What was the United States Army's role in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive?
The United States Army played a major role in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which was a significant battle during World War I. The offensive was launched on September 26, 1918, and lasted for 47 days until the Armistice on November 11, 1918.
The U.S. Army's role in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive was to spearhead the attack and break through the German defenses along the Meuse River and in the Argonne Forest. It was the largest and deadliest battle in American military history, involving over one million American troops.
Under the command of General John J. Pershing, the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) launched a massive assault against the heavily fortified German positions. The U.S. Army employed new tactics, including the use of artillery, tanks, and airplanes, to overcome the German defenses.
Despite facing significant resistance and suffering a high number of casualties, the U.S. Army made important gains during the offensive. The Americans captured key German positions, including Montfaucon, the St. Mihiel salient, and the village of St. Georges.
The U.S. Army's success in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive was crucial in breaking the German Hindenburg Line and forcing the Germans to seek an armistice. The offensive dealt a heavy blow to the German army and marked a turning point in the war, leading to the eventual Allied victory.