After years of tension between the United States and Germany, the U.S. stance of neutrality in World War I ended. The United States became involved in the war after the Zimmerman note was intercepted. The telegram offered Mexico some of the territory that it lost to the United States in return for joining the German cause.

Source: Zimmerman coded-message, National Archives

The telegram, coupled with Germany's continued use of unrestricted submarine warfare, led the United States to declare war with Germany.

Source: New York Times On this day 0402, New York Times

By July 1917, the first wave of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) land in France. American troops in France participated in trench warfare against the German troops. The American Expeditionary Forces were led by John Pershing.

Watch the video about these special forces who led the American troops into battle.

General John J Pershing was named the commander of the AEF and was responsible for organizing and planning for the national army.

Source: General John. J. Pershing, Library of Congress

Listen to Pershing address Americans from France during world War I:

John J. Pershing Addresses the U.S. from France

Activity

General Pershing is credited with transforming the national army and creating the superior U.S. Army that exists today. Explain how Pershing made this transformation.

Check Your Answer

He created three divisions in the army: the regular army, the National Guard, and the Army Reserves.