Meuse–Argonne offensive facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Meuse–Argonne offensive
Part of the Western Front of World War I
An American gun crew from Regimental Headquarters Company, 23d Infantry, firing 37mm gun during an advance against German entrenched positions.
Date September 26 – November 11, 1918 Location Near Montfaucon, northwest of Verdun (present-day Grand Est region), France 49°16′21″N 5°08′31″E / 49.27250°N 5.14194°E / 49.27250; 5.14194 Result Allied victory End of World War I
Belligerents
United States  France  Siam	German Empire
Commanders and leaders
John J. Pershing Henri Gouraud Henri Berthelot	Wilhelm of Prussia Max von Gallwitz Albrecht, Duke of Württemberg
Units involved
American Expeditionary Forces First Army Second Army Fourth Army Fifth Army Siamese Expeditionary Forces	Army Group German Crown Prince Army Group Gallwitz Army Group Duke Albrecht
Strength
: 1,200,000 personnel 380 tanks 840 planes 2,780 artillery pieces : 850 personnel	450,000 personnel
Casualties and losses
Total: 192,000 : 122,063 26,277 killed 95,786 wounded : 70,000 casualties : 19 killed	Total: c. 126,000 28,000 dead 42,000 wounded 26,000 POWs taken by Americans 30,000 POWs taken by French 874 artillery pieces captured by both

The Meuse–Argonne offensive was a huge battle during World War I. It was a major part of the final push by the Allied forces. This battle took place on the Western Front in France. It lasted for 47 days, from September 26 to November 11, 1918.

This offensive was the largest battle in United States military history. About 1.2 million American soldiers were involved. It was also one of the deadliest battles for American forces. Over 350,000 soldiers were hurt or killed. This included 28,000 German, 26,277 American, and many French lives. American losses were high because many troops were new to fighting. Also, the early battle plans were difficult. A worldwide sickness called the "Spanish Flu" also made things worse.

The Meuse–Argonne offensive was the main battle for the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in World War I. It was part of a series of Allied attacks called the Hundred Days Offensive. These attacks helped bring the war to an end. Even though it was very big for the AEF, other battles on the Western Front were even larger.

Images for kids

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  German soldiers drawing water

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  Sedan–Verdun and vicinity: The Meuse–Argonne offensive, September–November 1918 (c. 1938)

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  General John J. Pershing, Commander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF).

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  Lieutenant General Hunter Liggett, commanding the U.S. First Army.

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  Lieutenant General Robert Lee Bullard, commanding the U.S. Second Army.

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  U.S. Marines during the offensive

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  German dugouts in the Argonnes

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  Two-seat German Hannover biplane forced down near Cierges

See also

In Spanish: Ofensiva de Meuse-Argonne para niños