The Great War (Essay Sample)

The Great War
The United States of America maintained a neutral stand during the First World War (Barber, 2004). It played no part in the war as the conflicting parties were trading partners. It aimed at achieving economic stability and rise as an economic superpower. However, the neutral stand did not last for long as unpredictable factors attracted its attention and influenced its decision to join the war on April 6th, 1917 (Barber, 2004). President Woodrow Wilson avoided war at any cost however; Germany did not share his thoughts and pushed the country into war.
The war lasted for an extended period as opposed to the expectations of many. The troops got tired and frustrated each aiming to defeat its opponent and return home victorious. Germany took to submarine attack in desperation and attacked all ships including trade ships carrying Americans citizens. This move angered America and was a leading cause of its entry into the Great War. Another reason was the inciting telegram from the Germany ambassador in America to his colleague in Mexico. He requested the Germany Mexican ambassador to convince Mexico to support their troops in case the USA joined the allies’ forces (Barber, 2004).
In 1917, the US troops aligned themselves with the allies force. However, the allies had their different perception of the American army. The colonial war fought by Americans was no match for the First World War. The tactics learned were insufficient during the war as it required considerable attention to detail, sophisticated ammunition and excellent strategies (Woodward, 2014). The American troops composed of newly recruited members who were well trained on how act as a military officers but knew little to do with combat. They were poorly trained and lacked proper ammunition and attire. They also lacked the practical doctrine in battle and accepted the outdated infantry drill regulation and field service (Woodward, 2014). The British military correspondent was worried about the case of discipline in the American army. He stated the problem that would generate if American soldiers were shot down due to insubordination (Woodward, 2014).
A French Military theorist had a different perception of the American troops. He was impressed and praised the morale showed by American Regiment (Woodward, 2014). Though the American army lacked the training, equipment and attire it had the spirit that was much needed and thus assisted the allies forcing in gaining victory.
References 
Barber, N. (2004). World War I: The western front. North Mankato, Minn: Smart Apple Media.
Woodward, D. R. (2014). The American army and the First World War. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press.