I agree that the Marines’ enormous fighting force of driven and ambitious soldiers played a major role in the Allies’ victory in World War I. The Marines’ nickname, “Devil Dogs,” was bestowed upon them by the Germans during the battle of Belleau Wood, and it stands as a testament to their unwavering devotion to the cause and their capacity for perseverance in the face of difficulty. The account does demonstrate the bravery and tenacity of the American men who fought on the front lines, even though its veracity has been called into question.
As for America’s maicA contribution to World War I, I also concur with Ritchie-Pieper that it was the hard-charging troops and enough personnel to be hurled into the fighting and maybe save France. The U.S. military’s fighting spirit and sheer numbers were critical to the Allied triumph, even though they lacked other contemporary battle tools like tanks and airplanes. It’s noteworthy that a major factor in changing the course of the battle was the influx of young, determined warriors. As a result of their bravery and tenacity, Germany was ultimately defeated and served as an inspiration to other Allied soldiers. Overall, I think the U.S. military made a significant contribution to World War I, and their fighting spirit was a major reason for their success. It would also be interesting to investigate how the U.S. military’s culture and identity have been shaped over time by this legacy of tenacity and fighting spirit.
