CD

1. After reading about the bleak conditions in which our soldiers fought during this war, do soldiers now-days have it easier? If yes, do you think this is why we have less deaths in our ways now compared to previous wars.
Living condition wise, yes, soldiers today do have it easier than the doughboys. I’ve never heard of anyone every mentioning that they have to live in a “dark, damp, smelly hole” or that their living quarters were “infested with rats, body lice, and bed bugs”. Technology and artillery have advanced since WWI. Computers make it faster and easier for soldiers to get in touch with their families unlike the doughboys who had to wait for letters. Since the living conditions are better, today’s soldiers don’t have to face as much health concerns as before, hence, less deaths.
2. The work of the Doughboys ultimately helped defeat the Germans in France, do you think the American way of fighting [tactical, marksmanship, movement] would have been more affective?
While tactics, marksmanship, and movement are very important components to affectively winning a war, I also think that the most affective thing is to be well trained and ready mentally and physically for the combat ahead. After a soldier is prepared then he should worry about tactics, marksmanship, and movement, because what good would those things be if you were not well trained and prepared to face the harsh battle.
3. Should the two million American soldiers that made up the AEF have been deployed to Europe much sooner in order to have ended the war?
No, because they were already being deployed fast enough as it was. Plus, they were not fully trained and lacked experience. I don’t necessarily think that being there sooner would have changed anything. Being there sooner doesn’t always guarantee that you will have the upper hand that will allow you to end the war sooner.
4. Why were there tensions between French and American during the war even though the doughboys were there to help?
The different cultures just took a toll on the soldiers both French and American. First off, they didn’t even speak the same language. The language barrier made it hard for them to connect on any level of camaraderie. The French and Americans also had different fighting styles. The French put an emphasis on trench warfare while Americans emphasized mobility, tactics, and marksmanship. The differing views on how to fight the war caused a lot of conflicts between the two countries.
5. Do you think there are still troops being shipped to war (Afghanistan) inexperienced and poorly trained just as the doughboys did?
No, because during WWI the soldiers were being drafted in a rush so that they would have a large army to bring over to Europe. Basically during WWI they focused more on quantity then quality. Today’s soldiers are well trained and qualified before they are deployed. But, mentally I don’t think anyone could ever be prepared for war until they are out there in a war zone facing the enemy and various weapons.
6. What were the long lasting societal changes in America that were sped up or created by American involvement in WWI?
While the men were away at war, the women had the opportunity to step up and fill the men’s places. They were able to show that they were capable of doing jobs that were initially meant for men only. I think that’s what really helped the women earn their right to vote.
7. Do you think that African American Doughboys and their experience in France impacted them to act in a different way when they came back to the United States after the war?
I think it did make them at in a different way when they came back to the U.S. because they realized that they have gone as far as to risk their life in order to protect the United States. Yet, they were still being discriminated against and that’s totally not fair. They knew they deserved to be treated better.