estadounidense para niños